Smart TV technician helping fix LG webOS settings and remote issues

Steve H.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: LG webOS Smart TVs, Magic Remote & pairing, HDMI-CEC/SIMPLINK, soundbar ARC/eARC, picture modes & AI settings, app issues (Netflix/YouTube/Disney+)

LG webOS TV behaving differently after an update — settings, inputs, apps, remote and HDMI devices

Technician avatar Technician
Hey! If your LG Smart TV suddenly behaves differently (webOS menus changed, inputs switching, apps acting odd, picture/sound feels off), we can narrow it down quickly without guessing.

A few quick questions so I can pinpoint the right path (and avoid “factory reset” as a first move):
• TV model + year (e.g., OLED C2/C3, NanoCell, UHD) and your current webOS version if you know it?
• What exactly feels “different”: Home screen layout, remote controls, app logins, input auto-switching, soundbar behavior (ARC/eARC), picture motion, or settings resetting?
• Did this start right after a software update, a new HDMI device (PS5/Xbox/Apple TV/Fire TV), or a router change?
• Are you using an LG Magic Remote, a basic remote, or a phone as a remote (LG ThinQ app)?

Tell me the top 2 symptoms you notice first. We’ll go step-by-step and keep it safe (no risky service-menu stuff).
Customer
My LG webOS TV is behaving differently now after an update. The Home screen looks different, some apps feel slower, and it keeps switching inputs like it’s auto-detecting something. Also the picture looks “too smooth” like motion smoothing is on. I didn’t change anything… it just started after the update.
Technician avatar Technician
That combo makes sense after a webOS update: sometimes UI changes roll out, and a few settings can flip to “recommended” defaults (especially AI Picture, TruMotion/motion smoothing, or energy saving). The random input switching is often tied to HDMI-CEC (LG calls it SIMPLINK) or a connected device waking up and “stealing” the input.

Here’s how I like to approach “LG TV changed after update” issues without breaking anything:
1) Confirm what changed: software update vs. app update vs. a device update (soundbar/console/streaming box).
2) Check for “auto” features: SIMPLINK/CEC, Auto Power Sync, auto device detection, Quick Start+.
3) Check picture/audio modes that commonly reset: Picture Mode, TruMotion, AI Brightness, and audio output (TV speakers vs ARC/eARC).

We can do safe checks first, then I’ll tell you exactly which setting is likely causing the input jumps based on what’s connected.
Customer
I have a soundbar on HDMI ARC and a PS5 on another HDMI. Since the update, sometimes the TV wakes up and goes straight to the PS5 input or the soundbar screen shows “ARC” like it’s reconnecting. The remote still works, but it feels like the TV is “deciding” for me.
Technician avatar Technician
Yep — that’s the classic HDMI-CEC / SIMPLINK behavior: one device sends a wake/switch command, and the TV politely obeys. After an update, CEC rules can become more aggressive, and with a PS5 + soundbar ARC/eARC it can feel random.

Step 1 — Map your HDMI chain (no changes yet)
1) Note which HDMI port is ARC/eARC (usually HDMI 2).
2) Confirm the soundbar is connected directly to the TV (not through a switch) and the PS5 is direct to TV.
3) If you have any HDMI switch, capture card, or “CEC adapter,” mention it — those can cause constant input handshakes.

Step 2 — Quick isolation test (safe + reversible)
For just 2 minutes, unplug the PS5 HDMI from the TV and see if the TV still switches inputs or wakes itself. Then plug it back in. This tells us whether the culprit is the console’s HDMI-CEC signaling or the soundbar’s ARC handshake.

I’m not going to have you toggle 10 settings blindly — we’ll isolate first, then set the minimum changes needed for your setup.
Customer
If I unplug the PS5, the input switching happens less, but I still notice the soundbar reconnecting sometimes. Also Netflix and YouTube feel slower now, and the Home screen has extra tiles I didn’t have before.
Technician avatar Technician
Perfect signal — we likely have two separate “changed behavior” buckets:
• Input/ARC reconnection: usually SIMPLINK/CEC + Auto Power Sync + ARC/eARC handshake timing.
• Slow apps / new tiles: often webOS Home update + cached data + background “recommendations” features, sometimes impacted by network/DNS or storage pressure.

