It’s incredibly frustrating when your Sony Bravia TV keeps rebooting, cutting off your show or game without warning. You’re not just looking for reasons—you want it to stop. The good news is that this problem usually stems from a few specific areas, and by following a logical process, you can often fix it yourself. Your TV is likely rebooting because of a software glitch, a problem with something plugged into it, or, less commonly, an internal hardware fault. This guide will help you figure out which one it is, starting with the simplest fixes and moving step-by-step toward a solution.
What to Do Right Now
Before we dive into the full diagnosis, take two quick actions. These steps create a clean starting point for troubleshooting and might even solve the problem immediately.
First, pay close attention to the reboot pattern. Does it happen the moment you turn the TV on, only when using a specific app like Netflix, or completely at random? This clue is vital. Second, completely unplug the TV from the wall outlet for a full two minutes. This clears any temporary software errors stored in the memory.
While the TV is unplugged, remove every single cable from its ports. Take out all HDMI cables, USB drives, audio cables, and even things like soundbars connected via ARC. We need to test the TV alone.
Finding the Reason Your Sony Bravia TV Keeps Rebooting
Now, with the TV plugged back in but sitting alone, we begin the real detective work. Follow these steps in order. Stop and check if the reboot problem is gone after each step. If it is, you’ve found your likely cause.
Start With Everything Connected to Your TV
Surprisingly, the most common culprit isn’t the TV itself. Problems with connected hardware cause a huge number of reboot issues. This is often related to HDCP, which is a copyright protection handshake between devices.
If your TV reboots when you switch to an HDMI port or during video playback, this is a prime suspect. Start by plugging your devices back in one at a time. After connecting each one, use the TV normally for a few minutes to see if a reboot happens.
Try using different HDMI cables and ports on your TV. A faulty or low-quality cable can disrupt the signal. Also, check if your soundbar, receiver, or game console has a firmware update available. An update for your soundbar can sometimes stop your TV from crashing.
Fixing Software and Update Problems
If the TV reboots even with nothing attached, the issue is internal. Start with the software. First, check for a manual TV software update. Sometimes an update gets interrupted and causes problems.
Go to your TV’s settings, find “About” or “System Update,” and choose to update if available. If your TV is stuck in a reboot loop and you can’t access menus, you can often force an update with a USB drive from Sony’s own site.
Next, manage your TV’s storage. Android TV can slow down and crash if it’s too full. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Storage. If it’s nearly full, you need to clear space.
Uninstall apps you don’t use. Then, go into apps like Netflix or YouTube, clear their cache, and even clear their data if you’re okay with signing back in. This removes corrupted temporary files. Be wary of any unknown or “self-installed applications” from outside the Play Store, as they can be unstable.
Using a Factory Reset the Right Way
Many guides will tell you to do a factory reset. We recommend using it as a powerful diagnostic tool, not a first step. If the problem continues after checking your devices and managing software, a reset is the next logical move.
A factory reset returns your TV to its original out-of-the-box state. It will erase all your settings, logged-in accounts, and “self-installed applications.” That’s why it’s often called a last resort, but it’s the best way to rule out a deep software conflict.
To do it properly, perform a forced reset. Turn off the TV, press and hold the physical power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for about 5 seconds until you hear a second click or see the reset light. This is more thorough than the menu option.
Here is the most important part. After the reset, do not immediately restore all your apps and settings. Set up the TV as a new device and use just the basic live TV or one built-in app for a few hours. This tests if the core system is stable. If the reboots are gone, you know a software conflict was the cause.
Signs of Internal Hardware Failure
If you have a completely isolated TV—no devices connected, freshly factory reset—and it still reboots constantly, the issue is likely internal hardware. Here’s how to interpret the symptoms.
Listen and feel. A distinct, repeated “relay switch” clicking sound every few seconds with no picture points to a power supply issue. Carefully feel the back of the TV after it’s been on. Is one area much warmer than the rest? A hot spot can indicate a failing component.
Watch the boot loop. Does it start up, show the “Android logo” or “Sony” screen, and then reboot again and again? This boot loop is a classic sign of a deeper system board or memory problem. If the TV works for a “few hours” of “prolonged use” then reboots, overheating could be the cause.
Problems like a “bad motherboard” or failing power supply are not user-repairable. This diagnostic step is about confirmation. If your TV passes all the software and connection tests but still fails, you have strong evidence to provide to a repair technician.
