How to turn off ACR on a Samsung TV
Samsung calls its automatic content recognition Viewing Information Services. It only runs if you agreed to it, and you can withdraw that agreement in the TV's privacy menu at any time.1
Checked 28 October 2026 against the sources. Steps are for US models unless a step says otherwise.
Turn it off
There are two ways into the same agreements. Use whichever your TV shows.
From Settings
SettingViewing Information Services
The path Consumer Reports gives for 2025 Samsung TVs (updated 19 October 2025).2
- Press Home on the remote, then open Menu › Settings › All Settings.2
- Scroll down to General & Privacy › Terms & Privacy.On some earlier models this is called Terms and Policy.2
- Don't agree to Viewing Information, and don't agree to Interest-Based Advertising.Consumer Reports says you'll still get ads, but they'll be less targeted to your viewing habits and interests.2
From Privacy Choices
MenuPrivacy Choices
Steps from Samsung Hong Kong's support page (last updated 14 September 2026), which says models and menus vary by country.3 Consumer Reports saw the same screen on 2025 US sets.2
- Press Home on the Smart Remote, move left to Menu, then select Privacy Choices.3
- Select Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy.3
- Move to Viewing Information Services and press Select to withdraw your agreement. Do the same for interest-based advertisements.Choose View details on an item to read it first. I agree to all agrees to, or withdraws from, every adjustable item at once.3
- Select OK to save.3
On 2025 US sets, Consumer Reports found a Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information option at the bottom of this page.2 Samsung notes that some features may not work if you decline data access.3
Voice recordings
Bixby SettingsAllow Audio Recording Review
Steps from Samsung Hong Kong's support page.3
- Open Settings › All Settings › Advanced Features › Voice › Bixby Settings.3
- Go to the Privacy tab.3
- Turn off Allow Audio Recording Review and Allow voiceprint review.3
On 2025 US sets, Consumer Reports found no voice service is on by default, and the Voice menu stays greyed out until you turn on a small microphone switch under the TV.2
Vision AI Companion
AI assistantTerms & Conditions
For TVs with Samsung's AI assistant. Steps from Samsung Hong Kong's support page.3
What it collects when it's on
Samsung's own description
ACR generates signatures that capture viewing information, which may include programs viewed and how long you watched them, TV identifiers including your Personalized Service ID, and your IP address. Samsung says it does not record or watch what's on the screen.1
Samsung says this applies to all its smart TVs.
What Consumer Reports found
Viewing Information Services collects the channels and networks you watch, the websites you visit and the programs you view, and covers devices connected to the TV. It powers program recommendations and targeted marketing.2
Leave the box unticked to limit it.
Questions people ask
Do I have to turn on ACR on a Samsung TV?
No. Samsung says ACR is optional and only runs if you consented to the Viewing Information Services notice, at setup or later in Settings.1
What can't I untick?
At setup, Consumer Reports found you can't untick the Terms & Conditions or the Smart Hub U.S. Privacy Notice, and you must agree to the Art Store terms to use the Art Store.2
Where is it on an older Samsung TV?
Consumer Reports says some older sets have these controls under Settings, then Support, then Terms & Privacy or Terms and Policy, then Privacy Choices. On even older sets, look in the Smart Hub menu under Support, Terms & Policy, for SyncPlus and Marketing.2
What did the Texas agreement with Samsung change?
On 26 February 2026 the Texas Attorney General announced an agreement under which, the office says, Samsung must not collect or process ACR viewing data without Texas consumers' express consent, and must update its TVs with clear disclosures and consent screens.4
Sources 4
- Samsung Smart TV Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) Feature, Samsung US Support, undated. Read 28 October 2026.
- How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features, James K. Willcox, Consumer Reports, updated 19 October 2025, section Samsung TVs. Read 28 October 2026.
- How to adjust Privacy Settings on your Samsung Smart TV, Samsung Hong Kong Support, last updated 14 September 2026. Read 28 October 2026.
- Attorney General Paxton Secures Major Agreement with Samsung, Office of the Texas Attorney General, 26 February 2026. Read 28 October 2026.
Every step comes from Samsung's own help pages or Consumer Reports' dated tests. How we check