SimpLink is LG’s name for HDMI-CEC, the feature that lets HDMI devices control one another. It can let a console turn the TV on, let a soundbar follow TV volume, or let the LG remote control a connected device.
SimpLink works only when CEC is enabled on both devices and the HDMI cable and port support the control signal.
Does this affect you?
Use this if a soundbar, receiver, console, or Blu-ray player will not turn the LG TV on or off, switch inputs, or respond to LG remote controls through HDMI.
Enable SimpLink and CEC on both devices
- On the LG TV, open Settings > All Settings > General > External Devices.
- Select SimpLink (HDMI-CEC) and turn it on. On some webOS versions, look under Devices > HDMI Device Connection.
- Open the connected device’s own settings.
- Turn on its CEC feature. It may be called HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, BRAVIA Sync, TV Control, or another brand name.
- Restart both the TV and the connected device.
Turning on SimpLink only on the TV is not enough. The device on the other end has to allow CEC too.
Check the HDMI port
Some LG models support CEC features best, or only, on certain HDMI ports. Check the manual or LG support page for the exact model, then move the device to a supported port if needed.
After moving the cable, re-check SimpLink because some settings are stored per input. Test by turning on the connected device and watching whether the TV wakes or switches inputs.
Power-cycle and test the cable
- Turn off the TV and connected HDMI devices.
- Unplug HDMI cables from both ends.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the cables firmly.
- Turn the TV on first and let it reach the home screen.
- Power on connected devices one at a time.
- Try another HDMI cable if CEC still fails.
CEC uses a control signal that can fail even when video and audio still work. Very cheap or damaged HDMI cables are worth ruling out.
Understand cross-brand limits
CEC is a shared standard, but every manufacturer implements it a little differently. An LG TV with a non-LG soundbar or console may support power sync but not every remote-control function.
If the system becomes unpredictable, such as devices turning on at odd times or volume jumping between outputs, disabling SimpLink and using separate remotes is a reasonable fallback.
Sources
- LG Support – SimpLink (HDMI-CEC) Setup Guide (2025)
- LG Support – webOS Device Connector Settings (2025)
- HDMI Forum – Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) Overview (2025)