Step 3 — Check the “changed behavior” settings cluster (without committing yet)
On LG webOS, the names vary by year, but look for these exact keywords in Settings:
• SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC)
• Auto Power Sync / “Device power control”
• Sound Out and whether it shows HDMI ARC or eARC
• Quick Start+ (can affect wake behavior and handshake timing)

If you tell me what you see for SIMPLINK and Auto Power Sync (On/Off), I can guide the safest tweak. The “right” setting depends on whether you want the soundbar to turn the TV on automatically, and whether the PS5 should ever auto-switch inputs.
Customer
SIMPLINK is On. Auto Power Sync is On too. Quick Start+ is enabled. Sound Out shows HDMI ARC. I do want the soundbar volume to work, but I don’t want the TV jumping inputs all the time.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s the exact “LG TV behaves differently after update” setup I see a lot: SIMPLINK + Auto Power Sync + Quick Start+ can create a loop where the TV and soundbar keep “greeting” each other, and a console adds extra wake signals.

Here’s the important part: there are two ways to keep ARC volume control but reduce input hijacking — and which one works best depends on your soundbar brand and your PS5 settings.

Step 4 — Safe, minimal-change plan (no full fix posted)
1) We’ll adjust one control feature first (not all at once).
2) Then we test: TV off → TV on → launch Netflix → switch to PS5 → back to Home.
3) If the soundbar still controls volume and the input stops switching, we stop there.

I can walk you through it live because menu labels differ across webOS 22/23/24 and some soundbars have their own CEC options that override the TV. Drop your soundbar model (Samsung/LG/Sony/Vizio/Polk/etc.) and whether PS5 has “HDMI Device Link” enabled — that’s the missing piece.
Customer
It’s a Samsung soundbar (I don’t remember the model) and yes, PS5 HDMI Device Link is on because I used to like turning the TV on with the console. Also the picture looks weird now — like sports mode or soap opera effect even when I watch movies.
Technician avatar Technician
Got it — that explains a lot. With a Samsung soundbar + PS5 CEC on, the TV can receive multiple “switch to me” commands.

About the picture: the “soap opera effect” is usually TruMotion or an AI Picture / Motion feature flipping on after an update. Sometimes it’s tied to an input label (Game Console vs Streaming Box), or the TV switches to a different Picture Mode per app/input (Cinema, Standard, Sports, Game Optimizer).

Step 5 — Identify what mode changed (quick checks)
• Does the effect happen in every app (Netflix, YouTube, HDMI inputs), or only on one input like PS5?
• When you open the picture settings, do you see TruMotion, Real Cinema, AI Picture Pro, Motion Eye Care, or Energy Saving toggled?
• Are you using Filmmaker Mode, Cinema, or Game Optimizer normally?

I can’t safely post a one-size-fits-all “flip these exact toggles” list here because LG models handle motion differently and you don’t want to ruin HDR settings by accident. But if you tell me the TV series (OLED vs UHD) and whether you’re watching SDR vs HDR, I’ll guide the correct path in chat.
Customer
The effect is mostly in Netflix and on regular TV. On PS5 it’s fine because Game mode seems active. Netflix also sometimes logs me out, and the Home screen loads slowly like it’s buffering.
Technician avatar Technician
That split (PS5 fine, Netflix weird) usually points to per-app picture settings + webOS app/cache + sometimes network/DNS. When Netflix logs out after an update, it’s often because the app updated, cookies were cleared, or the TV’s system time/network handshake got flaky.

Step 6 — Safe stability checks (won’t erase your TV)
1) Confirm the TV’s network connection is stable (Wi-Fi signal or Ethernet). If you’re on Wi-Fi, note if you’re on 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz and whether the TV is far from the router/mesh node.
2) Check if your TV recently installed app updates (Netflix/YouTube) in the background — sometimes a reboot after updates helps webOS finalize them.
3) Look for storage warnings or low space. When storage is tight, webOS can lag and apps may behave oddly (slow load, sign-outs).

I’m keeping this “simple explanation” level on purpose. The exact fix depends on your network type (mesh vs single router), and your TV’s webOS generation. If you want, open chat and we’ll do a 3-minute guided check to find whether it’s DNS, Wi-Fi roaming, or app cache.
Customer
What if the remote or phone control is part of the problem? I tried using my phone as a remote once (LG ThinQ) and since then the TV seems to wake up more often, like something is connecting in the background.
Technician avatar Technician
Good question — using LG ThinQ as a phone remote is usually safe, but it can change how the TV is discovered on the network (especially if “mobile TV on” / wake-on-LAN style features are enabled). Also, if your phone or router is aggressively scanning devices, the TV may look “awake” more often.

Step 7 — Clarify remote/control signals
• Are you using Magic Remote pointer and voice features, or aC? Sometimes “always listening” settings confuse people (you can keep privacy settings tighter).
• If ThinQ is paired, does it show the TV as “available” instantly even when the TV is off? That can indicate a network wake feature is enabled.

