Samsung TV Keeps Turning On and Off by Itself - Simple Fixes

You're settling in for movie night, ready to enjoy your favorite show, when suddenly your Samsung TV turns off by itself. A few seconds later, it turns back on, only to repeat the cycle.

Common Causes and Quick Checks

Before diving into specific fixes, start with these basic troubleshooting steps:

Check power connections: Make sure the TV is properly plugged into a working outlet and the power cord is firmly connected
Test different outlets: Try plugging the TV directly into a wall outlet instead of a power strip or surge protector
Inspect the remote: Look for stuck buttons or damage that might be sending unintended signals

Power Supply and Electrical Issues

One of the most common reasons for automatic power cycling is insufficient power delivery. When you turn on your TV, it draws more power than during normal operation. If your electrical socket can't provide enough stable power, the TV may shut down to protect itself.

Solutions for power issues:

Plug the TV directly into a wall outlet with stable voltage
Use a high-capacity surge protector
Avoid using extension cords or power strips with multiple devices
Check if other devices on the same circuit are causing power fluctuations

HDMI-CEC and Connected Devices

Many modern devices use HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to communicate with your TV. This feature allows connected devices like gaming consoles, streaming sticks, and soundbars to turn your TV on and off automatically.

Disable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+):

Go to Settings → General → External Device Manager → Anynet+
Turn off this feature to prevent connected devices from controlling your TV's power

Power Saving and Timer Settings

Samsung TVs include several automatic power management features that can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.

Disable Auto Power Off

This feature turns off the TV after a period of inactivity to save energy.

To disable:

Navigate to Settings → General → Eco Solution → Auto Power Off
Select "Off"

Turn Off Sleep Timer

The sleep timer automatically turns off the TV after a set time, which can be accidentally enabled.

To disable:

Go to Settings → General → System Manager → Time → Sleep Timer

Select "Off"

Software and Firmware Updates

Outdated software can cause various issues, including power cycling problems. Samsung regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

Update your TV's software:

Navigate to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now
Let the TV complete the update process and restart

Overheating Protection

Samsung TVs have built-in thermal protection that automatically shuts down the TV if it gets too hot. This prevents damage to internal components.

Prevent overheating:

Ensure proper ventilation around the TV
Don't place the TV in enclosed spaces or cabinets
Keep vents clear of dust and obstructions
Avoid placing heat-producing devices near the TV

Power Cycle and Reset Procedures

Sometimes, a simple power cycle can resolve temporary software glitches causing the power cycling issue.

Complete Power Cycle

Steps for a full power cycle:

1.Turn off your Samsung TV
2.Unplug the power cord from the outlet
3.

Click to expand
4.Press and hold the power button on the TV for 60 seconds
5.Plug the power cord back in
6.

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7.Turn on the TV

This process discharges any residual power and clears temporary memory issues.

Security Scan for Connected Devices

While rare, malware or problematic apps from connected devices could potentially cause system instability.

Perform a security scan:

Navigate to Settings → General → System Manager → Smart Security → Scan
Let the scan complete and address any issues found

When to Contact Support

If you've tried all these solutions and your Samsung TV continues to turn on and off by itself, it might indicate a hardware problem. Contact Samsung support or a qualified technician if: