When you turn your Optoma projector on, it comes to life. And when you press the same button again, it shuts off. That’s normal.
But there are instances when your projector could turn off without any input from your side. And on the other hand, pressing the power button may not activate the device.
And then there’s this frequently reported issue that the projector turns on after pressing the power button but automatically switches itself off after a few seconds.
If that sounds like your Optoma projector, you are at the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss all possible reasons your projector is behaving erratically and things you could do to alleviate those concerns.
Keep reading to get to know your Optoma projector better.
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Reasons Your Optoma Projector Keeps Turning Off
Before getting to why your Optoma projector turns off cold turkey and the solutions for the same, make sure you have the basics in place.
If the following are not in order, don’t fault the projector for not working as advertised.
- Make sure the projector lamp has some life in it.
- Ensure the device is corded correctly and there are no power fluctuations in your place.
- Launch your projector’s menu section and see that you’ve not enabled a setting without knowing what it’s for.
If you’ve taken care of the above, and your projector keeps turning off abruptly, you may dig further.
The following are some reasons your Optoma projector turns itself off and the possible solutions.
1. Your Projector Is Overheating
One of the most common reasons for an Optoma projector to turn off suddenly is overheating.
Optoma projectors are equipped with built-in protection circuits that automatically shut down the device when it reaches a certain temperature threshold.
If you notice your projector turning off after a short period of operation, overheating is likely the culprit.
To address this issue, there is a simple solution that won’t cost you anything.
By enabling the High Altitude mode in your Optoma projector’s settings, you can increase the fan speed and enhance the cooling mechanism.
This can help dissipate the heat more effectively and prevent the projector from shutting off prematurely.
Here’s how you can enable the High Altitude mode:
Step 1. Plug in the power cord and turn on your Optoma projector.
Step 2. Find the Menu button on the Optoma control panel.
Step 3. Navigate to the Setup menu and scroll down to find the Options section.
Step 4. Switch the High Altitude mode to On.
It’s important to note that enabling the High Altitude mode may result in increased fan noise.
However, the trade-off is worth it to keep your projector running smoothly without unexpected shutdowns.
2. The HDMI Link Feature Is Activated
If your Optoma projector is connected to an external device such as a DVD player or gaming console via HDMI, the HDMI Link or HDMI CEC feature may be the cause of the automatic shutdowns.
The HDMI Link feature allows you to control the power of connected devices through your projector.
Enabling the HDMI Link feature synchronizes the power state of the Optoma projector with the connected device, turning it on or off accordingly.
This can lead to unintended shutdowns if the connected device is turned off.
To disable the HDMI Link feature and avoid this issue, follow these steps:
Step 1. Hit the Menu button on the Optoma control panel.
Step 2. Press the menu button and navigate to the Setup menu.
Step 3. Find the HDMI Link option and change the status to Off.
This will prevent the connected devices from affecting the power state of your Optoma projector and eliminate any unexpected shutdowns.
If disabling the HDMI Link feature doesn’t resolve the issue, you can also try unplugging the power cord from the projector after each use.
This can help reset any potential glitches in the system and ensure a fresh start when you power up your projector again.
3. Your Projector’s Fan Is Locked
Another potential cause of your Optoma projector turning off unexpectedly is a fan lock issue.
When the projector’s fan is locked or not functioning properly, it can trigger the automatic shutdown mechanism as a safety precaution.
We have a detailed article that discusses the fan-locking issue in Optoma projectors.
4. Faulty Power Supply
If the projector’s power supply has issues, it would have trouble staying on throughout.
Solution: If the cables connecting your projector to its power supply look alright and there are still power concerns, unplug them and plug them back in to see if that helps.
Wait for a couple of minutes before replugging those cables and turning on the device.
If it doesn’t, there’s likely an issue with the ports or the cords. Do not look for a replacement cable or anything without learning what’s wrong.
If you’re not able to detect the issue, get a skilled technician on board or contact Optoma support for assistance.
Another Common Issue: Optoma Projector Won’t Turn On/Off
Some users have reported issues with their Optoma projectors not responding to the remote control.
If your projector can only be turned on or off by unplugging and plugging in the power cord, it can be quite inconvenient, especially if your projector is mounted on the ceiling.
To troubleshoot remote control problems, you can try factory resetting your Optoma projector. This may help resolve any software glitches that could be causing the issue.
Here’s how to factory reset your Optoma projector:
Step 1. Find the Menu button on the Optoma control panel.
Step 2. Navigate to the Setup menu and scroll down to find the Reset options.
Step 3. Select Reset Default to initiate the factory reset process.
A hard reset will restore all settings to their defaults. Remember to note any custom configurations you may want to restore before resetting.
If remote control issues continue, contact Optoma support for further assistance or repairs.

Tai “Ty” Luu is a tech editor, he has a deep love for technology and all its advancements. His passion for gaming has led him to explore gaming technologies. He is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills in the tech and gaming world.