Your Smart TV is essentially a large computer connected to your home network, and like any connected device, it comes with security and privacy considerations that many consumers overlook. Modern Smart TVs collect data about your viewing habits, can include microphones for voice commands, and connect to your home WiFi network where other sensitive devices reside.
While Smart TV manufacturers have improved their security practices over the years, understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself is essential. This guide covers the key security concerns with Smart TVs and provides practical steps to keep your television and your data secure.
Understanding Smart TV Privacy Concerns
Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand what data Smart TVs collect and how it might be used. Most Smart TV manufacturers collect some or all of the following information:
- What you watch, including apps used and content viewed
- How long you watch particular content
- Your viewing patterns and schedules
- Device information and technical data
- Voice commands if you use voice features
- Connected device information on your network
This data is typically used for content recommendations, targeted advertising, and improving services. While not inherently malicious, many consumers are uncomfortable with this level of data collection in their living rooms.
Many Smart TVs use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology that essentially takes screenshots of what you're watching and compares them to a database to identify content. This works regardless of whether you're watching streaming apps, cable, or even content from a USB drive.
Securing Your Smart TV: Essential Steps
1. Keep Your TV Software Updated
Just like your computer or smartphone, your Smart TV receives software updates that patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if available, or manually check for updates regularly. Navigate to your TV's settings menu, find the software or system section, and look for update options.
On Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Support > Software Update. On LG TVs, go to Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates. Sony Google TVs typically update automatically when connected to the internet.
2. Secure Your Home Network
Your Smart TV is only as secure as your home WiFi network. Ensure your router uses WPA3 encryption (or at minimum WPA2), has a strong unique password, and has its firmware updated. Consider creating a separate guest network for your Smart TV and IoT devices to isolate them from your main network where computers and phones with sensitive data connect.
- Use a strong, unique WiFi password (12+ characters)
- Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption
- Change your router's default admin password
- Keep router firmware updated
- Consider a separate IoT network for smart devices
3. Review and Limit Data Collection Settings
All major Smart TV platforms allow you to limit data collection, though these options are often buried in settings menus and opt-out rather than opt-in. Here's how to find these settings on popular platforms:
Samsung Tizen TVs
Go to Settings > General > Privacy > select options to disable viewing data collection and interest-based advertising. Look for "Viewing Information Services" and disable if you prefer not to share viewing data.
LG webOS TVs
Navigate to Settings > All Settings > General > Additional Settings > Live Plus and turn it off. Also check Settings > All Settings > General > User Agreements and review each option.
Google TV (Sony and others)
Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads and enable "Delete advertising ID." Also review permissions for individual apps in Settings > Apps.
4. Manage Voice Assistant Privacy
If your TV has a built-in microphone for voice commands (Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby), consider your comfort level with an always-listening device in your living room. You have several options:
- Disable voice features entirely: Turn off the voice assistant in settings if you don't use it
- Use push-to-talk only: Disable always-listening wake words and use the remote's microphone button instead
- Review voice history: Periodically review and delete stored voice recordings through the assistant's app or website
Some TVs have a physical microphone mute switch - use it when you want guaranteed privacy during sensitive conversations.
5. Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps
Only install apps from your TV's official app store. Third-party or sideloaded apps may not meet the same security standards and could contain malware or collect excessive data. Before installing any app, review what permissions it requests and whether they're reasonable for its function.
A streaming app shouldn't need access to your microphone or contacts. If an app requests permissions that seem excessive for its purpose, consider finding an alternative or not installing it.
6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Streaming Accounts
Each streaming service account you use on your TV should have a strong, unique password. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on streaming accounts where available - services like Netflix, Disney+, and Stan offer this protection.
7. Cover or Disable the Camera
Some Smart TVs include built-in cameras for video calling features. If you don't use this functionality, consider covering the camera with opaque tape or a dedicated camera cover. Alternatively, disable camera access in your TV's settings if that option exists.
Physical Security Considerations
Secure Mounting
While primarily a safety concern, securely mounting your TV prevents theft and accidents. Use appropriate wall mounts rated for your TV's weight and size, and ensure they're attached to wall studs or use appropriate heavy-duty anchors.
Child Safety
Enable parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content and app purchases. Most Smart TVs allow you to set a PIN that's required for certain content ratings or app store purchases. Samsung, LG, and Sony all offer robust parental control options in their settings menus.
What to Do If You Suspect a Compromise
Signs that your Smart TV may have been compromised include unusual behaviour like apps opening on their own, settings changing without your input, or the TV turning on unexpectedly. If you suspect issues:
- Disconnect the TV from your network immediately
- Perform a factory reset to remove any potential malware
- Change your WiFi password before reconnecting
- Update the TV firmware to the latest version
- Re-configure your privacy settings carefully
- Change passwords for any accounts used on the TV
The Privacy vs. Convenience Trade-off
It's worth noting that some data collection enables features you might value, like personalised recommendations. Completely disabling all data collection may impact your user experience. The goal is finding a balance between privacy and convenience that you're comfortable with.
Consider which features matter to you and selectively enable only those. You might not mind sharing viewing data for better recommendations but prefer to disable always-listening microphone features. There's no one-size-fits-all answer - the right settings depend on your personal privacy preferences.
Smart TVs are generally safe when properly configured, but they do require attention to privacy settings that most users never review. Spend 15-20 minutes going through your TV's privacy and security settings when you first set it up, keep the software updated, and you'll significantly reduce any risks while enjoying all the benefits of smart features.
Conclusion
Smart TV security doesn't have to be complicated. By keeping your TV updated, securing your home network, reviewing privacy settings, and being mindful of what data you share, you can enjoy all the benefits of a connected television while protecting your privacy. Take the time to review these settings on your TV today - your future self will thank you.