Many users are unaware that their smart TVs are equipped with microphones capable of capturing sound even when voice commands are turned off. These tiny microphones enable voice searches and assistants, but they also pose significant privacy concerns. If you value your personal conversations, taking a few minutes to disable your TV’s microphone can make a substantial difference.

Most modern smart TVs include a physical microphone switch, often located along the bottom or side edges of the screen. For example, Samsung models typically have a “Built-in MIC” switch near the bottom right. Switching it to “off” physically cuts power to the microphone, ensuring your conversations remain private.

If your TV lacks a physical switch, access the settings menu via your remote. Navigate to sections like System, Privacy, or Voice Settings. Here, you can deactivate voice recognition or microphone access options. Many devices also feature a push-to-talk remote button, which activates voice control only when pressed, providing an extra layer of privacy.

Though disabling the microphone on your TV reduces unwanted listening, remember that connected smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant may still be active on other devices. It’s advisable to review privacy settings across all linked platforms to prevent continuous audio monitoring.

Experts emphasize that managing device permissions is essential for maintaining digital privacy. Disabling your TV’s microphone is a simple step that allows you to enjoy smart features while safeguarding your conversations from potential eavesdropping.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.