Your Sony TV likely turns on by itself due to HDMI-CEC commands from connected devices, automatic firmware updates around 3:00 AM, or stuck remote buttons transmitting continuous signals. Start by disabling BRAVIA Sync in Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs > HDMI control, then remove batteries from all remotes overnight to test for infrared interference. If issues persist, unplug your TV for 60 seconds, check for firmware updates, and review System > Power and Energy settings for hidden timers that may trigger unexpected activations.
Quick Guide
- Disable HDMI-CEC (BRAVIA Sync) in Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs to prevent connected devices from sending wake commands.
- Unplug TV for 60 seconds, bypass surge protectors, and connect directly to wall outlet to eliminate power supply issues.
- Remove batteries from all remotes for 24 hours to test if stuck buttons or infrared interference cause spontaneous power-ons.
- Update firmware to latest version and check System > Power menu for automatic timers triggering scheduled 3:00 AM activations.
- Perform factory reset after backing up credentials if issue persists; consider hardware service for unresolved power supply failures.
HDMI-CEC and Connected Device Communication Issues
When your Sony TV turns on by itself, HDMI-CEC—a feature that allows connected devices to communicate with each other—often lies at the heart of the problem.
Connected devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, or soundbars can send power-on commands through HDMI-CEC, triggering your TV to activate unexpectedly. This communication happens automatically when HDMI-CEC is enabled on both your TV and connected devices. Some devices may have bidirectional limitations, meaning they can only send or only receive CEC commands, which can lead to unexpected power-on behavior. You can usually stop this by disabling HDMI-CEC or adjusting the TV’s Auto Power On settings in the System or HDMI menus.
Power Supply Connection Problems and Electrical Interference
Your Sony TV’s power-related issues might stem from physical connection problems rather than internal electronics.
A loose power cord at either the TV or outlet, combined with a faulty power strip, can cause intermittent power delivery that triggers unexpected startups. Before investigating more complex causes, you’ll need to address these basic power supply connections and perform a proper power reset to eliminate electrical interference as the culprit. If problems persist after checking connections, lightning strikes or nearby electrical surges can damage internal components like the power supply board, causing persistent error codes that require board replacement. Also check your router and modem status and run simple network diagnostics to rule out interference from nearby electrical equipment.
Loose Power Cord Issues
A loose power cord ranks among the most overlooked yet common culprits behind TVs that mysteriously turn on by themselves.
When connections aren’t fully seated at either the TV or wall outlet, voltage irregularities occur, triggering unintended power-on events.
Inspect both ends carefully, ensuring the plug sits firmly without wiggle room.
Worn pins or loose outlet sockets degrade electrical contact, causing fluctuating power delivery that confuses your TV’s circuitry.
Faulty Outlet or Strip
Faulty outlets and power strips often fly under the radar when troubleshooting Sony TVs that turn on by themselves, yet they’re frequent offenders in power supply-related issues.
Unstable voltage, loose connections, and degraded surge protectors can trigger inadvertent power cycles.
Overloaded circuits and electromagnetic interference from nearby devices may also cause your TV’s power supply to misinterpret signals, activating the set unexpectedly.
Power Reset Procedure
Before diving into complex diagnostics, performing a proper power reset can resolve many mysterious turn-on issues linked to power supply glitches and electrical interference.
Unplug your TV from the wall outlet for at least 60 seconds to guarantee a complete power cycle.
If your model has a detachable power cord, inspect and reseat connections at both ends for firm contact before plugging back in.
Remote Control Malfunctions and Infrared Signal Interference
Remote control malfunctions often crop up as the culprit when your Sony TV turns on by itself, though the connection isn’t always obvious at first glance.
Stuck buttons can continuously transmit power signals, while infrared interference from nearby devices may trigger unintended commands.
Physical damage, battery contact issues, or static buildup can cause erratic behavior. Test your remote by removing batteries overnight to eliminate it as the source.
