By Refitec Kenya | TV Repair & Electronics Experts in Nairobi
Why is my TV stuck on the logo screen? Your TV is likely stuck in a boot loop caused by a software crash, corrupted firmware, or a power surge. A soft reset fixes this in most cases.
How do I quickly fix a TV stuck on the logo screen? Unplug your TV from the power outlet, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. If it still doesn’t work, hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 30 seconds while it is unplugged.
Will resetting my TV delete my settings? A soft reset (power cycle) will not delete your apps or settings. A factory reset will erase everything and restore the TV to its original state.
When should I call a technician? If your TV loops on the logo screen after multiple reset attempts, the issue is likely hardware-related — such as a faulty mainboard or damaged eMMC storage — and requires professional repair.
Introduction
Few things are more frustrating than turning on your TV only to find it endlessly stuck on the brand logo — Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Skyworth, or any other. The screen lights up, shows the logo, and then… nothing. It just loops or freezes there.
At Refitec Kenya, we handle dozens of these cases every week right here in Nairobi. The good news? Most of the time, this problem is fixable at home without spending a shilling. This guide walks you through every solution, from the simplest 60-second fix to a full factory reset, so you can get your TV working again fast.
What Causes a TV to Get Stuck on the Logo Screen?
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand why this happens in the first place. Your TV runs on an operating system — just like a phone or computer — and when something interrupts that system, it can get stuck mid-boot.
The most common causes include:
- A sudden power outage or power surge while the TV was on
- A failed or interrupted software/firmware update
- Corrupted system files or app data
- Overheating during operation
- A hardware failure on the mainboard or storage chip
Understanding the cause helps you choose the right fix.
Fix 1: Soft Reset (Power Cycle) — Start Here
This is the first thing you should always try. A power cycle clears temporary memory and forces the TV to restart cleanly.
Step 1: Turn off your TV using the remote or the button on the set.
Step 2: Unplug the TV’s power cable directly from the wall socket. Do not just turn off the switch — physically remove the plug.
Step 3: Wait a full 60 seconds. This is important. Many people wait only 5–10 seconds, which is not long enough for the capacitors inside to fully discharge.
Step 4: While the TV is still unplugged, press and hold the physical power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for about 15–30 seconds. This drains any remaining charge from the internal components.
Step 5: Plug the TV back in and turn it on normally.
In many cases, this alone resolves the stuck logo screen. If your TV boots up successfully, great — you are done! If not, move to the next fix.
Fix 2: Check and Reseat External Devices
Sometimes the TV is not the problem at all. External devices connected via HDMI, USB, or other ports can interfere with the boot process.
Step 1: Unplug your TV from power.
Step 2: Disconnect every external device — HDMI cables, USB flash drives, decoders, game consoles, soundbars, antennas, and anything else plugged into the TV.
Step 3: Plug only the TV’s power cable back in and attempt to turn it on.
Step 4: If the TV boots normally, reconnect your devices one at a time to identify which one was causing the conflict.
This is a surprisingly common fix, especially after power surges that can corrupt data on connected USB drives.
Fix 3: Factory Reset Without Access to the Menu
If your TV is stuck on the logo and you cannot access any menus, you need to trigger a factory reset using the physical buttons on the TV itself. The exact method varies by brand, but here are the most common ones.
Samsung TVs
Step 1: Unplug the TV from power.
Step 2: Press and hold the power button on the TV panel.
Step 3: While still holding the power button, plug the TV back into the wall.
Step 4: Continue holding the power button for about 15–20 seconds until the TV restarts or a reset prompt appears.
Alternatively, on newer Samsung Smart TVs, you can try pressing and holding the volume down and power buttons simultaneously on the remote while the TV is on.
LG TVs
Step 1: On the LG remote, press and hold the Settings button until a menu appears, or navigate to Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings (if you can access the menu at all).
Step 2: If locked out of the menu, unplug the TV, then press and hold the volume down button on the TV’s panel while plugging it back in. Hold until the LG logo flashes or the TV enters service mode.
Step 3: Navigate to the reset option using the channel buttons.
Sony (Android/Google TV)
Step 1: Unplug the TV.
Step 2: Press and hold the power button and the volume down button on the TV simultaneously.
Step 3: Plug the TV back in while still holding both buttons.
