PS5 Turns On With TV: Here's Why & How To Stop It!

Hey guys! Ever noticed your PlayStation 5 magically springs to life the moment you turn on your TV? It's a common head-scratcher, and you're definitely not alone! This little quirk is usually thanks to a feature called HDMI-CEC, which stands for HDMI Consumer Electronics Control. While it's designed to make life easier by allowing your devices to communicate, it can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior, like your PS5 firing up when you just want to catch up on your favorite show. In this article, we're diving deep into why this happens and, more importantly, how you can take control and stop your PS5 from turning on every time you switch on your TV. So, grab your controller, and let's get started!

Understanding HDMI-CEC and Your PS5

So, what exactly is this HDMI-CEC thing that's causing all the fuss? Basically, it's a feature that allows devices connected via HDMI to talk to each other. This means you can control multiple devices with a single remote. Pretty neat, right? Your PS5 uses HDMI-CEC to send signals to your TV and vice versa. For instance, when you turn on your PS5, it can automatically switch your TV to the correct HDMI input. Similarly, your TV can signal your PS5 to turn on. Different manufacturers have different names for HDMI-CEC. Sony, for example, calls it Bravia Sync. Other brands might call it Anynet+ (Samsung), SimpLink (LG), or EasyLink (Philips). No matter the name, the function is the same: to create a seamless, interconnected entertainment experience. However, this convenience can sometimes backfire, leading to the unintended consequence of your PS5 turning on with your TV. Understanding how HDMI-CEC works is the first step in troubleshooting and resolving this issue, ensuring your gaming console only springs to life when you want it to.

Why Your PS5 Turns On With Your TV

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of why your PS5 is turning on with your TV. The primary culprit, as we mentioned, is HDMI-CEC. When your TV turns on, it sends a signal through the HDMI cable. If HDMI-CEC is enabled on both your TV and your PS5, the PS5 interprets this signal as a command to power on. Think of it like a friendly nudge that your PS5 is misinterpreting! This feature is designed to streamline your entertainment setup, but it can be annoying if you prefer to control when your console turns on. Several factors can influence this behavior. Sometimes, it's the specific HDMI port you're using. Some TVs have designated HDMI ports with enhanced ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) capabilities, which can trigger HDMI-CEC more aggressively. Other times, it could be the order in which you turn on your devices. If your TV is set to automatically scan for active HDMI inputs upon startup, it might inadvertently wake up your PS5. To get to the bottom of it, you may need to dive into both your TV's and PS5's settings to tweak how they interact with HDMI-CEC. Don't worry; we'll walk you through the steps in the next sections!

How to Stop Your PS5 From Turning On With Your TV

Alright, let's get down to the solutions! If you're tired of your PS5 turning on every time you switch on your TV, here's a step-by-step guide to regain control. The most straightforward solution is to disable HDMI-CEC on either your PS5 or your TV. We'll start with the PS5: Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu (the gear icon). Select System: Scroll down and select "System." Choose HDMI: In the System menu, find and select "HDMI." Disable HDMI Device Link: Look for the option labeled "Enable HDMI Device Link." This is Sony's term for HDMI-CEC. Toggle it off. By disabling this setting, your PS5 will no longer respond to HDMI-CEC signals from your TV, preventing it from turning on automatically. Now, let's look at how to disable HDMI-CEC on your TV. The exact steps will vary depending on your TV's manufacturer and model, but here are some general guidelines: Open Your TV's Settings Menu: Use your TV remote to access the settings menu. The button might be labeled "Menu," "Settings," or have a gear icon. Look for HDMI Settings: Navigate through the settings menu to find HDMI-related options. This might be under "External Inputs," "Connections," or "General Settings." Find HDMI-CEC Option: Look for the HDMI-CEC setting. As mentioned earlier, it might be labeled Bravia Sync (Sony), Anynet+ (Samsung), SimpLink (LG), or EasyLink (Philips). Disable HDMI-CEC: Toggle the HDMI-CEC option to the off position. After disabling HDMI-CEC on either your PS5 or your TV (or both), test to see if the issue is resolved. Turn on your TV and confirm that your PS5 remains off. If it still turns on, double-check that you've correctly disabled HDMI-CEC on both devices.

Alternative Solutions and Troubleshooting

If disabling HDMI-CEC entirely seems too drastic, and you still want some of its convenience features, here are a few alternative solutions and troubleshooting tips to try. First, consider disabling HDMI-CEC on only one device – either your PS5 or your TV – and see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes, the interaction between the two devices is the problem, and disabling it on one end is enough to prevent the unwanted power-on. Another approach is to adjust the power settings on your PS5. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving. Here, you can customize when your PS5 enters rest mode. Adjusting these settings might help prevent the TV from inadvertently waking up your console. Additionally, make sure your PS5's system software is up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with HDMI-CEC. To update your PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Check if there are any updates available and install them. If you're still having trouble, try using a different HDMI port on your TV. Some ports are more sensitive to HDMI-CEC signals than others. Experiment with different ports to see if that makes a difference. Finally, if all else fails, you can manually turn off the HDMI-CEC setting on your TV and use your PS5 controller to turn on your console. It might not be as convenient, but it gives you complete control over when your PS5 is powered on.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Your PS5 turning on with your TV is usually a case of HDMI-CEC doing its thing, sometimes a little too enthusiastically. By understanding how this feature works and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily stop your PS5 from automatically powering on. Whether you choose to disable HDMI-CEC entirely, tweak your power settings, or try some of the other troubleshooting tips, you can regain control of your gaming setup and enjoy a more seamless entertainment experience. Happy gaming, and may your consoles only turn on when you want them to!