YouTube Playback Disrupted by Screensaver Glitch on LG Smart TVs

How the Screensaver Overrides Active Video

On July 30, 2026, owners of LG Smart TVs running webOS reported that the YouTube app stops playing when the built‑in screensaver activates. The issue also affects YouTube’s multiview feature, where several videos run simultaneously. Users say the interruption occurs without any user input, cutting short videos and live streams.

The problem appears to stem from a software bug that mistakenly treats ongoing video playback as idle activity. When the screensaver timer reaches its limit, webOS forces the display to dim and then resumes, causing the YouTube app to lose its stream. Forums and social media threads show dozens of complaints, many noting that the glitch happens after just a few minutes of viewing. LG has not issued an official statement, and YouTube’s support pages remain silent on the matter.

WebOS’s screensaver is designed to protect the panel and conserve energy during periods of inactivity. In normal operation, the system checks for user interaction before engaging the saver. However, the YouTube app apparently fails to send the required „active” signals, leading the OS to assume the TV is idle. Once the saver kicks in, the app’s playback buffer is cleared, and the video halts. One user described the experience: „I’m watching a tutorial, and suddenly the screen blanks out, forcing me to reload the video.” Another reported that multiview sessions, which display up to four videos at once, are especially vulnerable, with all streams pausing simultaneously. The bug seems limited to webOS devices, as Android‑based smart TVs do not exhibit the same behavior.

Is There a Way to Stop the Interruption?

Many owners have tried common workarounds, such as disabling the screensaver entirely or adjusting its timeout setting to a longer interval. Some have found that manually moving the remote’s cursor or pressing a button every few minutes prevents the saver from activating, but this defeats the purpose of hands‑free viewing. Others suggest using the YouTube mobile app to cast videos to the TV, which bypasses the built‑in player and appears unaffected. LG’s community forums hint at an upcoming firmware update that may address the issue, though no release date has been confirmed. Until an official fix arrives, users are left balancing convenience against the risk of interrupted streams.

The screensaver glitch threatens to erode confidence in LG’s smart‑TV platform, especially as streaming continues to dominate home entertainment. If the problem persists, it could prompt consumers to seek alternative devices or demand quicker software patches. Both LG and Google have a vested interest in resolving the bug promptly, as prolonged outages may drive viewers toward competing ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the screensaver trigger during video playback? WebOS mistakenly interprets YouTube’s activity as idle, so the screensaver engages when its timer expires, halting the stream.

Can disabling the screensaver fully solve the problem? Turning off the screensaver stops the interruption, but it also removes power‑saving benefits and may affect screen longevity.

When might a fix be released? LG has hinted at a forthcoming firmware update, but no specific timeline has been announced by the company.