To disable Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), open your television’s privacy or smart-TV-experience settings and switch off the control named ACR, Viewing Data, Viewing Information Services, Live Plus, or an equivalent interactive-TV feature. The exact path depends on the brand, model, software version, and region. Turning off ACR limits that specific viewing-recognition feature; it does not automatically stop every form of telemetry, app data collection, diagnostics, voice processing, advertising personalization, or account-linked activity.
What ACR does—and what switching it off changes
Automatic Content Recognition identifies some of the material displayed on a television. ACR systems can create a digital signature or fingerprint from screen content, compare it with a catalog, and use a match for viewing-history features, audience measurement, recommendations, or advertising. The scope differs by manufacturer. Some implementations can recognize programming from streaming apps, an antenna, or an HDMI-connected device, while others are described more narrowly.
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Roku describes an encrypted fingerprint made from screen pixels and matching against its catalog. Samsung says its enabled ACR can generate unique signatures and may collect viewing history, Smart TV identifiers (including a Personalized Service ID), and an IP address. These descriptions apply to those vendors’ implementations, not to every television.
Disabling the named ACR or viewing-data control stops that feature from making new collections under the vendor’s stated policy. It does not erase every record already held, and it does not revoke unrelated permissions. Treat three actions as separate:
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- Disable recognition: stops or limits the ACR function covered by the switch.
- Delete history: removes previously collected viewing records only where the vendor says deletion occurs.
- Limit other telemetry: requires separate controls for activity data, advertising, diagnostics, voice, apps, or account services.
No physical product is required for the documented controls. They are built into the television’s menus.
Before you change the setting
- Identify the exact model and software version. Look on the rear label, in Settings > Support/About, or in the manufacturer’s device-information screen.
- Note your region. Privacy agreements and menu labels can differ by country and by the services available there.
- Decide whether you also want deletion. An opt-out and historical-data deletion are not the same request.
- Photograph or write down the current wording. A software update may move the control or rename it.
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If you do not know which label your set uses, use this sequence rather than guessing at a brand guide:
- Open the main Settings menu while the TV is connected to the internet, so the current privacy and agreement screens can load.
- Use the built-in search, if available, for ACR, viewing, Live Plus, Smart TV Experience, interactive TV, and advertising.
- Read the description beside each result. A viewing-recognition permission is different from an advertising identifier, voice service, diagnostics setting, or an app’s own permission.
- Open the relevant agreement or switch and record whether it says optional, enabled, or opted in. Some brands expose ACR only during initial setup or in a Smart Hub agreement list.
- Turn off or withdraw the viewing-recognition permission, then choose the on-screen confirmation. Do not assume backing out of the menu saves a change.
- Return to the same screen and verify that the switch remains off. If the wording changed to “not agreed,” save a photograph or note the date.
- Review separate advertising, voice, diagnostics, and account settings if you want a broader privacy reduction.
- If you need old records removed, look for a separate deletion control or submit the vendor’s privacy request after the opt-out.
This process changes a setting; it does not require buying a router, streaming player, replacement television, or computer software. An external player may change which company handles an app session, but it is not an ACR-disable device for the television.
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Roku TV
Roku’s documented route is:
- Open Settings.
- Select Privacy.
- Open Smart TV Experience.
- Highlight Automatic Content Recognition (ACR).
- Press OK to clear the checkbox and turn it off.
Roku says ACR can recognize content from streaming services, antenna input, and connected devices. Its description uses fingerprint matching against a catalog. The support article was updated June 23, 2026.
Roku also states that information collected or used while ACR was enabled is retained after you disable it: If you enable this setting and then later disable it, the data that was collected or used while the setting was enabled will be retained by Roku.
Disabling the switch therefore limits future ACR activity but is not a deletion request. If deletion is important, check Roku’s account and privacy options separately rather than interpreting the checkbox as a purge.
Samsung Smart TV
Samsung describes ACR as optional on certain Smart TV models. It works only if enabled during initial setup or later in the television’s settings. Samsung does not publish one breadcrumb that applies to every model, so use the on-screen search or browse the privacy and Smart Hub sections.
- Open Settings.
- Enter Privacy, Terms & Privacy, or the Smart Hub privacy area, depending on the model.
- Look for Viewing Information Services, ACR, viewing-information collection, or a similarly named agreement.