Most replacement remotes use a 5VDC power source and should meet proper safety standards like UL-certified to ensure reliable operation.
Firmware Bugs and Software Update Solutions
Software glitches in your Sony TV’s firmware can trigger the same mysterious power-on behavior you’d normally blame on a faulty remote.
Recent updates, particularly on A80J models, have caused spontaneous wake-ups and power cycling.
Check your automatic software download settings—TVs often turn on around 3:00 AM for updates.
Update to the latest firmware version, which typically patches these bugs, or perform a factory reset if problems persist.
Automatic Power Settings and Standby Mode Configurations
While external devices often get blamed for spontaneous power-ons, your Sony TV’s built-in automatic power settings frequently cause this frustrating behavior.
Go to System > Power and Energy to review timer configurations. Check for active auto power on settings, scheduled timers, or BRAVIA Sync features that trigger startup. Disable any unwanted timer functions and turn off sync-related power controls to prevent unexpected activations.
External Recording Device Signals and Scheduled Tasks
External recording devices plugged into your Sony TV can set off power-on events through HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) signals. Cameras and HDMI recorders send control commands—including timecode output and recording triggers—that wake your TV from standby.
Disable HDMI-CEC in your TV’s settings to prevent these unintended activations. Additionally, check your TV’s scheduled recording tasks, as programmed timers for USB HDD recordings automatically power on the device.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide for Spontaneous Power-On
Start by unplugging your TV from its current power source and connecting it directly to a wall outlet, bypassing any surge protectors or power strips that might be causing electrical inconsistencies.
Next, remove the batteries from all remote controls in your home—including the TV’s original remote, universal remotes, and any third-party devices—then wait 24 hours to see if the spontaneous power-on stops.
If your TV remains off during this testing period, you’ve successfully isolated whether the issue stems from faulty power delivery or remote control interference.
Isolate the Power Source
When your Sony TV powers on without warning, you’ll need to narrow down whether the root cause lies in the electrical supply itself or within the television’s internal circuitry.
Start by testing the wall outlet with a known working device or multimeter to confirm it’s providing stable power.
Next, plug your TV into a different outlet, bypassing any surge protectors or extension cords that might cause intermittent issues.
Test Remote Control Components
Your remote control could be sending unintended power signals to your Sony TV, causing it to turn on spontaneously. Start by removing the batteries and observing if the issue stops.
Inspect for stuck buttons, especially the power button, which may continuously send signals. Clean the battery contacts, check for corrosion, and test with fresh batteries.
If problems persist, replace the remote entirely.
When to Disable HDMI-CEC on Your Sony TV
HDMI-CEC can turn into a troublesome feature when your Sony TV powers on unexpectedly, often triggered by connected devices sending control signals through the HDMI connection.
You’ll want to disable this feature if multiple devices create conflicts, different manufacturers implement inconsistent protocols, or you’re troubleshooting power issues. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs > HDMI control and toggle BRAVIA Sync off to prevent these automated commands.
Advanced Fixes and Factory Reset Options
If basic troubleshooting steps like disabling BRAVIA Sync haven’t resolved your TV’s self-powering issue, you’ll need to investigate deeper system-level solutions that address firmware glitches, hidden timer settings, and potential hardware failures.
Start by checking for the latest firmware updates—Sony lists this as the primary fix. Perform a full power reset by unplugging your TV for two minutes.
Review scheduled power-on features in your settings, and consider a factory reset only after backing up credentials.
Wrapping Up
Your Sony TV turning on by itself typically stems from HDMI-CEC interference, faulty remote controls, or automatic power settings. Start by disabling HDMI-CEC and checking your timer configurations. If problems persist, update your firmware and inspect connected devices for scheduled tasks. When basic troubleshooting fails, perform a factory reset to eliminate software glitches. These solutions resolve most spontaneous power-on issues, but if your TV continues activating unexpectedly, contact Sony support for professional hardware diagnostics.