Smart TVs Are Watching You: How to Turn Off ACR Settings on Samsung, LG, Sony, Android, Hisense, and TCL TVs

Modern smart TVs come equipped with Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which collects data on everything you watch and sends it to companies for targeted advertising. Beyond content tracking, ACR can also gather personal information such as your IP address, email, and sometimes location. Most users are unaware of this background activity, which continues even while you watch TV alone.

Fortunately, you can disable ACR and related ad-tracking features directly from your TV settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide for popular brands:

Samsung TV

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Open the Sidebar Menu on the left.
3. Select Privacy Choices.
4. Navigate to Terms & Conditions → Privacy Policy.
5. Uncheck Viewing Information Services.
6. Click OK to save the changes.

LG TV

• To disable ACR / Live Plus:

1. Press Home → Settings → General → System → Additional Settings.
2. Turn Live Plus Off.

• To limit ad tracking:

1. Go to Additional Settings → Advertisement → Limit AD Tracking → On.

Sony TV

• To disable ACR:

1. Press Home → Settings → Initial Setup → Samba Interactive TV → Disable.

• To stop ad personalization:

1. Open Settings → About → Ads → Ads Personalization → Off.

Android TV (Chromecast Data)

1. Open Google Home App on your mobile.
2. Tap the Menu icon → select your TV.
3. Tap the three dots on the top right → Settings.
4. Turn Send Chromecast device usage data and crash reports Off.

Hisense TV

• To disable ACR:

1. Press Home → Settings → System → Privacy.
2. Turn Smart TV Experience / Viewing Information Services Off.

• To turn off personalized ads and content:

1. In Privacy, disable Ad Tracking / Interest-Based Ads and Content Recommendations / Personalized Content.

TCL TV

1. Press Home → Settings → scroll down to Privacy.
2. Click Smart TV Experience → uncheck or turn Use Info from TV Inputs Off.

Disabling ACR and personalized ad tracking ensures that your viewing habits and personal data remain private, while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a smart TV.