LG smart TV owners are voicing growing frustration after discovering that Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool has been added to their televisions following a recent webOS software update. The change, which appears to affect select LG TV models, occurred automatically and without prior notification, leaving many users feeling blindsided by the unexpected addition.
The issue began drawing attention over the weekend when users started sharing screenshots and experiences online, particularly on Reddit. A post displaying the Copilot tile fixed prominently on an LG TV home screen quickly gained widespread attention, prompting thousands of responses from users reporting similar experiences. Many expressed irritation over the lack of consent involved in installing the feature.
Copilot Appears Automatically With No Opt-Out
According to users affected by the update, Copilot shows up immediately after installing the latest version of webOS. Once installed, the AI assistant appears as a tile alongside common streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. However, unlike those services, Copilot cannot be deleted from the system.
While some users report being able to hide or reposition the tile, the application itself remains permanently embedded in the TV’s software. For many, this distinction is significant. Owners argue that hiding an app is not the same as removing it, especially when it occupies system space and represents a feature they did not ask for.
LG’s support materials indicate that certain system-level or preinstalled applications cannot be fully uninstalled. Copilot now appears to fall under this category, making it effectively unavoidable once the update is applied.
Part of LG’s Long-Term AI Vision
The rollout of Copilot aligns with LG’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its television ecosystem. The company has previously outlined plans to transform its TVs into “AI-powered hubs,” capable of answering questions, suggesting content, and offering personalized experiences.
At CES 2025, LG highlighted Microsoft Copilot as a key component of its AI Search initiative, positioning it as a tool that could enhance how users interact with content on their TVs. The vision presented suggested a deeply integrated assistant designed to work seamlessly within the webOS environment.
In practice, however, the current implementation appears far more limited. Users report that Copilot functions primarily as a gateway to a web-based interface rather than a fully native feature built into the TV’s operating system. This has led to disappointment among some owners who expected a more refined or useful experience.
Consumer Frustration Centers on Loss of Control
While opinions on AI assistants vary, the strongest reaction from LG TV owners centers on the absence of choice. Many users emphasize that they are not opposed to AI itself, but object to having new features imposed on devices they already own without permission.
Smart TVs are increasingly evolving into software-driven platforms, with manufacturers frequently adding new features through updates. Over time, this has included advertising placements, data collection tools, and now AI services. Critics argue that these changes often prioritize corporate strategies over user preferences.
LG does provide settings that allow users to disable certain AI-related functions, such as voice recognition or personalized recommendations. However, those controls do not eliminate Copilot from the system entirely, which remains a key point of contention.
Not an Isolated Industry Practice
LG is not alone in pursuing AI integration. Other major TV manufacturers are also embedding artificial intelligence into their platforms. Some Samsung smart TVs, for example, include Google’s Gemini AI as part of their user experience. Across the industry, AI is increasingly marketed as a core feature rather than an optional add-on.
The backlash against LG’s update suggests that manufacturers may be moving faster than consumers are comfortable with. Rather than seeing AI as a welcome enhancement, many users view it as unnecessary complexity added to a device primarily used for watching television.
This disconnect highlights a broader challenge for the consumer electronics industry: balancing innovation with user autonomy. As smart TVs become more sophisticated, the question of who truly controls the device—the manufacturer or the owner—becomes increasingly relevant.
Few Practical Ways to Avoid the Feature
For now, LG TV owners have limited options if they wish to avoid Copilot entirely. Users report that the only reliable method to prevent interaction with the AI assistant is to disconnect the TV from the internet. While effective, this approach also disables streaming services, app updates, and other online features, making it an unrealistic solution for most households.
There has been no indication that LG plans to introduce an uninstall option or provide users with greater control over the feature. Given the company’s ongoing investment in AI-driven services, many observers believe a reversal is unlikely.
