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Should I unplug my smart tv from the internet?
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2025
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Yes. I connected mine, checked for updates, then factory reset it and did not enter any network login.
This only works on certain brands I'm afraid...
Why did you connect it at all? Was there specific functionality they detailed in patch notes or something that you felt you were missing out on?
Eh, I've always been paranoid about firmware patches and the like. Also, curiosity got the better of me; I had to see what the crap smart features were like.
You do make a very good point though!
I definitely understand the instinct to always be up-to-date with the newest. But then digital storefront "updates" started removing features and even content! Runaway capitalism ruins everything...
Well, the program is that the computer in my TV is a potential security issue. That said, there's no way of knowing if I can trust updates to patch problems or create new ones, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Well if it's not connected to the network then it shouldn't be a problem, right?
Well, yes, but actually no. At least in theory. Since it has a Wi-Fi antenna, a bad actor could connect wirelessly to it.
Likely to happen? I having the foggiest idea but I doubt it. Yeah, I'm paranoid. But I'm part of the generation that grew up with the invention of the internet. So can you really blame me?
Edit: I did have a neighbor once that would learn how to wirelessly hack into anything in my apartment that had a signal to do shit like stream porn to my TV or obnoxious music to my soundbar, junk like that just to piss me off. Then one day I discovered that he had managed to spoof my Spotify credentials and was accessing my account. How did I kno? he started adding his own favorites to my account! That same day I totally logged everything out of my Spotify, but I also went through and did my best to learn how to absolutely lock down everything that even had so much as a Bluetooth antenna...
Second edit: DO NOT install YouTube on a fucking Xbox. Like ever! Anybody who successfully connects to the same Wi-Fi network immediately gets access to stream whatever YouTube content they want to your Xbox and the stupid app will take over the screen so you get kicked out of your game and now whatever crap someone wanted to stream to your Xboxes playing on your TV. And worse last I checked there was no way at all to disable this.
Is there a ful list anywhere of brands and models that lock non-network features behind a network connection requirement?
I've heard people complaining about some that don't let you select HDMI input without first connecting to the internet and "activating" the TV, but the model is usually not specified in those complaints.
So I know for sure is avoid Roku like the plague! You cannot use it as a TV at all without a connection and creating an account.