Why Does My TV Turn Off By Itself?

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?

Engaged Timer or Power-Saving Mode

Many TVs have power-saving features designed to conserve energy. One such feature includes a timer that automatically shuts off the television after a certain time frame. You may have accidentally set a timer, or someone in your household may have made the switch. The other power-saving feature is eco-mode, which sends your TV into power-saving sleep mode after a period of inactivity.

While these features are great for reducing energy usage, it can be irritating if your TV shuts down while you’re still watching. Take a look at your TV’s settings menu and look for any power-saving options. Disable or adjust these settings to see if it resolves your TV turning off unexpectedly.

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.

Faulty Remote

Believe it or not, a malfunctioning remote control could be the culprit behind your TV woes. If the power button on your remote is stuck or sending intermittent signals, it could cause your TV to turn off unexpectedly.

Poor Ventilation

TVs generate heat when in use, and if they’re not adequately ventilated, this heat can build up and trigger automatic shutdowns as a safety measure to prevent damage. Feel the back of your TV for excessive heat buildup. If it feels warmer than usual, ensure that there’s proper ventilation around the TV. If needed, consider placing a small fan nearby to improve airflow.

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 TV with rent-to-own, like a Samsung, 70″ QLED 4K Smart TV, for a sleek design and built-in features like the Samsung Gaming Hub 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, you can 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. It’s a good idea to make sure “Eco-Mode” is not engaged as well.

3. Check for poor ventilation.

Ensure that your TV is in a well-ventilated area, free from obstructions that might hinder airflow. Accumulated dust can also cause ventilation issues and lead to overheating. Use a soft cloth or compressed air to gently clean the ventilation ports and the back of your TV.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Temporarily disconnect your Wi-Fi.

Is your TV connected or casting to smart home devices like Google Home™ or 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.

8. 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
• Samsung: Anynet+.
• Sony: BRAVIA Sync
• Toshiba: Regza Link or CE-Link
• Vizio: CEC

9. 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 or spontaneous shutdowns — 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.

10. ​​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.

11. Contact the professionals

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and your TV still turns off by itself, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact the manufacturer’s customer support or a certified technician for further troubleshooting steps and potential repair.

12. Shop for a new TV.

Maybe you have an older TV model. Perhaps the cost of repairing your television is too high. Or maybe, your TV has other issues like poor picture quality, crackly and inconsistent speaker sounds, or visible TV lines that all point to one dreadful (yet exciting!) fact — it’s time to upgrade your TV.

Rent-A-Center has your back! Not only do we offer flexible payment options — without using credit — and free delivery, but our TV buying guide can walk you through the steps for choosing the perfect rent-to-own option. Whether you’re stumped on choosing the right TV size, finding the best options for video gaming or movie nights, or trying to choose between QLED, OLED, or UHD TV. We have everything you need to make the best decision for your household.

Upgrade to a New TV Today

Is your TV turning on and off by itself? Sure, you could have a ghost in your home. Or, it could just be time to upgrade your TV! We can’t help you with ghostbusting, but we CAN help you find the best rent-to-own TV! You deserve a new TV that only turns off when you want it to, so browse rent-to-own TVs online and visit your nearest Rent-A-Center to experience them in person.