How much does it cost to repair a TV?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

TVs are perhaps the most popular devices in a modern home, and today’s televisions are far more advanced than past models. Modern TVs have a huge range of Smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, ultra-high-resolution screens with photorealistic images, and high-fidelity sound. Unfortunately, no matter which TV size, type, or make you choose, damage and breakdowns occur. That is when you need to call a repairman.

The cost of TV repairs varies greatly, depending on the TV type and repairs needed. The national cost average is $100 to $300 for TV repairs, with most people spending about $210 to get a backlight replaced in an LED TV. This project’s low cost is $60 for getting a new fuse fitted in an LCD TV. The high cost is $475 for repairing the powerboard in a 4K TV.

TV Repair Price

Flat-Screen TV Repair Cost by Type

Most TVs sold today are known as “flat screen TVs,” which is just a way of describing their appearance as a thin rectangle less than 10 inches thick. Modern flat screen TVs differ from older models, called CRTs or cathode ray tube TVs. Those televisions had curved screens and were often quite thick.

Today, flat screen TVs range from LED and LCD televisions that have been around for a few decades to upgraded models known as OLED and 4K TVs, which boast better picture quality. Plasma screen TVs were once a popular type of flat screen TV. However, they have fallen out of popularity. Most TVs sold today are also smart TVs, which means they can connect to the internet. Older flat screen models that need repair are sometimes not smart. The table below describes these common television types and how much each usually costs to repair.

LCD TV Screen Repair

Repairs for LCD TVs cost between $60 and $475. LCD televisions are one of the most popular options on the market, available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They use an LCD (liquid crystal display) with backlights to produce images. The backlights, screen, and other components may get damaged over time and need repairing. The most common problems for LCD TVs are bad power supplies and dead capacitors that may need repair or replacement.

LED TV Repair

LED TV repairs range from $60 to $475, depending on the scale of the problem. LED televisions are a specific type of LCD TV that use LED backlights to illuminate the liquid crystal display. These TVs usually produce more colorful and vibrant images and are more energy-efficient, but the LED backlights may need to be repaired or replaced over time. Another common problem is a broken inverter that requires repair or replacement.

4K TV Screen Repair

4K TV repairs range from $100 to $350. A 4K television provides some of the clearest and most detailed images because of the very high resolution of its screen, providing more engaging viewing experiences. There are different types of 4K TVs, including some that use LED and others that use OLED. Basically, a television is considered 4K if it has ultra high definition. These models can be expensive to purchase and repair, but in many cases, repairs may not be possible on these units. So, their overall repair costs may be lower simply because some repairs may not be offered. Issues that are repairable include inverter, backlight, and power supply problems.

Smart TV Repair

Smart TV repairs cost between $100 and $475. These TVs have Smart technology and connect with your home’s Wi-Fi network to download updates and access apps and the internet. They are more advanced than other TVs but still have various components that can break and require repairs. Many Smart TVs can have basic components. So even though they may be more expensive to purchase, they are not necessarily the most expensive to repair. That comes down to how the television is made and what makes it Smart. Common repairs include power supply replacement, bulb replacement, and backlight repair.

Plasma TV Repair

Plasma TV repairs average $100 to $485. These televisions are made up of pixels filled with gas that light up when an electrical current is applied. They are less popular today, and most companies have stopped making them. But they can still be found in many homes and are subject to problems like screen burn and distorted colors. While some repairs on these TVs are possible, such as when the power supply fails, many issues cannot be repaired due to the rarity of replacement parts. Screen burns and problems that require screen replacement render the television not-fixable.

OLED TV Repair

OLED TV repairs cost between $100 and $1,000 on average. They are the next step up from a standard LED TV, with OLED standing for organic light-emitting diodes. OLED televisions can achieve deeper blacks and higher contrast compared to standard LED screens. However, they can be very expensive to purchase and repair. Unfortunately, some OLED TVs are quite susceptible to “burn-in,” which is officially known as permanent image retention. When this occurs, an image remains on the TV even though it is shut off. The problem may require screen replacement.

TV Repair Prices by Problem

You might not know exactly which part of your TV is broken or damaged at first. The symptoms of a broken television vary from vertical colored lines across the screen to audio issues, power problems, and even situations where the television starts normally but then turns itself off. For this reason, most repairs start with a diagnostic so that the problem can be found and a plan made for repair. For some repairs to be made, the part will need to be replaced, while in other cases, repair or replacement of that part may not be possible. The table below shows common problems and average repair costs for each.

