Cybersecurity 
You can protect your digital footprint by deleting any accounts you no longer use, adjusting your privacy settings, avoiding oversharing on social media and using a
9 min read
Published on December 11, 2023
Updated on May 16, 2025.
Smart TVs have evolved beyond just being used for entertainment. They’re now part of a broader network of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that help manage and control other smart devices in your home. According to a 2024 report by NETGEAR and Bitdefender, smart TVs were found to be the top devices vulnerable to cyber attacks, making up 31% of all IoT devices. You can tell if your smart TV has been hacked if you notice unusual activity, strange pop-ups, altered privacy settings, slower performance, unauthorized access to your accounts and forced redirects.
Continue reading to learn six signs your smart TV might be hacked, plus tips on how you can keep your smart TV protected.
1. Unusual activity
If your smart TV starts behaving sporadically, it’s a major red flag that something could be wrong. Common signs of unusual activity include your smart TV turning on or off by itself, changing channels, adjusting the volume or opening apps without your input. Hackers can control your smart TV remotely, using it to spy on you or attack other IoT devices in your home. This happened to a couple in Milwaukee who returned home to find their smart thermostat turned up to 90 degrees and a strange voice speaking to them through their smart speakers.
What to do
- Check if any unauthorized devices are connected to your smart TV.
- Reset your TV to factory settings to remove unwanted software.
2. Strange pop-ups or messages
If you start seeing unfamiliar pop-ups or messages on your screen, this is another sign that your smart TV might be hacked. Just like other smart devices, your smart TV is vulnerable to malvertisements, phishing attempts or malware. Strange pop-ups might ask you to click a suspicious link, download software or enter personal information. For example, you might see one that says your TV is infected and you must install software to remove the virus. However, if you interact with these pop-ups or messages, you can inadvertently open the door to serious security issues.
What to do
- Never click on pop-ups or suspicious links.
- Report any strange activity to the TV manufacturer’s support team.
3. Changed privacy settings
Another indicator that your smart TV might have been compromised is if you notice changes to your privacy settings like altered login credentials or data-sharing permissions you didn’t approve. For instance, you might notice the microphone on your smart TV has been re-enabled after you previously disabled it. Hackers can use your smart TV and adjust settings like these to collect personal data, monitor your habits or activate the smart TV’s microphone to eavesdrop on your conversations.
What to do
- Regularly review and update your smart TV’s privacy and security settings.
- Change all passwords associated with your accounts, including streaming services.
4. Slow performance
A sudden decline in your TV’s performance can mean something is wrong. Hackers can install malware or take control of your device, causing it to slow down as unauthorized software runs in the background. You may notice delayed response times when navigating through menus, difficulty streaming content or the screen freezing completely. Although slow performance can sometimes be a result of outdated software or a poor network connection, if these problems continue or grow more frequent, you should investigate further.
What to do
- Check for any software updates and install them.
- Delete any apps you don’t use or recognize.
5. Unauthorized access to your accounts
Since many smart TVs are linked to apps and accounts that store your personal data, hackers see them as valuable targets. A major sign that your smart TV has been hacked is the unauthorized access to your accounts that are linked to your device, such as streaming services, social media or even online shopping accounts. For example, you might open a streaming platform and find shows you’ve never watched in your viewing history. If you notice content being watched or unapproved purchases, a hacker may have gained access to your accounts through your smart TV.
What to do
- Change your passwords for all accounts linked to your smart TV.
- Monitor your account activity for any unauthorized changes.
- Use a password manager to manage your streaming apps to secure them more easily.
6. Forced redirects
If your smart TV starts redirecting you to unfamiliar websites or apps, this could mean it’s been hacked. Hackers use forced redirects to send you to spoofed websites, phishing pages and sites that install malware onto your device. These redirects may happen when you try to open legitimate apps on your smart TV, taking you to different pages automatically. For example, you might try to open YouTube but instead are redirected to a sketchy-looking website that prompts you to download a ‘required’ plugin to watch a video.
What to do
- Close any suspicious tabs immediately, and never interact with redirected pages.
- Reset your smart TV’s internet connection and review any connected devices.
How can smart TVs be hacked?
Your smart TV can be hacked by hackers exploiting security vulnerabilities, installing malicious apps, using insecure public WiFi and infecting USB devices with malware.
Security vulnerabilities
Smart TVs run specific operating systems, like Roku or Android, that may contain vulnerabilities. In fact, in 2018, Consumer Reports found that millions of Samsung and Roku smart TVs were vulnerable to hacking through unpatched security vulnerabilities. If your smart TV isn’t set to update software automatically or if you delay updates manually, hackers can exploit security flaws. Once a hacker takes control of your smart TV, they can access your personal information or even compromise other IoT devices on your home network. Regularly updating your TV’s software is essential to minimize security risks.
