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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Most people do not realize their smart TV includes microphones that can capture sound even when voice commands are off. These tiny mics power voice search and assistants, but they also pose privacy risks. If that makes you uneasy, you are not alone. The good news is that it takes only a few minutes to disable your smart TV microphone and protect your conversations. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT Step one: Find the built-in mic switch Before opening menus, check your TV's frame. Many models feature a small hardware switch that turns the microphone off completely. Look closely along the bottom or sides of your screen. Some switches are labeled "Built-in MIC." On Samsung TVs, it's often near the bottom right edge when facing the screen. Slide the switch to "off." Your TV may confirm the change with an on-screen message. This is the most reliable way to stop the mic because it physically cuts power to it. Step two: Disable the smart TV microphone in settings If your TV lacks a physical switch, go through its settings menu. While the exact names differ by brand, most follow a similar pattern. Press Home or Settings on your remote. Look for main sections such as System, General or Privacy. Inside, you'll find microphone or voice options labeled Voice Recognition, Voice Assistant or Microphone Access. Examples: Samsung: General → Voice Sony: Privacy → Google Assistant LG: User Agreements → Voice Settings Toggle off every feature that uses the microphone. Some options may appear in more than one place, so check each section carefully. Step three: Balance convenience and privacy Turning off your TV's microphone does not mean you lose smart features. Many remotes include a push-to-talk button that activates voice control only when pressed. If you rarely talk to your TV, keeping the microphone off makes sense. If you like using voice commands, enable it temporarily when you need it. Step four: Check connected devices and apps Even after you disable your smart TV microphone, voice-enabled apps and linked devices may still be listening. Check any connected smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant or Bixby. These platforms can continue capturing audio through your phone, smart speaker or another device on the same network. STOP GOOGLE FROM FOLLOWING YOUR EVERY MOVE Take a moment to review privacy settings in those apps as well. Turning off voice activity tracking across all your devices ensures that nothing in your home listens when you do not want it to. Why smart TVs have microphones at all Manufacturers include microphones to make TVs more interactive. You can ask for weather updates, control volume or find movies with your voice. It's convenient, but it comes with trade-offs. Some companies state in their privacy policies that voice data may be shared with third parties for analysis. That means your living room chatter could leave your home. When you disable your smart TV microphone, you keep the benefits of a modern TV while limiting unwanted data collection. What this means for you By taking a few minutes to change one setting or flip one switch, you gain control over what your TV hears. It's an easy way to improve your digital privacy without losing the entertainment experience you love. You still get streaming apps, vivid displays and fast connectivity, just with added peace of mind. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Kurt's key takeaways Smart TVs offer great features, but convenience should never cost you privacy. Whether you flip a switch or use your settings menu, you have the power to decide when your TV listens. Will you take back your living room privacy today or leave it as it is? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
