“My TV keeps turning off! Is this a sign that I’ve been watching too much?”
Perhaps this is the universe’s way of communicating.
That you’ve binge-watched way many series.
Just kidding!
Let’s get this issue of yours fixed, so you can do your thing..
Continue reading to find out:
- Simple practices to prevent your TV from overheating.
- 3 ways to turn off HDMI-CEC depending on your TV brand.
- 5 easy steps to update your TV’s firmware with a USB flash drive.
- External devices that have been known to cause problems to TVs.
- And much much more…
Why does my TV turn on then off immediately?
Your TV turns on then off immediately because of power connection issues. It may be due to an improperly connected plug or a faulty power cord. Additionally, external devices connected to your TV may also cause problems. In some cases, it can be a motherboard issue, which would require repair.
My TV turns on then off immediately: 15 fixes
#1: Perform a power cycle
There’s a reason every gadget manufacturer recommends power cycling.
Power cycling is a complete reset of your electronic device.
It fixes most tech issues.
And yes, that includes a TV that turns on and off intermittently.
Here’s how you do it:
- Switch off your TV.
- Unplug it from the power outlet.
- Wait for about 30 seconds to a minute or 2.
- Plug it back in and try to turn it on.
Didn’t work the first time?
You may try to repeat this process. Sometimes it takes a few power cycles to resolve a particular issue.
#2: Secure your TV’s power connection
There are 2 things you need to do regarding your TV’s power connection.
Step 1: Check the one end of the power cord. The one for the back of your TV.
Make sure it’s firmly attached to your TV. If you can wiggle it, then it’s not tight enough. Try to push it further into the TV’s port until it’s secure.
Step 2: Check the other end of the power cord. The one you plug into the outlet.
Again, see to it that it’s plugged in tightly.
And if you think the outlet itself is faulty? You may simply try to plug your TV into another outlet. One that you’re sure actually works.
#3: Check for power cord damage
It may also be a case of a faulty power cord.
This may be what’s preventing your TV from getting sustained electricity.
Do you have another TV at home?
If you do, try using its power cord. Connect it to the TV that’s having issues.
You may also simply purchase power cords online. Even generic ones should work fine with your TV.
#4: Remove your remote control’s batteries
Another possible cause of your TV turning on and off?
A faulty remote control.
Perhaps the power button may have been stuck.
The fastest way to resolve this is to simply remove the remote’s batteries.
Faulty remote controls are easily replaceable. Especially with universal remotes readily available for purchase online.
#5: Replace your surge protector
A surge protector is an equipment that performs two main functions:
- Protect devices from voltage surge.
- Allow for multiple devices to connect at once.
But a defective surge protector may also cause problems. Such as power fluctuations that may cause your TV to turn off.
Try to unplug your TV from a surge protector, if you’re using one. Then plug your TV directly into a wall outlet.
If this fixes the issue, then you have a faulty surge protector. And you may have to replace it.
#6: Turn off your TV’s HDMI-CEC Settings
“What exactly is HDMI-CEC?”
The “CEC” in HDMI-CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control.
This feature allows you to manage external devices connected to your TV.
With this feature, control multiple HDMI-connected devices. Using only your TV remote.
Modern TVs have this feature. But sometimes, using it causes TVs to behave abnormally. So you might want to turn it off.
Here are 3 different TV brands with ways to disable HDMI-CEC:
For Samsung TV
- Grab your remote and click Home.
- Look for Settings then go to General.
- Navigate to External Device Manager.
- Highlight AnyNet+ to switch it off.
For Sony BRAVIA
- Click Home.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Highlight External Inputs.
- Click BRAVIA Sync Settings.
- Go Auto Devices Off and choose Off.
For LG TV
- Click the remote’s Home button.
- Select Settings and go to General.
- Highlight SIMPLINK and toggle the button to Off.
For other brands, you may refer to the user’s manual.
#7: Disable Timer-related settings
Old and new TV models all have timers. You can set it up as a way to control your watching habit.
But when your TV is turning off on its own?
It may be a case of someone setting up the timer. Or you may have accidentally turned it on.
The way to turn the timer off varies per TV. But it’s generally found in your TV’s Settings menu.
Check if a timer is indeed set and turn it off.
#8: Switch off your TV’s Eco Mode feature
Most modern Smart TVs offer eco-friendly, power-saving solutions.
One example is Samsung’s Eco Solution feature.
This neat feature automatically adjusts brightness. It also prevents overheating.
But as beneficial as it is?
It has drawbacks. In particular, it’s sometimes the reason why some TVs switch on and off on their own.