- Open the control and decline, disable, or withdraw the optional viewing-information permission.
- Read the television’s Smart Hub notices for any separate viewing-history or personalized-service switch.
Samsung says its ACR may create viewing history and collect identifiers such as a Personalized Service ID and IP address. Samsung’s own statement is: Please note that Samsung does not record or watch any of the content displayed on your Smart TV.
That sentence describes Samsung’s implementation; it is not a general statement about other brands’ systems. Samsung’s statement about not recording or watching content should also be read alongside its disclosure that enabled ACR can generate signatures and viewing-history information.
LG televisions
LG’s September 2026 statement says users can choose whether to use ACR and can disable it in TV settings, but it does not provide one universal menu sequence. On your model, open Settings and search for ACR, Live Plus, viewing information, or privacy agreements.
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- Open Settings and enter Privacy, General, or the agreements/privacy center.
- Review any control labeled Live Plus, ACR, viewing-information services, or interest-based viewing features.
- Turn the viewing-recognition feature off or withdraw its optional agreement.
- Check separately for voice recognition and interest-based advertising permissions.
LG says optional features such as ACR, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising require separate agreements. Users can manage or withdraw those agreements in settings. In supported markets, declining optional agreements does not block core smart-TV functionality. Depending on market, accepted agreements, and services, LG says ACR-related viewing information may be shared with LG Ad Solutions for audience segmentation and trend analysis; interest-based or cross-device advertising requires separate consent.
Because LG’s wording and agreement availability can depend on market, do not treat an absent Live Plus label as proof that no viewing-information feature exists. Check the current privacy center and the model-specific manual.
VIZIO televisions
VIZIO calls its ACR-associated collection Viewing Data. For current VIZIO OS products, use:
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- Open All Settings.
- Select Privacy & Legal.
- Choose Viewing Data.
- Switch it off and confirm the change if prompted.
Older products may instead use All Settings > Admin & Privacy > Viewing Data. If you are looking for advertising controls rather than ACR, the route also varies by generation:
- Pre-2024 products: Menu > Admin & Privacy > Advertising > Limited Ad Tracking.
- Products after 2024: Menu > Privacy & Legal > Advertising > Limited Ad Tracking.
- Pre-2020 products may use another menu arrangement.
VIZIO says turning off Viewing Data does not affect product performance or online services. Its current supplement says that switching Viewing Data off triggers deletion of historical Viewing Data logs from VIZIO’s database. The same policy says other Activity Data may remain and that the Viewing Data switch does not itself stop Activity Data collection. Advertising personalization is a separate control.
That combination is easy to misread: VIZIO can delete the historical logs associated with Viewing Data while still collecting Activity Data under a different policy. If your goal is fewer personalized ads, visit Limited Ad Tracking as a separate step; disabling Viewing Data alone is not that choice.
Sony BRAVIA with Samba Interactive TV
Samba Interactive TV is a third-party service available only on certain BRAVIA models and must be opted into. For supported models, Sony’s current support route is:
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- Select Samba Interactive TV.
- Disable the feature and confirm.
Sony says disabling it stops collection of the TV’s content-viewing history. This control is model-scoped; do not assume every Sony television includes Samba Interactive TV. If you also use Samba mobile applications, review those apps separately because the TV switch does not necessarily change their permissions.
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Other brands and operating systems
Do not apply a Roku, Samsung, LG, VIZIO, or Sony path to another television. A single brand can ship sets using different operating systems, and the same model family can receive different menus after an update. For an unverified model, open its current support page and search the television’s privacy settings for:
- ACR or Automatic Content Recognition
- Viewing Information or Viewing Data
- Live Plus
- Smart TV Experience
- Interactive TV, Samba, or a similar service name
Verify the exact model number, software version, and region before following a guide. If the option is absent, the set may not support ACR, may use a different name, or may expose the control only during setup or agreement management. Do not infer that a Fire TV, TCL, or Hisense set follows one universal route: the platform and operating system can differ between models sold under the same brand.
What remains on after ACR is off
An ACR toggle addresses the feature named in that menu. It should not be described as a master privacy switch. Depending on the television and services you use, separate collection may include:
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- Device diagnostics, crash reports, and performance data
- IP address, approximate location, or network information
- Voice requests and voice-recognition services
- Account activity and cloud-service interactions
- Advertising identifiers and ad-personalization choices
An FTC-hosted 2019 paper notes that privacy policies can still cover information such as location and app choices when ACR is off. VIZIO explicitly distinguishes Viewing Data from Activity Data, and says the latter is not limited by turning off Viewing Data. LG likewise presents ACR, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising as separate optional agreements.
