Sony TVs have a built-in “demo mode” or “retail mode” that is designed to showcase the TV’s features when it’s on display in a retail store. This mode uses exaggerated brightness, contrast, color, and motion settings that look impressive under store lighting but aren’t ideal for home use.
Fortunately, demo mode is easy to disable when you set up your new Sony TV at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Turn Off Demo Mode
Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to disable demo mode for home use:
- It uses higher-than-normal brightness that can reduce the TV’s lifespan over time
- The oversaturated colors aren’t accurate and may look unnatural
- The motion smoothing gives video an unrealistic “soap opera effect”
- It restricts access to some of the TV’s picture settings
- It cycles endlessly through demos instead of letting you watch normally
So while demo mode makes the TV stand out on a store shelf, you’ll definitely want to switch it off when you get your Sony TV home.
How to Turn Off Demo Mode on Android/Google TVs
Most current Sony TVs run on the Android TV operating system. Here’s how to disable retail mode on these models:
This brings up the Android TV home screen.
2. Select Settings
You’ll see a gear icon for the settings menu. Press OK to enter.
3. Go to Device Preferences > Retail Mode Settings
Under Device Preferences or System, you’ll find the retail mode options.
4. Turn Demo Mode and Picture Reset Mode to Off
Disable both of these retail mode settings.
5. Return to the home screen
Press the Home or Back button to exit settings. The TV will now run in standard home mode.
How to Turn Off Demo Mode on Other Sony TVs
For non-Android TVs, here are the basic steps:
3. Select Shop Front Display Settings or Retail Mode
4. Turn Demo Mode and any other retail modes Off
5. Return to the home screen
This disables store mode. Keep in mind that menu options may vary slightly by model. Check your owner’s manual for details.
Performing a Factory Reset
If demo mode persists even after toggling the retail mode settings, try performing a factory reset on your Sony TV:
Warning: This will erase all saved settings and content from the TV.
The steps vary by model but generally involve:
- Navigating to Settings > Device Preferences > Factory Data Reset
- Selecting Initialize or Format
- Confirming you want to reset to factory defaults
During the initial setup after a reset, you’ll be able to choose home mode instead of retail/demo mode.
Troubleshooting Persistent Demo Mode
If demo mode continues even after a factory reset, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Unplug the TV from power for 60 seconds and plug it back in to do a “hard reset”
- Call Sony support in case there’s an underlying software issue
- Press and hold the power and volume buttons simultaneously to force exit retail mode
Sony provides model-specific support articles online that can help if you’re still unable to disable your TV’s built-in retail demos.
I hope this guide has helped explain how to turn off demo mode on your Sony TV! Let me know if you have any other questions.
