A Sony TV that turns itself on or off can feel alarming, but it is often responding to an automatic feature, HDMI-CEC command, timer, remote signal, or power event rather than failing hardware.
These steps apply to Sony Bravia smart TVs running Google TV or Android TV.
Does this affect you?
Use this if the TV wakes up when nobody touched it, shuts down while you are watching, or seems to follow a schedule you did not intend.
Check Bravia Sync HDMI-CEC settings
Bravia Sync is Sony’s HDMI-CEC system. It lets a soundbar, cable box, console, receiver, or streaming device power the TV on or off through HDMI.
- Press Home and open Settings.
- Go to External Inputs, or Settings > Watching TV > External Inputs depending on your model.
- Open BRAVIA Sync Settings.
- Review Auto Power On and Power Off Linked to TV.
- Turn off the linked power options you do not want, or turn off BRAVIA Sync Control temporarily.
- Check connected devices for their own TV control, CEC, or auto-power settings.
HDMI-CEC is helpful when it behaves, but it is the most common reason a TV appears to power itself without warning.
Check sleep, on, and off timers
- Open Settings > System > Time, or Settings > Timer on models that use that menu.
- Look for On Timer and Off Timer.
- Turn off any schedule that matches the time your TV has been acting up.
- Check Sleep Timer and set it to Off if it was enabled accidentally.
- Review Google Assistant or smart speaker routines that may send TV power commands.
A sleep timer can shut the TV down after a set number of minutes, while on/off timers can run daily until disabled.
Rule out the remote
- Remove the batteries from the Sony remote.
- Wait about a minute and watch whether the random power behavior stops.
- If it stops, check for a stuck power button or replace the batteries.
- If you use a universal, cable, or satellite remote, remove that remote from the room and test again too.
A stuck power button or failing battery can send repeated commands even when nobody is holding the remote.
Updates, standby, power, and repair signs
Open Settings > System > About > System Software Update and install any available update. Sony firmware updates can fix unexpected power behavior on Google TV models.
Also check Settings > System > Power for auto standby settings. If the TV turns off during paused content or after no signal is detected, adjust the automatic standby timer.
If the TV wakes right after a power flicker or during storms, voltage fluctuations may be involved. Use a quality surge protector and mention the pattern if you contact Sony support.
If Bravia Sync, timers, remotes, updates, standby settings, and power issues are ruled out, an older TV may have a failing physical power button or control board that needs service.
Sources
- Sony Support – TV turns on or off by itself (2025)
- Sony Support – Bravia Sync HDMI-CEC settings (2025)
- Sony Support – Timer and sleep settings on Bravia TVs (2025)