LG TVs Now Show Screensaver Ads: Here’s How to Disable Them

In a growing trend that has frustrated TV owners, LG has begun rolling out screensaver ads on its Smart TVs, including their premium OLED models, FlatpanelsHD is reporting.

The presence of ads on Smart TVs is not new. Over the last decade, television manufacturers have increasingly incorporated advertisements into user interfaces. What started as small, unobtrusive “recommendations” has grown into full-screen ad displays and large carousels that take up prime space on TV home screens.

This change is now even more apparent on LG Smart TVs, where ads are appearing in places you wouldn’t expect—such as the screensaver.

During a review of LG’s 2024 G4 OLED TV, it was revealed that the TV now shows full-screen ads just before the screensaver activates. These screensaver ads are specific to the region in which the TV is set up, further indicating that LG is tailoring the content based on geographical locations.

Although the ad shown was muted, there’s no certainty that this will always be the case, raising questions about whether more disruptive ad formats, such as those with sound, could appear in the future.

LG is not the only player in the Smart TV space to embrace ads as a revenue strategy. Platforms such as Amazon, Google, and Roku have long built their TV ecosystems with advertising in mind. In comparison, Apple TV 4K remains one of the few options for viewers who prefer an ad-free experience.

For users who find these screensaver ads intrusive, there is a way to disable them—for now, at least. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings on your TV.
2. Select Additional Settings.
3. Find the toggle for Screen Saver Promotion.
4. Flip the toggle to off to disable the screensaver ads.

Let us know if you’re also seeing such ads on your LG smart TV in the comments section.