How To Fix a Sony TV Error Code with 4 Blinks

You’re about to watch your favorite show, but your Sony TV won’t turn on. A red light blinks four times instead. This occurrence is Sony’s self-diagnosis option, indicating possible system malfunctions. The error can come from a faulty power supply, overheating, capacitor issues, or LED driver board problems. Whatever the reason, multiple fixes exist to get your Sony TV up and running again.

This article will review how to fix your Sony TV when it blinks four times.

Soft and Hard Resetting Your Google and Android Sony TV

When dealing with this TV error, it’s best first to attempt a soft reset. This is a relatively straightforward process that takes minimal time. If soft resetting doesn’t work, try the hard resetting option.

Soft Resetting Your Sony TV

The soft reset option is the easiest way to troubleshoot the Sony TV blinking light error. While it might not solve more complex internal problems, it’ll rule out system updates or Wi-Fi loop errors. It might also be the better option because hard resetting loses all your data. Here’s how to soft reset your Sony TV:

1. Unplug your Sony TV.
2. Hold down the power button for about 30 seconds. Then wait for at least two minutes.
   
3. After two minutes, plug your TV back in and turn it on.
   
4. You might notice a red light. This means the soft reset worked.
   

Once the soft reset is complete, you should be able to watch your Sony TV without issues. However, if the four red blinks persist, move on to hard reset the Sony TV.

Hard Resetting Your Sony TV

A hard reset can quickly solve the four flashing lights issue if you’re using a Google or Android Sony TV. However, keep in mind that you’ll lose any stored data you have on the TV. This method is for Sony TVs with only a power button. Here’s how it works:

1. Turn off, then unplug your TV from the power source and wait for a minute.
   
2. Plug it back in and hold the power button until a white light flashes.
   
3. Release the power button as your Sony TV automatically starts hard resetting.
   

If your Sony TV has three buttons on the casing (Power, volume up, and volume down), the hard reset option is slightly different. Here’s how to hard reset this TV type:

1. Unplug the TV before plugging it back in.
   
2. Hold down the power button and the volume down button.
   
3. When a white light appears and changes to green, your Sony TV has begun to hard reset.
   
4. Wait out until the light turns back to white.
   

There’s one more variation for hard resetting your Sony TV. You might be met with a settings menu you’ll need to operate. Here’s what to do if it appears after using the methods above:

1. Select “home” and then “settings.”
   
2. From the new options list, select “Storage & Reset” and then “Factory data reset.”
   
3. Select “Erase everything” and then “Yes.”
   

Once you navigate the menu using this method, wait for your TV to hard reset. This should fix the four-blinking lights error that your Sony TV has. This method will only work for Android and Google Sony TVs.

Potential Home Hardware Issues Causing the Error

Besides the above-mentioned issues, potential hardware issues in your home can cause your Sony TV to malfunction. While this isn’t as common, it’s good to rule out. Here are the most common utility issues you could be having:

• Power issues – Your wall socket might be broken. To troubleshoot this, turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source. Then plug in another device to see if it works properly. This will indicate if there’s a socket problem.
• Voltage – While your socket might work properly, it might not deliver enough voltage for the TV to work. When your TV is plugged in and on, look for a solid red light rather than a flashing one. This indicates the Sony TV is receiving enough voltage to work properly.
• Direct power supply – Make sure to remove any smart plugs or surge interrupters. Instead, plug in your Sony TV directly into an outlet.
• Internal component burnout – Sometimes, your Sony TV’s inner parts may have burned out. After plugging out your TV, feel if any areas are hot. Problems with internal components may need the expertise of a professional repairman. Opening the back panel, however, will void the warranty.

Solving Errors Through Updating Sony TV Software

When using a Sony TV, errors can occur if you don’t consistently update the firmware. Even if you’ve just bought the Sony TV, checking for any available updates is still good practice. This will also potentially give your Sony TV additional features and ensure it runs smoothly.

Here’s how to update your Sony TV’s software:

1. On your Sony TV remote, select the settings button. It’s a button with a white cog on it.
   
2. Navigate to the “Customer Support” option and then “Product Support and Set up.”
   
3. Select “Automatic Software Update” or “Software Update.”
   
4. Choose your home network to connect the TV to and then confirm the update.

However, the process is different for other Sony TV types. If you’re using an Android Sony TV, here’s how you can update it:

1. On your remote, select the “Home” option.
   
2. Select “Help” and then “Status & Diagnostics.”
   
3. Select “System software update ” then “Software update” before confirming it.
   

If you’re using a Google Sony TV, then you can update it this way:

1. Hit the settings option on your Sony TV remote control.
   
2. Select the “System” option and then “About.”
   
3. Press the “System Software Update” option.
   

As for the firmware, your Sony TV will automatically update it as long as it’s connected to the internet. Make sure that you have a stable connection to your network. If you’re still encountering problems with the same four red flashes, then it’s best to contact Sony’s support number. Make sure you know your Sony TV model name.

FAQs

Will the methods above work for other TVS?

Besides the hardware issues, the troubleshooting methods focus on Sony TVs. If your device isn’t a Sony TV but still has the same blinking, it may have different settings, remote controls, and options for troubleshooting.

Can I get my data back after hard resetting?

Unfortunately not. Once you hard reset your Sony TV, you’ll lose any data you had on it.

Do I need an internet connection to update my Sony TV?

A stable Wi-Fi connection is necessary to update your Sony TV’s software. As for firmware, the TV will automatically update if you have a stable internet connection.

Why is my Sony TV blinking twice or three times?

Multiple red light blinks always indicate a certain type of error. For example, two blinks means that the device is having power board issues. However, no matter how many times your Sony TV blinks, a broad range of troubleshooting options might work.

Solve the Red Blinking Issue on Your Sony TV

The red blinking light on your Sony TV can result from multiple issues. Some examples include outdated software, overheating, and problems with internal components. To solve it, it’s best to begin with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, you can hard reset or update your Sony TV. If you feel any areas of the TV have overheated, you should call a professional to solve the issue. However, this will make your warranty void.

Did one of the methods above help solve your Sony TV error? Did you need to perform a reset or just update the TV? Let us know in the comment section below.