A few weeks ago I encountered a strange issue with my TV. It suddenly started switching channels on its own, despite the fact that the remote was propped up beside it.
In the beginning, I thought it was just a glitch, but later it kept doing that frequently and I wondered what was going on and why it was changing channels automatically by itself.
As I did my research, I found that no matter what brand of TV it is, the issue appeared to affect so many people. In this guide, I will explain what causes it and how to fix it in an easy manner.
If your TV is changing channels on its own, there are a few possible reasons. It could be due to a malfunctioning remote control, an electrical problem with your TV or cable box, or interference from other devices.
It’s true that a faulty remote is the most reported cause of this issue, but there are also other underlying problems that can contribute. So without further ado, let’s find out what they are.
Reasons Why TV Changes Channels By Itself
Here are all the possible causes that can trigger your TV to change channels by itself:
- A faulty remote control or remote batteries
- Heat generated by the TV mainboard, causing it to malfunction
- A household appliance or device interfering with the signal
- Faulty wiring or a short circuit in the TV
- Pets pressing buttons on the remote (Well its true among the possible reasons)
- TVs Firmware updates interfering with the settings on the TV
These were all possible causes that may lead to your TV’s automatic channel switching issue.
Let’s now see how you can troubleshoot and prevent your TV from changing channels on its own, as you’re aware of all possible causes, whether minor or major.
See Also: LG TV Keeps Changing Input Source By Itself?
How to troubleshoot the issue and what to look out for
Remote Malfunction
If your TV is changing channels by itself, there are a few possible causes and faulty remote control is on top of them.
It is often the result of weak batteries or a stuck button on the remote that the TV automatically changes channels.
Besides that, dust or debris in the remote can interfere with the infrared signal and cause it to activate unintended commands, such as automatic channel switching.
Solution: If this is the case, try replacing the batteries in your remote and making sure is clean and doesn't have any dust, or debris inside it.
Note: Also, Make sure none of the buttons on the remote are stuck by pressing each one one at a time, and clean the remote as well.
Temporary Glitch With TVs Mainboard
Some people have found that pressing the channel button on their TV panel several times helped resolve this issue.
This might sound strange but, This works by resetting the receiver and allowing it to re-establish the connection between TV and the Remote.
While this may not work for everyone, it could be worth trying.
Multiple Remote Conflict
If you have multiple remotes for your TV, it can be possible that one of them is causing the channels on your TV to change by itself.
Solution: If this is the case, check all of the other remotes in your home and make sure they are not accidentally being used to control your TV.
Internal Wiring Fault
Another potential cause of your TV changing channels on its own is an issue with the internal wiring and circuitry of the television itself.
Often, Along with the internal board of the TV, the circuit on the “button’s panel” of the right corner (depending on the model) of the TV goes bad, causing it to switch channels automatically. Although it is the rarest cause, but it cannot be ruled out as a possibility.
Solution: If you suspect that this problem is likely caused by a faulty board "channel changing switch/button".
That’s why, in order to prevent your TV from switching channels randomly, you should disconnect the board’s “channel-changing switch/button” from the TV if possible, and see if that solves the issue.
If it does, then you know that was the source of the problem. You can either replace or repair the board’s “channel-changing switch/button” in order to fix it permanently.
Note: It’s also important to make sure that your TV is up-to-date with the latest firmware and software updates. This will help ensure that all of its components are functioning properly and not encountering any problems that could be causing it to malfunction in this way.
See Also: Hitachi TV Keeps Turning Off And On By Itself (Easy Fix)?
Conclusion
You are alone in your home watching your favorite show on your TV and all of a sudden the channel changes automatically while the remote is kept normal. Well, this obviously sounds like a ghost-changing channel scenario, but do not worry, it is not something like that.
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you now understand why and how your TV changed channels on its own, and how to prevent it from happening again.