Smart TV technician helping fix Android TV reboot issues

Steve H.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: Android TV & Google TV, Sony/Philips/TCL TVs, Android TV box, power and overheating problems, firmware & app crashes, boot loop and factory reset help

Android TV keeps restarting, stuck in reboot loop, turns off and on by itself

Technician avatar Technician
Hey! We’ll track down why your Android TV keeps restarting and get it stable again, not just tell you to “unplug it and hope”. A few quick questions so we don’t guess:
• Brand/model of the TV or box (Sony Bravia, Philips Android TV, TCL, Hisense, Xiaomi, Nvidia Shield, generic Android TV box, etc.)?
• What exactly happens: random restarts while watching apps, Android TV stuck in a reboot loop on the logo, or it keeps turning off and on every few minutes?
• Did this start right after a firmware update, new app install, thunderstorm/power cut, or has it slowly gotten worse?
• Any red/amber light blinking codes, overheating warning, or “system is not responding” message?
The more we know about the reboot pattern, the easier it is to fix an Android TV that keeps restarting without replacing the whole set.
Customer
It’s a Sony Android TV from around 2021. A few days ago it installed a software update and since then the TV keeps restarting on its own. I see the Sony logo, then the Android/Google TV animation, it loads the home screen, and within a minute it reboots again. Sometimes it lasts long enough to open YouTube or Netflix and then it suddenly restarts. No blinking red light, just this constant reboot loop.
Technician avatar Technician
Got it — that’s a classic Android TV reboot loop after a firmware update.
When an Android or Google TV keeps restarting like that, it’s usually one of these:
• The update or an app corrupted the system cache, so Android keeps crashing and rebooting.
• A streaming app or background service is crashing and forcing the TV to turn off and on repeatedly.
• Storage is almost full and the TV reboots when it tries to load heavy apps.
• Less often, unstable power or overheating triggers auto-restart.

We’ll start with power and cache, then move to apps and factory reset if needed. The idea is to stop the continuous restarting without jumping straight to buying a new TV.
Customer
Sometimes it restarts right on the home screen, other times only when I start Netflix or YouTube. I did a normal restart from the remote, but it still keeps rebooting. I haven’t installed any strange apps, just the usual streaming services.
Technician avatar Technician
Good, that helps. First we’ll rule out a simple power or HDMI issue — this alone stops a lot of Android TVs that keep restarting.
Step 1 — Do a proper power reset (more than just standby)
1) Turn the TV off with the remote, then unplug the power cord from the wall.
2) With it unplugged, press and hold the power button on the TV itself (if it has one) for 30–60 seconds to discharge it.
3) Leave it unplugged for at least 5 minutes.
4) While it’s still unplugged, disconnect everything from HDMI/USB (consoles, soundbars, set-top boxes, USB drives).
5) Plug the TV back in directly to the wall, no extension or surge protector for this test, and turn it on.

We’re checking if it still restarts by itself with nothing connected. If the reboot loop stops now, a connected device or power strip was triggering it.
Customer
I unplugged it and all HDMI devices like you said. After a full power cycle it stayed on longer, but when I opened YouTube it froze, then the Android TV restarted again. So the loop is better, but not completely gone.
Technician avatar Technician
Perfect, that points more to software or app crashes than a dead power board.
Step 2 — Check storage and clear system/app cache
1) When the TV is on the home screen, go to Settings → Device Preferences → Storage (or “Storage & reset” depending on the model).
2) Check how much internal storage is free. If it’s almost full, that’s a common reason an Android TV keeps rebooting.
3) Clear general cached data if the menu offers it.
4) Then go to Settings → Apps → See all apps and clear cache for heavy apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc.). Try not to hit “Clear data” unless you’re okay signing in again.