Television Will Not Turn On

Repairing a TV that will not turn on costs between $60 and $475 because there are many potential causes. It might be something as simple as a failed capacitor, which can be replaced quite cheaply. Or, it could be a motherboard or power supply issue, which is more costly to fix. The problem may be intermittent initially and become more frequent or permanent after a part fails.

Damaged Cables

Damaged cables on your TV can be repaired for between $75 and $200 in most cases. Over time, cables can get frayed, twisted, or broken, but professionals can cut away the damaged parts, add in new connectors and repair the damage, or simply replace the bad cables with new ones.

No Sound on a TV

Expect to pay between $75 and $475 to repair a television with no sound. There are various reasons why your TV’s sound stopped working. When the problem is not an issue with the media you are trying to play on your television or an issue with a video file format, it is most likely a fault with a speaker, which can be repaired or replaced. Or, it could be a deeper issue associated with the motherboard, which may also need fixing or replacing.

Image Shows Up Momentarily and Then the Screen Goes Blank

Repairs for this problem cost between $100 and $475. If your TV’s picture appears for a moment and then vanishes, it may be an issue with the inverter. The problem might also be a faulty circuit board. Inverters and circuit boards can be repaired, but the extent of the damage might require a full replacement of one of those parts. A repairman will open it up, diagnose the issue, and decide on the most efficient solution.

TV Turns Off After Some Time

The cost to repair this problem is between $100 and $475. Sometimes, a television may shut off randomly after a short time because the sleep timer is accidentally engaged. However, the problem may also exist inside the television and require professional repair. One common reason the TV turns off is that it is overheating. The TV shuts off after a few minutes to prevent serious damage to the system. Fixing it may require an easy cleaning or may require the replacement of an overheated circuit board or power supply.

Vertical Lines on a TV Screen

Repairing vertical lines on the screen averages $150 to $400. This is usually an issue associated with your TV’s control board or motherboard, which may be damaged and need to be either repaired or replaced. Resetting the television to its factory defaults may fix the issue. Or, a loose cable may be causing the problem. If resetting the television and reseating the cables does not work, a repair person will need to open the TV to diagnose and repair the issue.

Horizontal Lines on a TV

Repairing horizontal lines on your TV costs between $150 and $475. It might be an issue with the motherboard, or it could be a problem with loose cables between the panel and the control board. Sometimes, the fix is as easy as resetting the television to factory defaults or updating the firmware. However, the problem may exist inside the TV, and to fix this issue, the repair person needs to open the television to diagnose the problem.

TV Water Damage Repair

Water damage repairs on a TV range from $150 to $500. In some cases, if too much water has gotten into the TV, it may be beyond repair. In less severe situations, a repairman will take the television apart, dry it out, and put it back together successfully, repairing any damaged components. The repair person needs to clean the inside of the TV and get it dry because impurities in water can cause corrosion of various components.

Cracked TV Screen Repair

Repairing a cracked TV screen costs from $400 to $1,000 or even more. Cracked screens cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced, and they are very expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of a new TV. For this reason, if you have a cracked screen, it will probably have to be replaced entirely, or the manufacturer will need to handle the repair at one of their facilities or via a mobile repair service.

TV Repair Cost by Type of Repair

TVs are made up of various parts and components, all working together to produce lights, colors, pictures, and sounds for your entertainment. Over time, accidents may happen that damage these parts, or they might just wear down over the years through repeated use. For example, an HDMI port may become bent after a plug is reinserted several times. Alternatively, one of the lights inside the TV responsible for illumination may fail, causing the entire screen to go dark. The circuit boards that act as the brain and power source for the TV may also fail or short-circuit because of repetitive use, energy spikes, or other power problems. Many parts of the TV are fully repairable. Paying to repair the TV may be more cost-effective than buying a new one. The table below shows common TV repairs and the costs for each.

TV Repair HDMI Port

HDMI port repairs for a TV cost between $60 and $260. Sometimes, HDMI ports fall out of position and may simply need to be repositioned. Heavily used HDMI ports may also wear out over time or become bent after cables are inserted and removed often, and the TV is turned on and off frequently. In other cases, one might stop working due to a more serious fault and require full replacement of the port.

TV Speaker Repair

TV speaker repairs range from $75 to $260, depending on the type and damage done to the speaker. When a speaker starts to fail, the sound coming from the TV may sound muffled, or it might be impossible to increase the volume to an audible level. Faulty speakers may simply need rewiring or minor adjustments, or they could need to be cleaned or replaced, so the exact costs and amount of work vary.

Backlight TV Repair

Backlight repairs average $100 to $200. The backlight is what illuminates the display of your television, providing the brightness and color. It may be in the form of LED light strips or fluorescent lights, depending on which television type you have. When the lights are in a series, one bad light may cause the entire screen to fail. If these lights develop a problem, a repairman must open it up and make adjustments to get them functioning again.