Malicious apps
One of the biggest security threats to your smart TV is downloading malicious apps. While app stores for smart TVs are typically secure, some malicious apps may still slip through their vetting process. Hackers design these seemingly legitimate apps to collect your personal information, track your activities or infect your TV with malware. These apps can give hackers remote access to your smart TV, allowing them to monitor your watching habits with spyware or use your device to attack other IoT devices connected to your home network. Always be cautious about what apps you install on your smart TV, and avoid apps that seem unnecessary or suspicious.
Insecure WiFi networks
Since smart TVs rely on WiFi to connect to the internet, they are vulnerable to being hacked if your network isn’t secure. Using weak passwords or leaving the default password on your router in place makes it easier for hackers to infiltrate your network and intercept sensitive data through Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. Once they get on your network, hackers can exploit any weaknesses in your smart TV’s security to gain control of your device and access your personal data. Secure your WiFi network with strong passwords and encryption to avoid hackers taking advantage of your home WiFi.
Infected USB and external drives
Many smart TVs have USB ports that let you connect other devices, including flash drives, hard drives and gaming devices. However, these ports can also serve as a gateway for malware if you plug in an infected USB device. Hackers can inject malicious software onto a USB drive, which then infects your smart TV once plugged in. This malware can be used to track your activities, steal your personal data. To reduce this risk, avoid using USB devices from untrusted sources, and scan external devices with antivirus software before plugging them into your smart TV.
Phishing attacks
Hackers use phishing techniques to trick you into revealing personal information or installing malicious software. On smart TVs, phishing attacks can involve fake pop-up messages mimicking system alerts or software update prompts. A fake message might ask you to click a link, enter your login credentials or download an update. If you click the link or enter your login credentials, you could inadvertently install malware or grant a hacker remote access to your smart TV. Never trust unsolicited pop-ups that appear on your smart TV, and always verify the legitimacy of notifications through official sources.
How to protect your smart TV from hackers
Without proper protection, your smart TV can become a key entry point for hackers. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to secure your smart TV and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Update your smart TV’s software
Manufacturers regularly release software updates that include performance enhancements, security patches and bug fixes. To ensure your smart TV stays secure, enable automatic updates in your device’s settings or check for updates manually. Always install updates as soon as they become available, and restart your smart TV afterward to ensure new changes take effect.
Use strong, unique passwords
Many smart TVs allow you to link streaming services and apps, making those associated accounts prime targets for hackers. If you use weak or reused passwords on those accounts, your compromised smart TV can give hackers access to your accounts. To protect your smart TV, create long and complex passwords that are challenging for hackers to crack. A strong password should be at least 16 characters long with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a password manager to securely generate and store unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Secure your router
Since your smart TV connects to the internet through WiFi, having an unsecured router can grant hackers access to your network and other IoT devices. To secure your router, change the default username and password, and enable WPA3 encryption to protect your network. By regularly updating your router’s firmware, you can secure your smart TV from known security vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of hackers accessing your devices.
Enable your smart TV’s security functions
Most smart TVs have built-in security features you can enable to enhance protection. These features might include password protection for accessing settings or apps, enabling a guest mode for shared use or adjusting your smart TV’s data-sharing permissions to limit what data is sent to third parties. Some smart TVs also offer options to disable voice control or microphone access when not in use. Regularly review and adjust these settings to ensure your smart TV is as secure as possible. If you suspect any unusual activity, it may be best to reset your smart TV to factory settings.
Prevent hackers from controlling your smart TV
With how integrated smart devices are in our daily lives, it’s crucial to protect your smart TV from hackers. By updating your software, using strong passwords, securing your router and enabling built-in security features, you can reduce the risk of your smart TV becoming hacked.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone see through your smart TV?
If your smart TV has a built-in camera and has been compromised, then a hacker could potentially use it to see through your smart TV without your knowledge. Although not all smart TVs have cameras, those that do should have proper security settings enabled. To protect your privacy, disable the camera in your smart TV’s settings, physically cover the lens and regularly check for suspicious activity.
Can your smart TV be hacked even if it isn’t connected to WiFi?
While unlikely, it is possible for your smart TV to be hacked even while disconnected from WiFi. Hackers can exploit security vulnerabilities through physical connections, like infected USB drives or devices connected with HDMI cords. If your smart TV was connected to WiFi when malware was installed, it could continue running offline and infect your device.
How can you see who is connected to your smart TV?
To see who is connected to your smart TV, visit the network or connection settings in your device’s menu. Most smart TVs show a list of devices currently connected through WiFi or Bluetooth. You can also check your home router’s administrative settings for a list of devices connected to your network, which can help you identify anything unfamiliar. If a user or device seems suspicious, disconnect the device and change your WiFi password.