I won’t post a blanket “turn off X” here because some users rely on phone remote and casting (AirPlay 2, screen share, Bluetooth). In chat, we can tailor it so your TV stops waking unexpectedly but you keep the features you actually use.
Customer
Okay, so it’s probably SIMPLINK/CEC + the update changing picture settings + maybe apps/network. I just want it to feel normal again and stop auto-switching inputs.
Technician avatar Technician
Exactly — your symptoms fit a webOS update behavior change across HDMI control + picture presets + app performance.

Summary (safe path): first we isolate which device is triggering input changes (PS5 vs soundbar ARC), then we adjust the minimum SIMPLINK/Auto Power Sync behavior needed so volume still works but the TV doesn’t jump inputs. Separately, we restore a comfortable picture by checking Picture Mode and motion settings (TruMotion/AI), especially inside Netflix where settings can differ from HDMI inputs. Finally, we confirm app stability by checking network and app update state.

Want me to guide the exact settings for your LG model and your Samsung soundbar? Open the chat — we’ll do it step-by-step and stop as soon as it’s stable.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted first step when an LG Smart TV behaves differently after an update: identify whether SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC), Auto Power Sync, or an ARC/eARC device is triggering input switching, then adjust only the necessary control setting for your exact TV + soundbar/console combo. Picture changes (motion smoothing/AI) and slow apps often require model-specific checks — if you want the safest “normal again” setup, use chat for guided steps.

Why LG Smart TVs can behave differently after a webOS update

When a webOS update installs, your LG TV may refresh the Home screen, update built-in services, and reapply recommended defaults. That can change picture modes (Cinema/Standard/Sports/Game Optimizer), enable motion features like TruMotion, or affect audio output (HDMI ARC/eARC). Updates can also change how SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) responds to devices like PS5, Xbox, Apple TV, Fire TV, or a soundbar — which is why some TVs start auto-switching inputs or waking unexpectedly.

How to test if your LG TV behavior is back to normal

After any change, test in a controlled way: start on the Home dashboard, open Netflix/YouTube, switch to each HDMI input, and confirm the TV stays on the selected source. Check whether the soundbar keeps volume control over ARC/eARC without forcing an input jump. For picture, test a movie scene in the same app and compare motion in different Picture Mode profiles. If only one app is slow or logs out, it often points to app updates, cache, or network stability rather than a hardware fault.

LG Smart TV behaving differently — quick troubleshooting tips

Most cases are caused by update defaults, HDMI-CEC/SIMPLINK behavior, or app/network changes.

Quick path: confirm what changed (system update vs app update), then check HDMI control features like SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) and Auto Power Sync if inputs switch by themselves. If the picture looks too smooth, review your Picture Mode and motion settings (TruMotion/AI) per app and per HDMI input. If apps are slow, verify network stability (Wi-Fi/Ethernet), storage space, and whether app updates completed. For the safest results on your exact LG model and webOS version, use live chat for guided steps.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your LG model, webOS version, connected devices, and settings, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.

Understand what these prompts mean

Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including smart home support, techs, mechanics, vets, and more.

Expert will respond in minutes

We match you with an Expert who specialises in LG webOS TVs, HDMI-CEC/SIMPLINK, ARC/eARC and app issues. Talk, text, or chat — whichever you prefer.

Save time & money

No scheduling hassles or expensive technician visits. Fixing LG Smart TV settings and behavior issues online can save you time and money.

FAQ

Why does my LG Smart TV behave differently after an update?

A webOS update can refresh the Home layout, update apps, and reapply defaults for features like SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC), Quick Start+, picture modes, motion settings (TruMotion), and audio output (ARC/eARC). That can make the TV feel “different” even if you didn’t change anything.

Why does my LG TV switch inputs by itself?

Most self-switching is caused by HDMI-CEC commands from a console, streaming device, or soundbar. On LG TVs this is managed by SIMPLINK and related options like Auto Power Sync. The best setting depends on your device combo and whether you want auto power control.

Why does the picture look too smooth or “soap opera” after the update?

Motion smoothing is usually TruMotion or an AI motion feature turning on in a specific Picture Mode or inside a specific app (like Netflix). LG TVs can store picture settings per input/app, so it may look fine on PS5 (Game mode) but not in streaming apps.

Why are Netflix/YouTube slow or logging out on my LG TV?

After updates, apps may refresh their data or require a clean network handshake. Slow loading or sign-outs can be related to app updates, storage pressure, or network stability (Wi-Fi vs Ethernet, mesh roaming, DNS). A guided check is usually faster than random resets.

Sources

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant
5 Tech Support Specialists are online right now.