Your smart TV might be hacked! Spot these signs and fix them right now

Mint

2 days ago

Your smartphones and laptops aren't the only devices that could get hacked. Your smart TV is equally vulnerable. Wondering how? Its always connected, loaded with apps and running on the same web-based code as other smart devices. Behind that big screen is a system that functions a lot like a computer as it uses microphones, Bluetooth and even cameras. So if it suddenly slows down, crashes or shows strange pop-ups, there's a fair chance that a malware is quietly sneaking in.
One of the most noticeable signs is the sudden appearance of pop-up ads that don't belong. We're talking about full-screen promos for sketchy antivirus tools, gambling sites or fake streaming apps, some even disguised to look like system alerts or software updates. If you click on one and it redirects you to a dodgy website, that's a major red flag. Sometimes, these pop-ups won't even go away even after rebooting.
Seeing apps you never installed
Smart TVs, especially those running on Android TV, let users install third-party apps. But malware can hijack that feature. If you start seeing unfamiliar apps on your home screen, often with odd names or icons that don't match your typical app collection, it's time to investigate. These apps might be tracking your activity or worse, opening backdoors to your Wi-Fi network.
Performance Drops and screen starts crashing
Sure, a TV slows down over time. But if it starts crashing, freezing or lagging out of nowhere, despite having plenty of storage or up-to-date software, there's a fair chance that a malware is at play. Some malicious software overloads your system's resources, making basic navigation or streaming feel like a chore.
Unusual or sudden high data usage
Your smart TV is always online as it keeps checking for updates, syncing apps and preloading content, so a bit of background data usage is not a problem. But if your internet starts slowing down for no obvious reason, or your TV seems to be hogging bandwidth even when it's on standby, it might be time to dig deeper.
Malware often operates silently, connecting to unknown servers, downloading suspicious files or routing external traffic without any visible signs on screen. These hidden tasks can not only eat up your data but also affect the speed and stability of other devices on the same network.
Random access requests for microphone, camera or Bluetooth
Ever had your smart TV suddenly ask to access the microphone, camera or Bluetooth even when you're just watching a show or doing absolutely nothing? It might feel like a random bug, and most people just click 'deny' and move on. But if these prompts keep showing up for no clear reason, it could mean an app or process is quietly running in the background without your knowledge.
Not only this, you might also start seeing pairing requests from unknown phones, speakers or nearby devices you don't recognise. These small but frequent nudges often serve as the only warning signs that something is trying to connect or spy without permission.
Quick fixes to secure your smart TV Review and remove suspicious apps. If the same apps reappear, disable installations from unknown sources and change your Wi-Fi password. Temporarily disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi and run a virus or malware scan if your TV supports it. If problems persist after basic cleanup, perform a factory reset to wipe out deeper malware and restore default settings. Always keep your smart TV software up to date. Firmware updates often include important security patches that close potential loopholes. Monitor your network traffic by logging in to your router's admin panel or companion app to see real-time data usage. If your TV is unusually active when not in use, disconnect it and monitor the network for changes. Review app permissions, especially those requesting access to your mic, camera or Bluetooth. Disable any unnecessary features and remove pairing options for unknown devices.