How to Troubleshoot a TV That Turns On or Off Randomly

If your TV turns on or off by itself, it’s likely not a ghost, but rather a technical issue. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this problem without having to buy a new TV.

First, try unplugging your TV completely, holding down the power button for 10 seconds, and then plugging it back in. If your TV is connected to a surge protector, try plugging it directly into a wall outlet. If it was already plugged into the wall, try a different outlet.

Next, check if HDMI-CEC is enabled on your TV. This feature allows devices to control each other over HDMI. Disable HDMI-CEC in your TV’s settings menu to see if it resolves the issue. The setting might have a different name depending on your TV’s manufacturer.

If your TV is connected to Wi-Fi and other smart home devices, it’s possible that a routine or automation is causing it to turn on or off accidentally. Disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi for a few days to see if this solves the problem.

Some TVs have a power scheduling feature that allows you to turn them on or off at specific times. Check your TV’s settings to make sure this feature is disabled.

If your remote control is running low on battery, it may be sending out random signals. Replace the batteries and clean the buttons to see if it helps.

If you have multiple TVs of the same make in close proximity, they may interfere with each other. Remote signals from one room could affect a TV in another room. Additionally, neighboring TVs or sunlight streaming through a window could also interfere with your TV’s sensors.

Adjusting your TV’s Eco Mode can help. This feature puts your TV in a low-power sleep state, but enabling it may solve the issue.

Lastly, check if your TV’s firmware is up to date. Software updates can often fix bugs that cause these kinds of problems.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your TV turning on or off randomly.