Clogged cache and low storage can easily cause random restarts, especially right after a big firmware or app update.
Customer
Storage was almost full. I cleared a lot of cache and removed a couple of apps I never use. It feels a bit snappier now, but once, when switching from Netflix back to the home screen, the TV turned off and on by itself again.
Technician avatar Technician
Nice progress. Now we’ll check if a particular app is making the Android TV restart constantly.
Step 3 — Boot the TV into Safe Mode (if available)
• On many Android TVs, you can long-press the power button on the remote and choose Restart. When the logo appears, hold the Volume Down button on the remote until you see “Safe mode” on the screen.
• In safe mode, third-party apps are disabled. Use the TV for a while. If it stops rebooting in safe mode, then an app you installed is the trigger.

Step 4 — Remove or update suspicious apps
1) Exit safe mode, go to Settings → Apps → See all apps.
2) Uninstall apps you installed around the time the reboot loop started, especially unofficial APKs, IPTV players, or screensavers.
3) Update all remaining apps from the Google Play Store so they’re compatible with the latest TV firmware.
After this, we’ll look at system updates and, if needed, a factory reset to stop the TV from restarting on its own.
Customer
In safe mode it did not reboot for almost an hour. Once I went back to normal mode it restarted after opening a local TV streaming app. So it looks like an app issue, but I’m worried the Android TV will start rebooting again even after I remove it.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s actually good news: it means the core hardware is probably fine.
Step 5 — Update system software, then reset from the menu
1) Go to Settings → Device Preferences → About → System update (or “Software update”) and check for updates. Install any available fixes — many brands release patches for Android TV that keeps restarting after an update.
2) After updating, restart the TV once.
3) If it still reboots, back up your Wi-Fi details and app logins, then go to Settings → Device Preferences → Reset / Storage & reset and run a standard Factory data reset from the on-screen menu.
4) Let it complete fully, set up the TV again, and test it with only the main apps (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) before reinstalling anything else.
For many TVs, this stops the endless restart loop and gets Android back to a clean state.
Customer
If the factory reset from the menu doesn’t work, is there a deeper reset? I’ve seen people talk about a “forced factory reset” or recovery mode when an Android TV is stuck in a reboot loop.
Technician avatar Technician
Exactly — that’s the last “software” step before we suspect hardware.
Step 6 — Forced factory reset (button combo)
• Most Sony and Philips Android TVs that keep restarting after a firmware update can be recovered by unplugging the TV, then holding physical buttons on the TV (often Power + Volume Down) while plugging it back in until a recovery screen appears.
• In the recovery menu you can wipe cache and perform a forced factory reset even if the TV won’t boot normally.
• On some Google TV / Android TV sets the process is similar: unplug, hold the power button on the TV, plug back in while holding until the Android recovery screen appears, then choose “Wipe data / factory reset”.

If you’d like, we can walk through the exact button combo for your model live in chat so you don’t click the wrong thing.
Customer
And what if even a forced reset doesn’t help? I don’t want to keep trying random things if the main board is dying and that’s why the TV keeps rebooting.
Technician avatar Technician
Great question. There’s a point where an Android TV that keeps restarting is more likely a hardware fault than software.
Signs it’s probably hardware:
• The TV reboots even in recovery mode or right after a clean factory reset, with no apps installed.
• It shuts down faster when the room is hot or the back of the TV feels extremely warm (overheating).
• You hear clicking from the power supply or see faint flickers before it restarts.

At that stage, it’s usually a failing power board or main board. Getting a repair quote helps decide if it’s worth fixing or replacing. But first, doing the full power reset, cache clear, app cleanup and forced factory reset gives us a solid answer about whether it’s software or hardware.
Customer
After the deep power reset, uninstalling that bad app and doing a normal factory reset, my Android TV has stopped restarting. It’s been running all evening on Netflix without rebooting. I’ll avoid random apps now. Thanks a lot!
Technician avatar Technician
Summary: when an Android TV keeps restarting or is stuck in a reboot loop, first do a full power reset with all HDMI devices unplugged, then clear storage and app cache. Remove suspicious apps, update the TV’s firmware, and if needed run a factory reset from the menu. As a last resort, use the TV’s recovery / forced factory reset procedure. If it still restarts after all that, it’s likely a hardware board or power issue. Not sure which step is safest for your model? Open the chat and an expert will guide you through it one-on-one.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when an Android TV keeps restarting: perform a full power reset with the TV unplugged and all HDMI/USB devices removed, then clear storage and cache so apps stop crashing. Update the TV’s software, uninstall problem apps, and run a factory reset from the menu. If it is still stuck in a reboot loop, use the brand’s forced factory reset or recovery mode instructions to rebuild Android TV from scratch.