Permanent Fixes and Your Next Move
Based on what you found during the diagnosis, here is your action plan to get back to normal viewing.
If You Solved the Problem
Congratulations. Now, rebuild your setup carefully to prevent the problem from returning. When re-adding devices, do them one per day. This way, if a reboot happens, you know exactly which device caused it.
Be selective when reinstalling apps. Only add back the ones you use daily. In your TV’s settings, consider turning off auto-updates for apps. Let updates happen manually so you can notice if a new app version causes trouble.
Keep an eye on your storage space. Regularly clear the cache for big apps like streaming services. This simple maintenance keeps the Android TV system running smoothly and prevents future “storage space decrease” crashes.
If the Reboots Continue
If you’ve reached this point, it’s time for professional help. Contact Sony support. To get help faster, have this information ready: your exact TV model number (like X90J or A8H), the current software version, and a clear description of your diagnostic steps.
Tell them, “My TV reboots even with all devices unplugged and after a forced factory reset. I hear a relay clicking sound / notice a warm spot on the back / it gets stuck on the Android logo.” This detailed information moves you past basic troubleshooting.
For out-of-warranty TVs, a technician can confirm if it’s a repairable power supply issue or a more costly main board replacement. This will help you decide whether repair is worthwhile compared to a new TV.
Conclusion
Dealing with a Sony Bravia TV that keeps rebooting is a test of patience, but a methodical approach almost always finds the cause. Remember the key philosophy: start with the external connections, then move to internal software, and finally consider internal hardware. By matching your specific symptoms to the diagnostic steps, you can avoid unnecessary resets and understand exactly what’s wrong, whether it’s a simple cable swap or a call for professional repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bad HDMI cable cause my Sony Bravia TV to reboot?
Yes, absolutely. A faulty or low-quality HDMI cable can fail the HDCP handshake between devices. This digital content protection error can cause the TV to restart, especially when switching inputs or starting a high-resolution video. Always try a different, known-good HDMI cable as a first step.
Is it safe to skip Sony Bravia firmware updates to avoid reboot problems?
It is not recommended. While a bad update can sometimes cause issues, skipping updates leaves your TV vulnerable to bugs and security flaws that later updates fix. The safer approach is to manually check for updates when you know your internet is stable, rather than using auto-update, and to wait a week or two after a major update releases to see if others report issues.
How do I clear the cache on my Android TV to free up space?
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps. Select an app like Netflix or YouTube. Choose “Clear cache.” This deletes temporary files without removing your login info. Do this for large apps every few months to help prevent crashes from low storage.
Will a factory reset void my Sony TV warranty?
No, performing a factory reset will not void your warranty. It is a standard troubleshooting step recommended by Sony support. However, opening the TV’s back panel or attempting your own hardware repairs will void the warranty.
What are the definitive signs of a failing power supply or motherboard?
For a failing power supply, listen for a repeated clicking sound from the TV every few seconds with no picture. For motherboard issues, look for a boot loop where the TV only gets to the Sony or Android logo before restarting, or if it works perfectly for exactly the same short amount of time before each crash.
My TV reboots only when using Netflix (or another specific app). What does this mean?
This strongly points to a problem with that specific app or its data. First, force stop the app, then clear its cache and data from the TV’s app settings. If that doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the app. The issue is almost always with the app’s software, not your TV’s hardware.
What should I tell the Sony support technician to get help faster?
Tell them your TV model, your current software version, and the exact results of your troubleshooting: “I unplugged all devices, performed a forced factory reset, and the TV still reboots randomly / on startup.” Mention any specific sounds or error screens. This shows you’ve done the basics.
Can using an external streaming device (like a Fire Stick) prevent these reboots?
It can be a very effective workaround. If the reboot issue is caused by the TV’s internal Android TV software or storage, using an external device removes that burden from the TV. Your TV essentially becomes a simple monitor, which can stop the rebooting and often improves performance.
How long should a Sony Bravia TV last before hardware issues arise?
With normal use, a quality Sony Bravia TV should last 7-10 years before major hardware failures become more common. Issues like persistent rebooting within the first few years are more often related to software or connected devices than the TV’s core components wearing out.
Are certain Sony Bravia models or years known for this reboot issue?
There are no universally “bad” models, but community forums often show patterns. Some Android TV models from specific years may have more reported software instability after a “final Android TV update” that strains older hardware. Checking the r/bravia wiki or forums for your specific model number can reveal if others have found a proven fix.