TV Turns On by Itself in the Middle of the Night: Causes & Fixes 2025

Why Your TV Turns On by Itself at Night

Waking up to your TV blaring in the middle of the night is unsettling — but the cause is rarely paranormal. Most smart TVs power on automatically because of built-in “smart” features, connected-device signals, or network wake-up triggers. Here’s what’s really happening and how to stop it.

Top Technical Causes

• HDMI-CEC turned on (connected devices wake the TV)
• Active power-on timers (accidentally configured auto-on setting)
• Wi-Fi and smart home links (Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings sending triggers)
• Firmware updates overnight (TV restarts automatically after installing updates)
• Power surges or Fast Start (auto wake-up feature after a brief outage)
• Remote signal interference (stuck power button or another remote in close range)

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Turn Off HDMI-CEC

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) allows devices to control each other — but if your set-top box or console updates at night, your TV might wake up too.

How to Disable HDMI-CEC by Brand:

• Samsung: Settings → General → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) → Off
• LG: Settings → Connection → HDMI Settings → SimpLink (HDMI-CEC) → Off
• Sony Bravia: Settings → Watching TV → External Inputs → Bravia Sync (HDMI-CEC) → Off
• TCL or Roku: Settings → System → Control Other Devices (CEC) → Uncheck all options

Disabling this stops devices like Blu-ray players, consoles, or streaming boxes from automatically powering the TV.

2. Check and Disable Power-On Timers

Many TVs let you schedule power-on and power-off times for convenience — but sometimes these are set accidentally.

• Open Settings → Timers → Power On / Power Off (naming may vary by brand).
• Ensure all scheduled times are disabled.

3. Disconnect from Wi-Fi Temporarily

Smart assistants and mobile apps can turn on your TV without permission. Try disconnecting Wi-Fi to isolate the issue:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Off.
2. Leave unplugged from Wi-Fi for 24–48 hours.

If the TV stays off, a smart app like Alexa or SmartThings is sending wake commands.

4. Disable “Fast Start” or “Quick Start”

This mode keeps your TV in sleep mode for instant wake time — but it also triggers reboots after power glitches.

• LG: Settings → General → Devices → TV Management → QuickStart+ → Off
• TCL: Settings → System → Power → Fast TV Start → Off
• Sony: Settings → Power → Auto Start or Fast TV Start → Off

5. Clean Remote Buttons and Sensors

Something as simple as a jammed remote power button can repeatedly turn the TV on. Clean the remote and remove batteries for a night test. Also, ensure sunlight or nearby infrared devices aren’t interfering with the TV sensor.

6. Check the Event Log (Samsung & LG Models)

Modern TVs record event logs showing what triggered power-on.

1. Go to Settings → Support → About This TV → Event Log.
2. Search for entries like “CEC command,” “Alexa trigger,” or “Power-On Reason.”
3. Use this info to identify which device activates your TV.

7. Reboot and Update Firmware

Firmware bugs can cause false power-on commands. To fix:

1. Press Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
2. Once the update completes, unplug the TV for 5 minutes and reconnect.

8. Disconnect External Devices Overnight

Some connected boxes or receivers send wake signals during nightly refreshes or software scans. Unplug HDMI or USB devices overnight (like cable boxes, game consoles, USB sticks) to see if it resolves the issue.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Auto Power-On Issues

Use a Smart Plug Timer

Install a smart plug or outlet timer to cut power completely after bedtime. This guarantees the TV cannot turn itself on while you sleep.

Factory Reset the TV

If none of the steps work, reset your TV to its original factory settings:

1. Settings → General → Reset → Confirm PIN → OK.
2. Reconfigure your apps and inputs manually afterward.

Update Smart Home Settings

If linked with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit:

• Open the app → Find your TV → Disable “Routines” or “Wake” commands.
• Recheck any scheduled automations that power the TV automatically.

Brand-Specific Solutions

Samsung TVs

• Disable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) and Intelligent Mode.
• Check Event Log for “CEC Command” or “Mobile App Trigger.”
• Update via Settings → Support → Software Update.

LG TVs

• Turn off Simplink (CEC).
• Go to Settings → General → Additional Settings → WOL (Wake-on-LAN) → Off.
• Disable QuickStart+ for better power control.

Sony Bravia

• Deactivate Bravia Sync under External Inputs.
• Go to Settings → Network → Remote Start → Off.
• Turn off scheduled power features.

TCL / Roku TVs

• Turn off Fast Start and HDMI-CEC in System Settings.
• Unpair or reset any Roku Remote apps that wake the TV.

Bonus Tip: When It’s Not Technical…

While most “ghost power-on” issues are technical, other household factors can trigger them too:

• Infrared interference from nearby electronics or sunlight reflection.
• Pets or accidental remote triggers in bedding or furniture cushions.
• Nearby neighbors sharing Wi-Fi or same universal remotes with overlapping frequencies.

As humorous as it sounds, these real-world “haunted TV” cases are more common than you think!

Best YouTube Video Tutorial (2025)

For a full demonstration covering HDMI-CEC, Wi-Fi, and power setting fixes, watch the latest guide below:

▶ Stop Your TV from Turning On by Itself (YouTube 2025)