Users report Microsoft Copilot appearing on LG Smart TVs after software update

[Alfonso Maruccia]

Sounding off: Tech giants and ambitious startups keep wedging chatbots and other AI add-ons into products that never needed them. Smart TVs are the latest target, with LG and others baking in assistants that interrupt the simplest tasks – and viewers are getting fed up.

LG has allegedly begun forcing Microsoft Copilot onto its smart TV customers. A Reddit user says a recent software update installed the app with no means of removal. If this proves widespread, it would mark a new milestone in Big Tech's push to monetize AI before its financial bubble bursts.

The Redditor reporting the spontaneous Copilot installation said his TV never even prompted him to authorize the rogue app. It just appeared after a routine update and is now classified as a system app, meaning you can't remove it without heavily modifying the firmware.

Apps that cannot be easily uninstalled are slowly creeping into TVs and other smart devices. Samsung, another prominent Korean TV manufacturer, recently drew complaints from users saying the company's TVs reinstalled Xbox, Rakuten, Samsung TV Plus, and other apps after they were deleted or disabled. Both Samsung and LG previously announced plans to add Copilot to their respective TV platforms in 2025.

A third-party chatbot that users cannot remove or disable is unprecedented, even in the notoriously obnoxious world of Smart TVs. Reddit users offered some practical advice for dealing with the issue, such as avoiding sign-in or disconnecting the TV from the internet entirely.

LG Smart TV owners have also posted complaints about a service called "Live Plus." Allegedly enabled by default, the setting scans what users watch to offer an "enhanced viewing experience." Essentially, the company is selling viewing habits to advertisers, though users can still disable the feature in the TV's "additional settings" menu. Binge-watching enthusiasts who don't want the app spying on their viewing habits face a frustrating experience when trying to uninstall it.

The business implications are even more concerning. Microsoft is determined to deploy its chatbot service everywhere, prompting some regulatory agencies outside the US to respond. Yet few users are embracing the service, and the company now faces pressure to limit its sales prospects.

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Users report Microsoft Copilot appearing on LG Smart TVs after software update

 

[seeprime]

LG sets don't have excessive amounts of storage. They already have uninstallable Alexa on them, which I never used. Wasting scant storage space on a resource hungry app is a horrible move that could push people, including me, into switching brands, when time comes.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

If you wanted the “smart tv experience”, well here you go. If you didn’t, why TF would you ever connect your TV to WiFi in the first place?

 

[wiyosaya]

If you wanted the “smart tv experience”, well here you go. If you didn’t, why TF would you ever connect your TV to WiFi in the first place?

More like smart-a$$ TV experience, and I am sure there will be a large faction of customers pushing back on what is technically not needed. However, LG claims there is AI in many of their sets as it is. The difference being that the existing AI might actually be useful, whereas arguably, coPilot is not.

 

[gamerk2]

If you wanted the “smart tv experience”, well here you go. If you didn’t, why TF would you ever connect your TV to WiFi in the first place?

Firmware updates, and for a lot of bleeding edge TVs, yes, they actually do address bugs.

 

[trparky]

Gag me with a rusty spoon!

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Firmware updates, and for a lot of bleeding edge TVs, yes, they actually do address bugs.

Dont need firmware updates for a dumb display. It's a TV. Does it turn on and display video? Great.

 

[ZedRM]

I wouldn't want Microsoft's CoPilot on my TV either. Microsoft needs to be shut down. They have breached the boundaries of acceptable civilized behavior.

 

[dangh]

So. No samsung bs, no lg bs, what left? Sony, Panasonic, and probably some chinese stuff, then.

Dont need firmware updates for a dumb display. It's a TV. Does it turn on and display video? Great.

What does mean "tv"? I dont have a 'tv' on my 'tv'. I have selfhosted jellyfin and if the screen have option to connect to my server to play it, that is a great stuff. If I can get update to get the lower input lag or better hdr implementation, or other image improvements, thats perfect. It's great to have it and yet I see no reason for a copilot. It is a screen with good processing power, and if I paid for it, I should have a day what this thing can and can not run.

 

[MasterAce]

Firmware updates, and for a lot of bleeding edge TVs, yes, they actually do address bugs.

Dont need firmware updates for a dumb display. It's a TV. Does it turn on and display video? Great.

I dont even have cable, online is the only mode of delivery for my family and all the programs start when we want to watch them, not on a timetable.

And yes, this thing has indeed appeared on my LG. It even wanted camera permission, I’m not sure my TV even has one.

 

[Puiu]

WTF does it even do?

 

[stewi0001]

WTF does it even do?

My guess is that it is for those "smart" tvs with a remote microphone.


For the record, I don't hate copilot but I'm not a fan of it being install uninvited.

 

[A Tabby Person]

WTF does it even do?

Makes LG a few cents

 

[RaXelliX]

Firmware updates, and for a lot of bleeding edge TVs, yes, they actually do address bugs.

Last I checked you can download firmware update to an USB stick, plug in in the USB port on the TV and do the update without ever connecting to the internet. Granted it's more inconvenient than downloading it over the internet and installing via the settings, but it is an option.

My old and cheap LG Smart TV has two USB ports. Unless LG got rid of this option on the newer models it should still work.

 

[OortCloud]

Ai is so often forced with no option to remove. It's the only way they can get it out there. Just shows how much they overestimated peoples desire for this complete slop.

 

[Loadedaxe]

Roku TVs ftw. Both made by Pioneer.