TV Inverter Repair

TV inverter repairs cost between $100 and $210 each. The inverter powers up the backlights for your television, and they can stop working if their capacitors break down. Symptoms of a failing or failed inverter include no picture, a faint picture, or a flashing screen. The power button may still illuminate, and the sound may work fine even though the inverter is broken. Repairs are made by fitting new capacitors in place.

TV Power Board Repair

Power board repairs cost between $200 and $475. The power supply board allows it to turn on and function, and if it breaks down in any way, it may simply stop turning on. Often, a repairman can replace some of the capacitors and make other adjustments to repair a faulty board, rather than having to replace it entirely. Replacing a power board requires a soldering iron and some expertise in soldering.

TV Panel Repair

TV panel repairs average $200 to $2,000 because different types of televisions have materials that vary significantly in cost. An older LED TV might cost between $200 and $400 to fix, but a 4K TV may cost several thousand to repair. Additionally, some panels cannot be repaired. For this reason, many companies do not offer panel repair. So if your television gets a crack in the panel, you may be better off buying a new unit instead.

Fix a TV Screen

TV screen repairs cost between $300 and $1,000, but in many cases, repairing the screen is not possible. Since the screen is usually the most expensive part of the television and one of the most sensitive to impacts and other damage, an expert may advise you to simply buy a new television instead of having it repaired. It is worth getting a diagnosis if the screen issue is not too severe because issues like flashing pixels or distorted colors may be fixable. While cracks might not be repairable, sometimes scratches and smudges are fixable.

TV Repair Prices by Type of Replacement

In some cases, your TV components may not be able to be repaired, or it might be more cost-effective to replace them with new ones. The repair price includes the cost of new parts, plus the labor required to fit them into place and remove the broken components. While some components can be replaced, they may be extremely expensive or cost-prohibitive to do so. This is mainly in the case of panels and screens because they often contain too many parts to replace on their own. The table below shows average costs for a variety of common replacements:

TV Fuse Replacement

Fuse replacement in a TV costs between $60 and $150 and is one of the easier replacement jobs for a repairman. Glass and ceramic fuses on your TV’s power supply board may blow in certain situations and need replacing. To replace a fuse, the repairman opens the TV to access the power panel and swaps out the fuse. Bear in mind that the TV may have a more serious electrical problem if the fuse blows more than once.

TV Capacitor Replacement

Replacing a TV capacitor is inexpensive, starting at $60 to $300. If more than one capacitor needs replacing, it is usually less expensive to replace the entire board. Capacitors cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option. Replacing the capacitor may fix problems with slow start-up times, screen flickering, disappearing pictures, and sound problems.

TV Bulb Replacement

TV bulb replacement costs average $100 to $200. Bulbs are usually found only in older models of LCD TVs or projection TVs. They are used to illuminate the display so that the picture can be seen. Bulbs are relatively easy to replace, but the material costs are a little higher with bulbs when compared to other components, leading to varied replacement prices from model to model. Replacing a bulb can fix a flickering television or a dark screen problem.

TV Backlight Replacement

TV backlight replacements cost between $100 and $200 on average, depending on the television size and scale and the type and number of lights required. If you have LED lights, parts may be more expensive, leading to higher total costs. Usually when backlight problems occur, the bulbs or diodes are dead and need to be replaced. Replacing the TV backlight helps fix the problem where the TV is half or fully dark when turned on, and the image is only partially visible.

Replacing an HDMI Port on a TV

HDMI port replacement on a TV costs between $200 and $350. Damaged or broken ports may simply stop working or be incompatible with certain HDMI cables. In this case, a new port must be fitted and connected to the circuit board, requiring a couple of hours of labor. Replacing an HDMI port helps you regain the use of the port, which may have failed due to a bent piece or a problem with its connection to the circuit board.

TV Motherboard Replacement

TV motherboard replacements average $200 to $450. Often when a problem occurs with a motherboard, it needs to be completely replaced rather than repaired. The motherboard controls the TV’s functions and features, and a broken motherboard makes your television completely unusable. Replacing a motherboard may fix all sorts of problems, including missing sound, random shut-downs, failure to connect to the internet, and HDMI ports that are not recognized by the TV.

TV Screen Replacement

TV screen replacement costs at least $400 to $4,200 and may even cost more. The screen is the most expensive part of a TV. So usually, the cost of replacing it is higher than just buying a new unit because of the labor involved. In some cases, this is because the screen cannot be replaced without also replacing most of the other components, particularly for TVs like LED, LCD, or plasma. Most professional repair companies do not offer screen or panel replacement as a service. The only way to get a new screen is to have it fixed under warranty by the manufacturer.