Step 4: Hold until the Sony logo appears, then release. The TV should boot into recovery mode where you can select Factory Reset.
Hisense / Skyworth / TCL / Generic Smart TVs
Step 1: Locate the reset pinhole on the back or side of the TV (some models have this).
Step 2: Use a straightened paper clip or SIM card pin to press and hold the button inside the hole for 10–15 seconds.
Step 3: The TV should reboot and begin the factory reset process.
If your model does not have a pinhole, try holding the menu button and power button together while plugging the TV back in.
Note: A factory reset will erase all your apps, downloaded content, Wi-Fi passwords, and personal settings. Your TV will return to the state it was in when it first came out of the box.
Fix 4: Check for a Pending Firmware Update
Sometimes a TV gets stuck on the logo because it started a firmware update and the process was interrupted — by a power cut, for example. In this case, the TV may automatically attempt to continue or rollback the update on the next restart.
Step 1: Perform a soft reset as described in Fix 1.
Step 2: If the TV boots partially, try to navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now (the exact path varies by brand).
Step 3: Allow the update to complete fully without turning off the TV or interrupting power.
Step 4: If you cannot access settings, visit the manufacturer’s website using another device, download the latest firmware for your exact TV model onto a USB flash drive, and insert it into the TV. Many TVs will automatically detect and install the firmware on boot.
Fix 5: Manage Overheating
If your TV frequently gets stuck on the logo screen, especially after being on for a long time, overheating may be the culprit.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the TV.
Step 2: Let it cool down completely — at least 30 minutes in a room with good airflow.
Step 3: Check that the TV’s ventilation slots (usually on the back or sides) are not blocked by a wall, furniture, or dust buildup.
Step 4: If the TV is in a cabinet or enclosed space, consider moving it to a more open position or adding ventilation.
Step 5: Use a can of compressed air to gently blow dust out of the vents.
When Home Fixes Are Not Enough — Signs You Need a Technician
If you have tried all of the above and your TV is still stuck on the logo screen, the problem is likely hardware-related. Here are the warning signs that it is time to bring your TV to a professional repair shop:
- The TV makes a clicking or buzzing sound before or during the boot attempt
- The screen flickers, shows lines, or goes completely black after the logo
- The TV repeatedly starts and restarts in a loop with no progress
- The problem started immediately after a lightning strike or major power surge
- You notice a burning smell or visible damage on the back of the TV
In these cases, the most common culprits are a faulty mainboard, a damaged eMMC memory chip (which holds the operating system), or blown capacitors on the power board. These are not DIY repairs — they require proper diagnostic tools and replacement parts.
Why Choose Refitec Kenya for Your TV Repair?
At Refitec Kenya, we specialize in smart TV repairs, mainboard replacements, software flashing, and firmware recovery for all major brands including Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Skyworth, TCL, Vitron, and more.
We are based in Nairobi, Kenya, and offer:
- Fast diagnosis — most TVs assessed same day
- Genuine and quality replacement parts
- Affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Warranty on all repairs
- Free initial consultation
Whether your TV is stuck on the logo screen, has a cracked panel, no sound, or any other fault, our experienced technicians are ready to help.
Contact Refitec Kenya today and get your TV back up and running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My TV was fine yesterday. Why is it suddenly stuck on the logo today? A: This is often caused by a failed background software update that the TV downloaded and attempted to install overnight, or by a brief power fluctuation. A soft reset usually resolves it.
Q: How long should I wait before trying the next fix? A: Give each fix one or two full attempts before moving on. Do not rush through them. Give the TV at least 2 minutes to complete its boot cycle before concluding that a fix has failed.
Q: Can a TV stuck on the logo screen cause permanent damage if left on? A: If the TV is stuck in a boot loop, it is drawing power and generating heat. It is best to turn it off and troubleshoot rather than leaving it running indefinitely.
Q: Is it safe to do a factory reset? A: Yes, it is safe. A factory reset only affects software settings and stored data. It does not damage hardware. However, it will erase your installed apps, accounts, and preferences.
Q: My warranty is still valid. Should I attempt these fixes myself? A: Soft resets and power cycles will not void your warranty. However, opening the TV casing or attempting internal repairs most likely will. If your TV is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or authorized service center first.
Article by Refitec Kenya — Your Trusted Electronics Repair Partner in Nairobi.