- Older LG OLED TV models now get screensaver ads by default
- The full-screen ads are often LG-related, but also contain third-party ads
- There’s an easy way to disable them in your TV’s settings
It’s already pretty hard to avoid being bombarded with TV ads, whether you’re watching Prime Video or pausing YouTube – and LG is now making things a little worse by bringing its annoying screensaver ads to older OLED TV models. to take.
Last month we reported that recent LG TVs, including premium OLEDs, started secretly showing screensaver ads after the sets had been idle for a while. Some testing on our own LG G4 confirmed this was the case. Now, FlatpanelsHD reports that these ads are also rolling out to older models dating back to 2020.
If you own LG models like the LG GX OLED (2020), LG B1 OLED (2021) or LG B2 OLED (2022), you may soon see the screensaver ads enabled by default. It looks like they’re also spreading to more recent models like the LG C4 OLED (2024), which is worrying considering we otherwise consider it one of the best TVs you can buy.
Currently, the full-screen ads appear to be largely LG-related, promoting LG’s own channels. But an article from LG Ad Solutions previously suggested they could eventually expand to include third-party products – and there’s evidence for that Reddit that this may already be happening. Luckily, there’s a way to turn them off…
How to disable them
There is currently an easy way to remove the default screensaver ads on your LG TV. Just go to Settings > General > System settings > Additional settingsand then scroll down to the unsubtly mentioned one Screensaver promotion. Disable this and you will no longer receive unsavory promotions when your TV is idle.
Hopefully this option will remain in the menus of LG TVs, because watching actual TV shows is quickly becoming an afterthought to the abundance of ads on many streaming platforms.
Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that advertising on Prime Video would “increase slightly more in 2025” (according to Prime Video International head Kelly Day). That follows the streaming service asking viewers earlier this year to pay an extra $2.99/£2.99 per month to be spared from ads.
But Prime Video and LG are far from alone: YouTube recently introduced pause screen ads, and Roku offers shoppable Instagram-style ads on smart TVs. Let’s hope the best smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Bans don’t get similar ideas.