Turning off ACR also does not stop a streaming service’s own collection inside its app. A Netflix, YouTube, or other app account can have separate history, personalization, and diagnostic settings. The TV-level switch addresses the TV platform’s named recognition feature, not every company whose app runs on the screen.
Does disabling ACR delete old viewing history?
There is no universal answer. Roku says data collected or used while ACR was enabled is retained after opt-out. VIZIO says turning off Viewing Data deletes historical Viewing Data logs from its database, while other Activity Data may remain. Those are vendor-specific policies, not a guarantee for every platform.
If deletion matters, look for a separate Delete history, Clear viewing data, account-privacy request, or data-rights form after switching off ACR. Save the confirmation screen or request number. Do not assume that clearing a local menu erases server-side records, or that a server-side deletion removes unrelated app and account data.
When a vendor does not state a deletion result, the safest expectation is simply that collection is disabled going forward under that control. Ask support whether disabling the feature deletes historical records, how long records are retained, and whether an account-level request is required.
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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.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
ACR, advertising, and external devices: practical limits
Disabling ACR may reduce viewing-based measurement or targeted advertising associated with the TV platform, but it does not automatically disable every ad identifier. VIZIO’s Limited Ad Tracking control is separate from Viewing Data. On LG sets, interest-based and cross-device advertising require their own consent. Review each advertising, personalization, and account option independently.
Signing out of optional services can reduce account-linked processing, but it does not prove that the TV’s ACR is disabled. Using an external streaming device changes which platform handles an app session; it does not switch off ACR in the television itself. The documented controls are the reliable way to disable the named feature.
There is no purchase cost for carrying out these steps. The controls are software settings already present on supported televisions. A new device might be useful for other reasons, but it is not required and should not be marketed as a way to disable ACR.
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Why ACR privacy controls matter
ACR has attracted regulatory attention because viewing data can reveal habits even when a viewer never types a search. A 2019 FTC-hosted paper reports that VIZIO paid $2.2 million to settle FTC charges alleging that it used ACR to track viewing data without users’ knowledge or consent. That is a historical enforcement figure, not a current fine or a measure of today’s television market.
The practical lesson is to inspect the consent screen rather than infer behavior from the brand name. Check what inputs are covered, whether the feature is optional, which identifiers are collected, how long records are retained, and whether advertising or app data is governed by a different switch.
Troubleshooting when the option is missing
- Search the menu: use the TV’s settings search for “ACR,” “viewing,” “Live Plus,” “privacy,” and “advertising.”
- Check setup agreements: some models expose viewing-information consent only in Smart Hub, account, or initial-setup notices.
- Confirm the model: menus can differ between otherwise similar screen sizes and production years.
- Install the current software: an update can add, move, or rename privacy controls; record the old setting before updating.
- Check the region: a feature or agreement may be unavailable in your market.
- Separate TV and app settings: an app’s own tracking permission may remain even after the TV-level feature is disabled.
- Contact support with the model and version: ask specifically for the current path to ACR, viewing data, or interactive-TV consent, not for a generic privacy reset.
If a reset is suggested by support, understand what it changes before accepting it. A factory reset may remove accounts and personal settings, but it is not the same as a documented server-side deletion and may not be necessary to disable ACR.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick comparison
| Platform | Setting and path | Activation | Inputs described | Earlier data | Separate controls and limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku TV | Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience > Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) | Controlled by the ACR checkbox | Streaming, antenna, and connected devices | Roku says retained after opt-out | Model/software menus can change; other privacy controls remain separate |
| Samsung Smart TV | Settings privacy or Smart Hub notices; look for Viewing Information Services | Optional on certain models; enabled during setup or later | Samsung describes viewing signatures and history | Deletion outcome not stated in the cited guidance | Identifiers, IP address, and other Smart Hub choices are separate |
| LG | Model-specific Settings; search for ACR or Live Plus | Optional agreement | Market and service dependent | Deletion outcome not stated in the cited guidance | Voice recognition and interest-based advertising require separate agreements |
| VIZIO | Current: All Settings > Privacy & Legal > Viewing Data; older: All Settings > Admin & Privacy > Viewing Data | Viewing Data switch | ACR-associated Viewing Data | VIZIO says historical Viewing Data logs are deleted when switched off | Activity Data and Limited Ad Tracking are separate |
| Sony BRAVIA with Samba | System Preferences > Samba Interactive TV | Opt-in third-party service on supported models | TV content-viewing history | Sony says collection stops; deletion details are not stated | Model-scoped; mobile-app permissions are separate |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing ACR with the microphone: voice recognition is a separate permission on platforms that offer it.
