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Yes, some smart TVs can listen for a wake word while the screen is dark—but only when a supported hands-free feature is enabled, and a dark screen does not tell you whether the TV is in standby or fully powered down. LG says supported models with Hands-free Voice Control may monitor locally for a wake word in standby. This does not establish what every TV does. Check your exact model’s hands-free settings, microphone controls, remote voice features, and—separately—viewing-data settings.
Is my smart TV listening when it’s off?
It depends on the model, region, software, and voice settings. “Off” can also mean different things: the screen may be dark while the TV remains in standby, rather than fully powered down.
LG Electronics said on September 12, 2026, that if a user enables Hands-free Voice Control, a supported TV may continue monitoring for its wake word while in standby. LG says detection is processed locally and that, if no wake word is detected, the audio is not converted to text, stored, or transmitted. Those statements describe LG’s feature; they are not independent device-test results or claims about other brands. LG’s support information should be checked against your model.
There is no established industry-wide statistic for how often TVs listen in standby. The practical answer is to identify which voice activation method your set supports and whether it is enabled.
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#1 Best Overall
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Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How is hands-free listening different from remote voice control?
Hands-free voice control uses a microphone built into the TV to detect a wake word, if the model supports it and the feature is enabled. A remote voice feature is typically activated when you press a voice button and speak into the remote’s microphone. One setting or microphone control may not cover both paths.
| Voice path | How it is activated | Microphone and control considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free wake word | The TV listens for a configured wake word; supported LG models may do this in standby when the feature is enabled. | Uses the TV’s built-in microphone. Check the model’s hands-free or wake-word setting and any physical microphone switch. LG support |
| Remote voice command | The user presses a voice or search button and speaks a request. | Uses the remote microphone on the Samsung US feature described in its privacy supplement. Review remote voice controls separately from the TV microphone setting. Samsung US privacy supplement |
Samsung’s February 10, 2015 statement discusses voice-recognition modes, including predetermined commands handled by an embedded microphone, but it is historical corporate context—not a substitute for your current TV’s manual. Samsung’s 2015 statement
Rank #2
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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do I stop my TV listening when the screen is off?
- Identify the TV. Find its brand, full model number, region, and software generation in the TV’s settings or on its product label. Use the manual for that exact model; there is no universal menu path, and labels differ by model and software.
- Turn off hands-free activation if you do not use it. In the TV’s voice assistant, voice recognition, or privacy settings, look for terms such as “hands-free,” “far-field,” or “wake word.” Disable the relevant feature and check the manual for what the change affects. LG support
- Use a physical microphone switch if your set has one. Some supported LG and Samsung TVs have a hardware microphone control, but its availability and location vary by model and country. LG says switching off the hardware microphone stops hands-free recognition through the TV microphone; Samsung says voice commands are unavailable when its documented switch is off. Confirm the TV indicates that the microphone is off. LG support · Samsung Canada microphone-switch guidance
- Review remote voice use separately. Turning off a TV’s built-in microphone does not by itself explain what happens when you deliberately press a voice button on a remote. Check the remote and voice-recognition settings for your model. Samsung’s US privacy supplement describes button-activated requests spoken into the remote microphone and says Voice Recognition data collection can be disabled in settings. Samsung US privacy supplement
- Check viewing-data controls separately. If you also want to limit recognition of programs or connected-device content, look for Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) or Smart TV Experience settings. These are distinct from voice and microphone controls.
What does ACR have to do with listening?
Automatic Content Recognition concerns viewing information, not the wake-word microphone path. ACR and voice settings are separate controls, so changing one does not establish that the other is off.
- Roku: its policy places ACR controls under Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience and microphone access for voice-enabled devices under Settings > Privacy > Voice. The paths are separate. Roku privacy policy
- Samsung: its support page documents a separate setting to turn ACR on or off. Consult the instructions for your model and region. Samsung ACR support
Disabling a voice feature or ACR does not promise that every type of data collection is disabled. Review the TV’s privacy settings and policy for the specific data categories you care about.
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Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What should I verify before changing settings?
- The model number and the manual’s software or regional applicability match your TV.
- You have distinguished a TV microphone and hands-free wake word from voice input through a remote.
- If using a physical microphone switch, the set confirms the microphone is off; do not assume every model has the switch or puts it in the same place.
- You have reviewed ACR or viewing-data settings independently if that is part of your concern.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