TV Panel Replacement

TV panel replacement costs a minimum of $400 to $5,000 and often a lot more on some of the high-end 4K and Smart screen displays. Because the cost of a replacement panel is so high, it is usually more cost-effective to simply purchase a new television. Like the screen, this is due to the number of components involved. Therefore, most repair places will not offer panel replacement as a service.

TV Repair Cost by Brand

There are many different brands and companies that make TVs. Some brands specialize in certain types, while others make a wider range of products. It is common for the brand to impact the cost of repair because there may be specific issues or costs related to that brand. While you may choose a specific brand based on the technology, cost, or resolution, keep in mind that brands may also have varying costs for repairs and the repairs types that may be available. Regardless of brand, most TV repairs fall between $60 and $400, although some repairs may be higher.

Philips TV Repair

The cost to fix a Philips TV is $60 to $100. The typical issue with Philips televisions seems to be that they have a mind of their own. They turn on and off and sign in and out of apps randomly. While a solution doesn’t seem to be forthcoming, Philips is steadily losing customers due to a firmware problem. However, if they have a problem that is not related to a software bug, it is usually a problem with the power source.

Sony TV Repair

Fixing a Sony TV will cost you about $60 to $400. This popular brand has a reputation for simply becoming disabled with no power or sound. Unfortunately, the customer service at Sony isn’t always the best. Customers are often frustrated when it comes to warranty work. Sony TV problems that may require repair from a professional include motherboard issues that cause image flickering and HDMI port issues.

TCL TV Repair

To fix your TCL TV blank screen, you should expect to pay about $60 to $400. One characteristic repair of the TCL brand is a black screen with no picture. This can be a fuse that has blown, or it may require a major change, such as a new main board. Some TCL owners also report having problems with the sound, which may require repairing the speakers. Sound problems may also indicate an issue with a cable.

Samsung TV Repair

Damaged cables can cause a TV to flicker or grow dim. Repair prices for damaged cables are $75 to $200. Samsung TV owners cite this flickering or dimming of the screen as a common issue with this brand. Sometimes the settings for the eco sensor or the energy-saving feature create this problem. Turning either of those off may fix the issue. In some cases, Samsung TVs may experience overheating and a resulting hardware failure or motherboard problem that requires repair or replacement of the motherboard.

LG TV Repair

Some of the most common issues with this brand are banding at a repair cost of $100 to $200 or sound with a cost of $150 to $400. Color problems may be related to adjustment and can be fixed for a low cost of $75 to $100, HDMI connections are often fixed at the cost of $200 to $300, and streaming problems may be corrected with a software update. Software updates can be done by the owner, but a repairman will most likely charge a minimum fee of $75 to $100. Banding presents as sections of bands where it should be smooth. Sound and color can go out over time in the LG brand. HDMI and streaming can become difficult as technology emerges and changes.

Hisense TV Repair

Hisense TVs have a history of display difficulties and could cost you about $100 to $200. Typically, it means you need a new inverter, or it could signal the beginning of the end for your Hisense television. A black screen may also indicate a problem with the motherboard, which usually requires complete replacement. A technician can test the TV to determine whether the motherboard is bad.

Panasonic TV Repair

Panasonic TV owners often experience the power clicking on and off and may need a new main board at the cost of $200 to $400. The reset button may help. The repairman will need to replace the motherboard of the TV if that fails. Before calling a repairperson, Panasonic TV owners may want to try a factory reset or a firmware update. Occasionally, Panasonic TV problems are a simple programming issue.

Vizio TV Repair

The Vizio TV is known for its screen of death (a blank or black screen) and usually costs about $200 to $400. The problem is most often a blown motherboard, and replacement is the only option. A factory reset may be a solution. If that doesn't work, the motherboard is the best possible answer. Vizio TVs also commonly have problems with lines on the screen. This issue is occasionally fixable with a hard reset or factory reset. However, it often requires a motherboard replacement, too.

Labor Costs to Repair a TV

Labor costs for TV repair vary depending on whether you have the television repaired in your home or drop it off at a repair center. Having someone come to your home will have higher costs than taking it to a technician.

A television repair technician has earned a career certificate or Associate’s degree in electronics technology or a related field. Expect to pay between $60 and $125 per hour in labor for someone to fix your television. Some technicians have minimum costs for some repairs, particularly if they travel to you. In this case, you may find that even if the repair only takes an hour, you may need to pay a minimum of two hours of work.

