You’ve been waiting all week for a new episode of your favorite TV show to come out. All week! You plop down on the couch and start it, only to be rudely interrupted by a TV that keeps turning off by itself. Is someone playing tricks on you, or is your TV broken? Learn how to troubleshoot a TV that keeps turning off, and find out if it’s time to get a new TV.
Why Is My TV Turning On and Off By Itself?
- Power Supply Problems
A little investigating may help you figure out what causes your TV to turn on and off by itself. First, check the power supply. Is the cord securely plugged into the wall? A loose connection can cause your TV to turn off unexpectedly, and so can an aging power supply cord. If you notice frayed wires or damage to your TV’s power cord, it’s time to shop for a new TV to prevent further issues and potential electrical hazards.
- Connected Device Problems
If it’s not the power supply that’s making your TV turn off and on, your connected devices could be to blame. Is that old Roku or ancient gaming console sending “wake up” signals to your TV without you prompting it? Ugh! Technology doesn’t last forever, and older devices are bound to misfire at some point.
Upgrade to a new rent-to-own TV, like a Samsung 82″ 4K UHD LED Smart TV, for built-in features that won’t require you to hook up additional devices. Not only will you get ultra-high resolution and endless on-demand entertainment, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of cutting ties with that expensive cable provider.
- Hardware Problems
If your TV suddenly turned off with no visible issues, the problem could be inside the hardware. A typical problem starts with the motherboard, where all your TV’s components meet and exchange signals. If the motherboard is worn or damaged, the TV overheats, causing it to turn off and on by itself.
Unfortunately, replacing a worn motherboard can be a costly and unreliable repair. Besides, who has time to ship or haul a TV somewhere for repairs when Rent-A-Center can deliver a new one to your media room for free? And usually, on the same day that you place an order!
How Do I Fix a TV that Turns On and Off By Itself?
If your TV doesn’t stay on, try these steps:
1. Turn your TV on and then off again.
When electronics go haywire, one of the most common methods of resolving the issue is by turning them off and on again. With your TV, the same applies. Start by unplugging your television, and hold down the power button for about 15 seconds. Afterward, plug it back in. If the problem persists, move on to the following steps.
2. Ensure that your TV timer is off.
Sleep timers are often a built-in feature on most modern televisions. If you notice that your TV is turning off and on again around the same time each day, your timer may be to blame. In which case, you’ll want to check your TV’s scheduling settings to ensure this feature is disabled.
3. Switch out your surge protector.
A faulty surge protector or power cord can cause interruptions to the electrical current or fail to supply enough power to run your TV. To check whether this is the case, plug the TV in directly to your wall outlet. If the TV works, your old power strip may be to blame, and it’s time to get a new one.
4. Test the remote controls.
A power button on your TV or device remote could be stuck, which sends your TV constant signals to turn on and off. To determine if this is your problem, take the batteries out of one device remote at a time. If the TV stays on when you kill the remote, bingo! You’ve zeroed in on the faulty controller! Repair or replace that remote and resume your binge-watching ASAP.
5. Check your circuit breaker panel.
If your TV isn’t the only thing turning off, your home’s circuit breaker may have been tripped. Power surges or temporary outages can cause this, and the fix is as simple as resetting the breaker switch. If it happens repeatedly, though, your TV could be the very thing that’s tripping the breaker. In that case, it’s time to turn to an electrician or purchase a new, more energy-efficient TV.
6. Temporarily disconnect your Wi-Fi.
Is your TV connected or casting to smart home devices like Google Home™ or an Alexa™? What about your smartphone? If so, the voice commands or smart routines of these devices may be causing your TV woes.
Instead of investigating every smart device in your home, it may be easier to pinpoint the issue by disconnecting your TV from the Wi-Fi. This should stop any other devices from controlling your TV. If disconnecting the Wi-Fi resolves the issue, it’s time to investigate which device is causing the problem.
7. Disable the CEC setting on your TV.
The CEC, or Consumer Electronics Control, feature allows devices that are connected to your TV via HDMI to control certain settings. For example, when turning on your Roku, the CEC can turn your TV on automatically without you having to use your TV’s original remote.
To troubleshoot, try disabling your TV’s CEC to determine if this is causing the issue. If the problem stops, try disabling the CEC on your other devices one by one until you find the culprit. until you find the one sending out the random signal.
Some TV brands apply different names to CECs. If you can’t find this feature in your settings, here are a few naming examples from common TV brands:
- LG: SIMPLINK
- Panasonic: HDAVI Control, VIERA Link, or EZ-Sync
- Samsung: Anynet+.
- Sony: BRAVIA Sync
- Toshiba: Regza Link or CE-Link
- Vizio: CEC
8. Install recommended updates.
Firmware updates (also known as software updates) can add new features, improve certain capabilities, and fix known bugs — such as a glitchy on and off switch — on your TV. Check your television’s settings to ensure there aren’t any firmware updates available. And if there are, consider installing the update.
9. Perform a factory reset.
A TV factory reset can remove apps and clear your custom settings, which is why your very last resort should be performing a factory reset. If none of the troubleshooting steps above seem to work, consider this option.
Note: Different TV brands have different methods for enabling a factory reset. Consult your TV owner’s manual for instructions.
Conclusion
TV issues like this can be very annoying and frustrating. If you are unable to fix it on your own, you might want to consider hiring a professional.
Power issues like the TV turning off, again and again, can also indicate main board issues. Hence, in cases like these, it is best to talk to a professional.
Moreover, if your TV is under warranty, you can also claim that to get your TV fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my TV shutting off by itself?
This can be because you have activated the sleep timer.
How to Restart my Samsung TV?
Long press the power button. Then perform a power cycle.
How to Restart my LG TV?
Long press the power button. Then perform a power cycle.