- Confusing ACR with ad tracking: a Limited Ad Tracking or interest-based-advertising switch may remain on after ACR is off.
- Assuming “off” means “deleted”: Roku expressly retains data collected while ACR was enabled.
- Using a guide for the wrong generation: VIZIO paths differ before and after 2024, and pre-2020 products can differ again.
- Applying one brand’s path to another: even one manufacturer can use multiple operating systems and menu layouts.
- Resetting unnecessarily: a factory reset is not required by the documented controls and can remove unrelated settings.
- Forgetting mobile permissions: Sony notes that Samba mobile apps may need separate review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to find ACR on my TV?
Open Settings and search for ACR, Automatic Content Recognition, Viewing Data, Viewing Information Services, Live Plus, Smart TV Experience, or Interactive TV. If the search returns nothing, check the privacy, Smart Hub, agreements, and advertising sections for your exact model.
Does turning off ACR stop all TV tracking?
No. It addresses the named viewing-recognition feature. App usage, diagnostics, IP or location information, voice services, account activity, advertising identifiers, and other Activity Data can be governed by separate controls.
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Do I need to buy a device to disable ACR?
No. The documented controls are settings already built into supported televisions. An external streaming device may change which platform handles an app session, but it does not switch off ACR in the TV.
Will turning off Roku ACR delete what Roku already collected?
Roku says information collected or used while ACR was enabled is retained after you disable the setting. Disabling the checkbox limits future ACR activity but is not a deletion request.
What happens to old VIZIO Viewing Data?
VIZIO’s current supplement says turning Viewing Data off triggers deletion of historical Viewing Data logs from its database. VIZIO also says other Activity Data may remain, and the Viewing Data switch does not itself stop that collection.
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Samsung describes ACR as optional on certain Smart TV models and says it works only if enabled during setup or later in settings. Check your model’s Viewing Information Services and Smart Hub notices rather than assuming.
What is Live Plus on an LG TV?
Live Plus is one label that may identify an LG viewing-recognition control. LG’s menu route is model- and market-specific, so search the current privacy or agreements area for Live Plus, ACR, or viewing information.
Does every Sony BRAVIA have Samba Interactive TV?
No. Sony describes Samba Interactive TV as a third-party service on certain supported BRAVIA models that must be opted into. If present, Sony’s route is System Preferences > Samba Interactive TV.
Why can’t I find the option after a software update?
The control may have moved, been renamed, or become part of an agreement screen. Verify the exact model, software version, and region, then search current privacy, Smart Hub, viewing, and advertising menus or contact support.
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Does disabling ACR stop personalized ads?
Not necessarily. VIZIO’s Limited Ad Tracking control is separate from Viewing Data, and LG treats interest-based and cross-device advertising as separate agreements. Review advertising and personalization settings independently.
Can I use an external streaming player to avoid TV ACR?
An external player changes which platform handles that player’s session, but it does not prove that the television’s own ACR is disabled. Turn off the TV-level control as well and review the player’s privacy settings separately.
What did the FTC case involving VIZIO concern?
A 2019 FTC-hosted paper reports that VIZIO paid $2.2 million to settle charges alleging that it used ACR to track viewing data without users’ knowledge or consent. That is historical enforcement context, not a current market statistic.
The Bottom Line
Use the TV’s own privacy controls to turn off ACR, Viewing Data, Viewing Information Services, Live Plus, or Samba Interactive TV, then verify the setting stayed off. Roku, Samsung, LG, VIZIO, and Sony use different labels and model-specific paths. Treat deletion, advertising limits, voice controls, diagnostics, app permissions, and account privacy as separate tasks. No purchase is required, and disabling ACR is a targeted reduction in viewing recognition—not a promise that every form of TV data collection has stopped.
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