When a Samsung TV takes multiple attempts to turn on, it typically indicates a struggle between the power supply, the main board, or an external signal conflict. The TV might click repeatedly, flash the logo, or require several remote presses before finally starting.
Here is a detailed guide to diagnosing and fixing this specific "multiple attempts" issue, using official Samsung troubleshooting steps.
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### Why Your Samsung TV Takes Multiple Attempts to Turn On
Unlike a complete failure to power on, this symptom suggests the TV is getting some power but failing its startup check. The causes usually fall into four categories:
- **Remote Control Issues:** The remote may be sending weak or intermittent signals due to low batteries, a stuck power button, or pairing problems. When you press power, the signal doesn't always register.
- **External Device Conflicts (HDMI-CEC):** A connected soundbar, game console, or streaming device may be sending conflicting power-on commands. This can confuse the TV during its boot sequence, requiring multiple attempts to override.
- **Power Supply Weakness:** Failing capacitors or a deteriorating power board may struggle to deliver the stable voltage needed for startup. The TV might attempt to power on, fail, and retry automatically.
- **Firmware or Software Corruption:** A buggy operating system can hang during boot, causing the TV to restart the startup process repeatedly.
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### How to Solve the Problem (Step-by-Step)
Work through these solutions in order. Each step isolates a different potential cause.
#### Step 1: Test the Remote Control (Most Common)
A weak or faulty remote is the most frequent cause of "multiple attempts."
- **Action:** Remove the batteries from your remote. Locate the physical power button on your TV (usually on the bottom bezel, back panel, or directly under the Samsung logo).
- **Test:** Press the physical power button once. If the TV turns on immediately, the problem is your remote.
- **Fix:** Replace the batteries. If new batteries don't help, re-pair your Samsung Smart Remote by pointing it at the TV and holding **Return** and **Play/Pause** simultaneously for 3 seconds.
#### Step 2: Perform a Deep Power Cycle (Drain Residual Charge)
A standard unplug often leaves residual charge in the TV's capacitors, which can cause startup hiccups.
- **Action:** Unplug the TV from the **wall outlet** (not a power strip). While unplugged, press and hold the physical power button on the TV body for **30 seconds**. This drains all residual electricity.
- **Wait:** Leave the TV unplugged for **2-3 minutes**.
- **Result:** Plug back directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors for this test) and press power once. If it starts on the first try, the issue was a temporary power glitch.
#### Step 3: Disconnect All External Devices (HDMI-CEC Conflict)
A soundbar or other HDMI device can interfere with the TV's startup routine, especially if both devices try to control power simultaneously.
- **Action:** Unplug **all** HDMI cables from the back of the TV. Also disconnect any USB devices.
- **Test:** Try to turn on the TV using the physical button (no remote). If it starts immediately, one of the disconnected devices was the culprit.
- **Isolate:** Plug devices back in one by one. If the problem returns after connecting a specific soundbar or game console, that device needs its CEC settings adjusted, or you can disable **Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)** in `Settings > General > External Device Manager`.
#### Step 4: Disable "Power On with Mobile"
Your TV listens for network signals from the SmartThings app. Network interference can cause failed wake attempts.
- **Action:** Navigate to `Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Expert Settings`. Turn **Power On with Mobile** to **Off**.
- **Result:** If the TV now turns on reliably, your Wi-Fi network was sending intermittent "wake" signals that interfered with the normal power button command.
#### Step 5: Check the Red Standby Light Behavior
The TV's status light provides diagnostic clues. Observe it when you press power.
| **Light Behavior** | **What It Means** | **What To Do** |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Solid red, TV off** | Normal standby; TV is receiving power. | Problem is likely the remote or a signal issue. |
| **Blinking or flashing red** | TV detects a hardware or power problem. | Power cycle as in Step 2. If blinking persists, contact Samsung Support. |
| **No light, TV off** | TV is not receiving power. | Check the outlet, power cord, and surge protector. Try a different outlet. |
#### Step 6: Check Event Logs (For 2019 Models and Newer)
Your TV can tell you what caused its last several startups and shutdowns, helping identify the source of the problem.
- **Action:** Go to `Menu > Support > About This TV` (or `Device Care`) and look for **Event Logs**.
- **Look for:**
- *"CEC Command"* → An HDMI device interfered with startup.
- *"WOL" or "BLE"* → A network or Bluetooth device sent a power command.
- *"Power-on reason: YouTube/SmartThings"* → A mobile app triggered the TV.
- **Fix:** Based on the log entry, disable the offending feature (turn off Anynet+, disable Power on with Mobile, or sign out of apps on your phone).
#### Step 7: Update Software
A bug in the TV's firmware can affect the boot sequence.
- **Action:** If you can get the TV on, go to `Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now`. Do not turn off the TV during the update.
#### Step 8: Factory Reset
If none of the above works, reset the TV to eliminate any corrupted settings.
- **Action:** Go to `Settings > General > Reset`. Enter the PIN (default is `0000`). This erases all custom settings and returns the TV to its out-of-the-box state.
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### When to Call a Technician
If you have performed a factory reset, tested without any HDMI cables, used the physical button with fresh remote batteries, and the TV **still takes multiple attempts to turn on**, the issue is likely internal hardware.
- **Likely Failures:** Failing **power supply board** (unable to provide stable startup voltage) or a failing **main board** (corrupted boot firmware that hardware reset cannot fix).
- **Action:** Contact **Samsung Support** or a certified repair technician, especially if your TV is still under warranty. Do not attempt to open the TV yourself, as internal components carry dangerous voltage.
By systematically eliminating external factors like the remote and connected devices, you can identify whether the problem is a simple settings fix or a sign that professional repair is needed.