Is my smart TV listening when it’s off? It depends on the model and what you mean by “off.” A dark screen may mean the TV is in standby rather than fully powered down. On supported LG models, if Hands-free Voice Control is enabled, the TV may monitor locally for its wake word during standby. LG says that without a wake word, audio is not converted to text, stored, or transmitted. That is LG’s description of its feature, not a claim about every smart TV.
How can a TV listen when the screen is off?
Some TVs support hands-free voice control through a microphone built into the set. When the feature is enabled, the TV can listen for a wake word without requiring you to press a button first. That is distinct from using a remote’s microphone after pressing its voice button.
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In a September 12, 2026 statement, LG Electronics said that a TV with Hands-free Voice Control enabled may continue monitoring only for its wake word while in standby. LG says wake-word detection is processed locally and that, if no wake word is detected, audio is not converted to text, stored, or transmitted. These statements describe LG’s feature; they are not independent device-test results and should not be generalized to other brands.
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How do I stop my TV listening when the screen is off?
- Identify the exact TV. Find its model number and software generation in the TV’s system or support information, or on its label. Use the manual for that model and region; menu names and available settings vary.
- Turn off hands-free wake-word activation if you do not use it. In the TV’s voice assistant, voice recognition, or privacy settings, look for controls labelled “hands-free,” “far-field,” or “wake word.” The labels and path differ, so confirm them in the model-specific manual rather than assuming a universal menu route.
- Use a hardware microphone switch if your model has one. Some supported LG and Samsung TVs have a physical switch, but its presence and location vary. LG says that turning off the hardware microphone disables hands-free recognition through the TV microphone. Samsung says voice commands are unavailable when the documented switch is off. Check the screen or manual to confirm the microphone-off status.
- Check the remote separately. A TV’s built-in microphone switch does not necessarily describe the remote’s microphone. Samsung’s US privacy supplement describes interactive voice requests activated by pressing a button and speaking into the remote microphone. If you want to avoid those requests, do not activate voice control with the remote; review the remote and TV’s voice-recognition settings as your model allows.
- Review viewing-data controls separately. If your concern includes what shows or connected-device content the TV identifies, check its automatic content recognition (ACR) or viewing-data settings. These are separate from microphone and voice controls.
Voice control and viewing data are different settings
Turning off a wake-word feature addresses hands-free voice activation through the TV microphone. It does not, by itself, establish that viewing-data collection is off. ACR concerns content identification and has its own controls in the documentation from Roku and Samsung.
- Roku: Its policy lists ACR under Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience. For voice-enabled devices, it lists microphone access under Settings > Privacy > Voice. These are separate settings.
- Samsung: Its ACR support page says the feature can be turned on or off in settings. Consult the current support information or manual for the TV’s exact menu path.
Disabling one feature should not be treated as proof that every category of data collection is disabled. Review the privacy controls that match the data you are concerned about.
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What is the difference between remote voice and hands-free listening?
| Voice-control path | How it activates | Microphone and standby detail | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote-button voice control | You press a voice or search button and speak into the remote. Samsung’s US privacy supplement describes button-activated interactive voice requests. | The microphone is in the remote. This is not the same activation path as a TV listening for a wake word. | Review the remote’s voice-use controls and the TV’s voice-recognition settings. A TV microphone switch does not necessarily cover the remote. |
| Hands-free wake-word control | You say the wake word without first pressing a remote button. | On supported LG models with the feature enabled, LG says the TV may monitor locally for the wake word in standby. Other brands and models may differ. | Look for hands-free, far-field, or wake-word controls, and check for a physical TV microphone switch. |
| ACR or viewing-data collection | This is a content-identification and viewing-data setting, not a voice activation method. | It is separate from voice recognition and microphone access in Roku and Samsung documentation. | Review ACR or Smart TV Experience settings independently of voice controls. |
Why the exact model matters
There is no single settings path or standby behavior established for all smart TVs. Voice features, hardware switches, menu labels, and privacy options can vary by model, country, and software. Samsung’s documentation also notes variation by model and country. Use the current manual for the exact set, and do not assume that an instruction for another TV—or an older corporate statement—describes yours.
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The available official documentation does not establish how common standby wake-word monitoring is across the smart-TV market. LG’s explanation applies to its described feature, not to an industry-wide prevalence claim.
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- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
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- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
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