Why Android TV keeps restarting or is stuck in a reboot loop

Most Android TVs that keep restarting are reacting to software problems, not instant hardware failure. A firmware update can corrupt cached data, a misbehaving app can crash the launcher, or low storage can cause the system to reset itself. If your Android TV restarts after an update, the TV may be trying and failing to finish background tasks. Power fluctuations, loose power cords or an overloaded extension strip can also trigger random reboots. Only when the TV still restarts after a clean factory reset and recovery-mode reset do we seriously suspect a failing main board or power supply.

How to test if your Android TV restart problem is really fixed

After each change, use the TV like normal for a while. Leave a streaming app running for 20–30 minutes, switch between HDMI and built-in apps, and watch whether your Android TV keeps turning off and on by itself or stays stable. If the TV only reboots when one particular app is open, that app is the likely trigger. If reboots happen on every screen, look again at storage, firmware and power. A TV that survives several hours of mixed use without restarting has probably left the reboot loop behind.

Android TV keeps restarting — quick troubleshooting tips

Most restart loops are fixed with power reset, cache cleanup, app checks and the right kind of factory reset.

Quick path: unplug the TV, disconnect all HDMI/USB devices and perform a proper power reset. Then free up internal storage, clear app and system cache, and remove any apps installed just before the Android TV reboot loop started. Install the latest firmware from your TV manufacturer, and if the problem continues, perform a factory reset and, if needed, a forced factory reset via recovery mode. If you’re unsure which options are safe for your model, getting step-by-step help from an expert can prevent making the issue worse.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. Reset procedures and menus vary between Android TV brands and models. For advice specific to your TV and firmware version, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech or the manufacturer’s support pages before making decisions.

Understand what these prompts mean

Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including Android TV and smart TV specialists, smart home support, techs, mechanics, vets, and more.

Expert will respond in minutes

We match you with an Expert who specialises in Android TV that keeps restarting, reboot loops and app crashes. Talk, text, or chat — whichever you prefer.

Save time & money

No scheduling hassles or expensive in-home TV visits. Fixing Android TV restart problems online can save you time and money compared with replacing the TV too early.

FAQ

Why does my Android TV keep restarting by itself?

A TV that keeps restarting usually has a software cause: corrupted cache after an update, a buggy app, low internal storage, or unstable power. Start with a full power reset, clear cache and remove recently installed apps. If it still reboots, update the firmware and consider a factory reset.

My Android TV keeps restarting after a firmware update — what now?

If your Android TV restarts after an update, perform a power reset first, then check for another software update that might fix the bug. Clear app cache, uninstall problem apps and, if needed, do a factory reset from the TV menu. As a last resort, use the brand’s forced factory reset or recovery mode instructions.

How do I stop my Android TV from getting stuck in a reboot loop?

Unplug the TV, disconnect HDMI/USB, and let it fully discharge before plugging it in again. Free internal storage, clear cache for heavy apps and remove suspicious apps. If the reboot loop continues, perform a factory reset and, if available, a forced factory reset from recovery mode. If it still restarts with a clean system, contact a repair specialist.

When should I suspect a hardware problem instead of software?

If your Android TV keeps restarting even in recovery mode or immediately after a full factory reset with no extra apps installed, the issue is likely hardware. Frequent power cuts, overheating and clicking sounds from inside the TV are other signs. In that case a technician needs to test the power board and main board.

Sources

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant
5 Tech Support Specialists are online right now.