If you've lost your TCL Roku TV remote, don't worry, you can still turn on your TV without it. There are several ways to turn on your TCL Roku TV without the remote, like the Multi-Function Button on the TV, the Roku TV App, or even HDMI-CEC devices.
If your TCL Roku TV won't turn on and you don't have the remote, first try finding the power button on the TV's chassis, typically right under the TCL logo at the base of the screen, or on the back of the TV near the edge. Most other options require the TV to be on to set them up.
If you have an Android device that has an IR blaster, you can also use it to turn on your TCL Roku TV. We'll cover this option as well as the basic ones listed above, so no matter what you should find the fix for your situation in this article. Let's get started!
Finding the Roku TV's Power Button (Spoiler: Below Logo)
When it comes to turning on a TCL Roku TV without a remote, the first place to start is by finding the power button. The power button is usually located beneath the TV logo and can have a different texture than the base of the TV.
If you're having trouble locating the power button, note that the location may vary depending on the model of your TCL Roku TV. Some models may have the power button on the back of the TV or on the underside of the frame.
To turn on the TV, simply press and hold the button for a few seconds. And if this doesn't work, confirm the TV is plugged in. If it's plugged in and the power button isn't working, then the TV may have some internal failure in the power system. If that's the case, none of our troubleshooting steps below will work, but you can try them anyways to diagnose this problem.
Also, after you get it turned on, you may need our article on how to connect a TCL Roku TV to WiFi without a remote!
Using Other Devices/HDMI-CEC To Power On
We can use HDMI-CEC to control our TCL Roku TV's on/off state using other devices. HDMI-CEC stands for HDMI Consumer Electronics Control, which allows us to control the TV and other devices connected through HDMI with a single remote.
To enable this feature, we need to check if our TV and device support HDMI-CEC and ensure that it is enabled in the settings. We can follow these steps to enable HDMI-CEC on our TCL Roku TV:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Select Settings and then select System.
- Select Control other devices (CEC) and then select 1-touch play.
- Check the box to enable 1-touch play.
Once enabled, we can use another device, such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player, to power on both devices, including our TCL Roku TV. If we have a device connected through HDMI-CEC and it is turned on, we can turn on our TV by pressing any button on that device's remote.
It's important to note that if you didn't have HDMI-CEC enabled before the TV started acting up, you won't be able to enable it now if you even can't turn on the TV. However, for those who had this feature set up, you should try powering on the external device after confirming it's connected through the TV's HDMI-CEC port. And have a look at our full guide on HDMI-CEC if you'd like more info.
Using a Smartphone as a Remote
If you don't have a remote control for your TCL Roku TV, you can use your smartphone as a remote by downloading the Roku app from the Android or iOS app stores. Once downloaded, connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TCL Roku TV.
Open the Roku app and sign in to your Roku account. If you don't have a Roku account, you'll need to create one. Once you're signed in, you'll be able to use your smartphone as a remote control for your TCL Roku TV. The app works just like a regular remote, with buttons for navigating the menu, changing channels, and adjusting the volume.
It's important to note that the Roku app may not be able to turn on your TCL Roku TV if it's turned off. If you've never used the app before, it probably won't be able to turn on the TV. In this case, you'll need to find another way to turn on the TV, such as using a universal remote or the physical power button on the TV.
Replacement Remote Vs. Universal Remote
A replacement remote is an exact replica of the original remote that came with your TCL Roku TV. It has all the same buttons and functions, and it is designed to work seamlessly with your TV.
On the other hand, a universal remote is a device that can be programmed to work with multiple devices, including your TCL Roku TV.
The main advantage of a replacement remote is that it is specifically designed for your TCL Roku TV, which means it will work perfectly right out of the box. You don't have to worry about programming the remote or figuring out which buttons to press.
Universal remotes, on the other hand, are more affordable and widely available. They can be programmed to work with multiple devices, which means you can use the same remote to control your TV, cable box, and sound system. However, setting up a universal remote can be a bit more complicated than using a replacement remote. You will need to find the right remote control code for your TCL Roku TV, which can be a bit of a hassle…which is why we have a dedicated guide for TCL universal remote codes and setup!
Overall, we recommend using a universal remote for your TCL Roku TV. Specifically, we recommend the Philips 6 Device Universal Remote Control (on Amazon). This remote is easy to set up, and it can be programmed to work with up to six devices, including your TCL Roku TV. It also has a backlit keypad, which makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. Plus, it is affordable and widely available, which means you should be able to find it at most electronics stores or online retailers.
Bonus: Using Voice Assistants
We know that some of you might prefer using voice assistants to control your TCL Roku TV. If you have a smart speaker like Alexa or Google Home, you can use it to turn on and off your TV, change the channel, and adjust the volume.
To use voice commands with your TCL Roku TV, you need to make sure that your TV and smart speaker are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You also need to enable the Roku skill on your Alexa app or Google Assistant. Once you've done that, you can use voice commands to control your TV.
Again, like some of the other options we've looked at, you shouldn't expect this one to work unless it was already set up before the TV started acting up.
Powered On Yet?
At this point, you've seen there are multiple ways to do this, but if the panel is just sitting there black still, you're probably at a loss. You can't set up any apps, try any voice commands, or program any universal remotes if the device simply won't turn on at all. Instead, you should go ahead and head over to TCL's support page to find out if your hardware is under warranty, and if you can get a little more expert help from them.