Do you happen to own a Samsung TV? If you do, then you might want to turn off this feature.
This is how you do it:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Eco Solution.
- Scroll down to Power Saving Mode and click Off.
#9: Disable features that turn your smartphone into a remote
For convenience, modern Smart TVs allow users to turn their phones into a remote.
An example is Power On with Mobile. Found in Samsung TVs.
Sony BRAVIA, on the other hand, has Video & TV SideView.
As great as this feature is, there’ve also been reports that this causes TVs to malfunction.
Here are ways to turn them off:
For Samsung’s Power On with Mobile
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings then General.
- Navigate to Network and click.
- Select Expert Settings.
- Select Power On with Mobile and press enter to turn it off.
For Sony’s Video & TV SideView
- Press your remote’s Home button.
- Select Settings and go to Network.
- Select Home Network Setup.
- Navigate to Remote Device/Renderer and toggle it off.
Editor’s pick: 7 Easy Ways To Connect Phone To TV Without Wi-Fi
#10: Disconnect all external devices
External devices help us get the most out of our TVs.
But as is the case with modern electronic devices. They’re all prone to glitches. And these glitches may affect the TV itself.
For instance, some models of Bose Smart Soundbar have been known to cause issues with LG TVs.
There have also been cases of Google Chromecast causing Samsung TVs to turn off.
This problem also sometimes happens when you connect gaming consoles to your TV.
The best solution?
Disconnect all external devices. At least temporarily.
But make sure to turn off your TV first before doing that. Once all the external devices are removed? Go ahead and power on your TV.
You might also want to know: (11 Fixes) Samsung TV Chromecast Not Working
#11: Update your TV’s firmware
As is the case with smartphones and laptops. Your Smart TV also needs periodical firmware updates.
These updates help enhance your TV’s functionalities. They also fix bugs that might be causing issues.
Of course, it’s difficult to update your TV’s firmware when it’s on and off.
That’s why we recommend doing it through a USB drive.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your TV manufacturer’s official website.
- Download the firmware update. This will vary per model.
- Unzip the contents you downloaded.
- Save the unzipped content to a USB flash drive.
- Plug your flash drive into your TV’s USB slot.
The update should automatically install.
#12: Disconnect from Wi-Fi
Smart TVs these days have become, well, even smarter.
You can even control them now with voice commands.
Smart home devices such as Alexa, SmartThings, and Google Home make it all possible. But they’re also prone to glitches.
And if you think your home device is causing the issue? A quick way to check is by simply disconnecting your TV from the Wi-Fi.
In fact, apps in Smart TVs are common culprits for periodic malfunctions.
And with most of them needing the internet to function? Sometimes it helps to watch TV the old-school way. Without the internet. It resolves a lot of issues.
#13: Prevent your TV from overheating
Overheating is detrimental to your TV. And it’s sometimes the reason why it’s turning on and off immediately.
One way to prevent overheating: ensure your TV has proper ventilation.
Is your TV located in a cramped space? Such as under the stairs? Or in between appliances and furniture?
If so, try moving your TV to another location. With enough air space.
Another way to prevent overheating: turn off your TV when not in use.
Allow your TV to cool down. If you can, take a break from TV usage. Turn it off. Unplug it. And wait for a few hours or a few days before using it again.
#14: Check if there are nearby TVs
This one is more unusual. But there’s been anecdotal evidence that it’s happened before.
Remote control signals of one TV may affect another nearby similar TV.
So perhaps the reason why your TV is turning off?
It’s because another person is using a TV in an adjacent room. And the remote signal is inadvertently also affecting your TV.
If that’s the case, try to turn off and unplug the other TV.
If the other TV’s remote is the one causing problems? Remove the batteries.
#15: Perform a factory reset
This should be a last resort solution.
But what if you really couldn’t find the settings causing your TV to turn off?
Then you may consider performing a complete factory reset.
It will vary depending on your TV. But generally, you can find this option under the Settings menu.
It’s best to refer to the user manual for details on how to do a factory reset.
And in case you no longer have your manual? You may easily search for a copy online.
Check out this video on how to factory reset a Samsung TV:
Warning: Factory resetting will wipe out all your custom settings. This includes your saved accounts and passwords.
Bonus: Contact your TV’s manufacturer
When all troubleshooting steps don’t fix your TV’s issue. Then there may likely be a more serious cause.
Such as a defective motherboard. For internal hardware problems, it’s best to contact your TV’s manufacturer for repair.
If it’s an actual manufacturing issue, the repair should generally be for free.
And if there are other causes of the hardware problems? It’s advisable to refer to the details of your TV’s warranty.