Most Smart TVs track what you watch using Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). Disable ACR and personalized ads immediately to stop your viewing habits, app usage, and TV activity from being shared with advertisers and data brokers in 2026.
On Samsung TVs, go to Settings > General & Privacy > Terms & Privacy. Turn off “Viewing Information Services” and disable “Interest-Based Advertisements” to stop the TV from collecting viewing history and creating personalized advertising profiles.
LG, Roku, and Sony TVs also hide tracking controls deep in menus. Disable “Live Plus” on LG, uncheck “Use Info from TV Inputs” on Roku, and switch off “Samba Interactive TV” or viewing data collection on Sony TVs.
Voice assistants and microphones can collect voice commands and ambient audio. Open Voice or Microphone settings and disable speech recognition, hands-free voice control, and assistant tracking to improve privacy and reduce unnecessary data collection on your Smart TV.
Some premium Smart TVs include built-in cameras for video calls and gesture controls. Cover the camera physically or disconnect it entirely if unused. Also review app permissions and remove microphone, camera, or location access from unnecessary apps.
For stronger protection, disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi and use external streaming devices instead. Devices like streaming boxes offer better permission controls and reduce manufacturer-level tracking. Advanced users can also block tracking domains through router DNS settings.
Never auto-accept privacy terms after software updates. Regularly review tracking settings, disable diagnostics sharing, and keep firmware updated for security fixes. Small privacy changes in 2026 can significantly reduce how much data your Smart TV collects every day.
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