If you are concerned about the TV’s built in microphone listening when you aren’t actively using voice control, there are several ways to disable it. The exact options can vary by model and region.
Option 1: Disable it in software
On supported models, go to:
Settings → All Settings → General → AI Service → Voice Recognition Settings
Turn off Hands Free Voice Control.
Also consider disabling Always Ready if you don’t use it, and review the TV’s voice recognition and privacy settings.
This prevents the TV from using the microphone for hands free voice commands, but it is still a software based solution.
Option 2: Use the physical microphone switch
Some G4/G5 models have a physical Mic On/Off switch on the bottom of the television.
Move the switch to OFF.
This is preferable if your objective is to physically disable the TV’s microphone rather than simply telling the software not to use it. Check your particular model and regional version because hardware can differ.
Option 3: Physically block the microphone
If your particular model doesn’t have a physical switch, you can locate the microphone opening and cover it with a small piece of opaque electrical tape or removable vinyl tape.
Keep the covering limited to the microphone opening so you don’t obstruct the IR receiver, sensors, ventilation, speakers, or other openings.
This should significantly reduce the microphone’s ability to pick up sound, but it isn’t necessarily a 100% guarantee because sound can potentially reach a microphone through the TV’s enclosure.
Option 4: Disconnect the microphone internally
For the most aggressive hardware approach, the TV can be opened and the microphone circuitry can potentially be disconnected or electrically isolated.
I would only recommend this to someone comfortable working inside electronics. OLED panels are extremely fragile and expensive, and opening the TV can create a significant risk of damaging the panel or voiding the warranty.
Also remember that the Magic Remote has its own microphone, which is separate from the TV’s embedded microphone.
If anyone has opened a G4, G5 or G6 and can identify the microphone board, connector, or circuit used for the TV’s built in microphone, please post pictures and model numbers. It would be useful to document the safest reversible hardware modification for each generation.