The amount of time to repair your TV depends on what the problem is and the availability of parts. Most jobs can be completed in 1 to 3 hours when the parts are on hand.

Most technicians charge you a diagnostic fee upfront. This fee is for determining what the problem is and can run between $75 and $150. The cost is often waived if you allow the shop’s technicians to make the repairs for you.

In-shop TV repair services may involve a pick-up and delivery charge if you do not take it in yourself. While some may do this for free, others charge between $40 and $75 to pick-up and deliver the TV back to you. Additionally, customers that live in rural areas may have to ship the television. If you do this, make sure you obtain a tracking number and proof of delivery. The repair service will contact you with the list of recommended repairs and the cost and request a debit or credit card to pay for the repairs before completing them.

Is It Cheaper to Buy a New TV or Repair It?

Often, you must decide whether it is worth repairing your TV. In some situations, the cost of repairs is higher than the price of a new TV. For example, when screens are cracked or damaged, the cost of replacing a panel is usually much higher than simply buying a new TV. For major repairs, it is often cheaper to buy a new TV. However, for minor repairs, it is less expensive to call a repair person and get the TV fixed.

It is recommended to replace electronics whenever the cost of repairs equals or exceeds half the cost of a new purchase. It is also recommended that you replace your television if the new version is less than $200, or if your screen is smaller than 32”. For example, it costs around $150 for a new motherboard in an LG Model 24LF452B 24” TV, which takes around one hour to repair. As a result, you would pay between $190 and $210 to repair your old set, while it is possible to purchase a new one for less.

If you invested a lot of money in your television, the costs of repairing an inverter or getting new backlights may be far cheaper than replacing it. This is why it is often best to ask a professional to diagnose the problem and give you a quote for the repair work. Then, you can compare the price of repairs against the cost of a new TV and decide what makes sense. If your TV breaks down repeatedly, you have multiple repair bills over the course of a year. It might be time for a new television even if a single repair does not seem too expensive.

​Maintenance

To minimize repairs and help your TV stay in working order for as long as possible, take care of it as well as you can. Here are some useful TV maintenance tips:

• Do not leave the TV on if you are not actually watching it. They can run for tens of thousands of hours, but there is no need to waste those hours. So, avoid leaving it on in the background, and make sure to turn it off when you leave the room.
• Try not to leave your TV on for too long at a time. Like other appliances, televisions can start to get very hot the longer they are left on. They need to be turned off now and then to get a chance to cool down and rest before being switched back on.
• Keep your TV clean. Over time, dust, pet hair, and bits of dirt can build up on the screen and get inside the television via vents and ports. This dust accumulation can affect a TV’s operation and make it more likely to break down.
• Consider using a surge protector to keep your TV and associated devices and appliances safe. This can be especially important in areas that experience a lot of storms or frequent power cuts because sudden cuts and surges easily damage your TV’s components.
• When positioning your television, leave space around it to provide airflow. This helps prevent the TV from overheating and cools it down more quickly when you turn it off.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Mounting

Mounting a television usually costs between $100 and $300. Mounting a TV is something to think about when you have a TV that sits on a TV stand and want to prevent the TV from getting knocked down and damaged. Many TV specialists also mount TVs as part of their services. You might find it convenient to have this service performed at the same time as your repair.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. In some cases, it is possible to repair a TV with a simple reset or update to the firmware. Replacing a cord or buying a new remote is another easy fix. However, most repairs that require that the TV is taken apart are a job for a professional. Improper installation of a T-con board or an issue soldering a piece into the television could result in permanent failure or electrical danger to the owner or the home.
• Obvious solutions. Before seeking repairs, first look for the obvious. If your set will not power on, it could be a problem with your outlet and not your TV. Try plugging your television into a different outlet to see if that resolves the problem. If that does not fix it, ensure you have not tripped a breaker, and check that the power cord is fully seated.
• Remote control. A set that powers on and off at random is sometimes caused by issues with the remote. Try removing and replacing the batteries or using a different remote if possible.
• Warranty. When purchasing a new television, buying an extended warranty can spare you the unwanted expense of repair bills in some cases. An extended warranty is largely based on the price of your television. Expect to spend between 10 and 20 percent of your set’s cost on an extended warranty to help cover damage. Ordinary warranties only cover manufacturer’s defects and, therefore, cannot be used to pay for damage due to neglect or accidents.
• Warranty repairs. When having warranty repairs made, drop the set off at a local shop whenever possible or have them come to you. If you need to ship the television off, get a tracking number so that you can locate your set if it gets lost.
• Scams. Television repair scams are quite common. Before hiring someone to fix your set, find out what experience and training that person has. Check references and online reviews as well.