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this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2026
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Technology
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Never connect your display to the internet is the classic advice.
Unfortunately some screens require you to connect to a Wi-Fi before they let you use them, causing you to need to create a unique burner hotspot on your mobile device to complete it. We've also heard of these kinds of devices connecting to any open network automatically too.
I can imagine from TVs and mobile devices these manufacturers have a database of Wi-Fi network + passwords it could use as well. Screens are also integrating docks into themselves meaning that Ethernet meant for your laptop or connected to your desktop could be used too.
This isn't even the case for those LG monitors, they trigger a Windows Update download for malware.
Why buy these kind of monitors in the first place ?
I think there are plenty of monitors that don't have weird online requirements or spyware in it so why buy them at all ?
Everytime someone buys a monitor like that they normalize the practice.
A monitor has one job -> displaying images.
Or, as is the case with my Samsung monitor, they have Bluetooth always on.
Conjecture: This, I believe, is so it can find and talk to other Samsung devices that ARE connected to the internet and phone home.
It's really just an impossible level of shitty. No LG or Samsung for me
Yeah, wtf a monitor doesn't need Bluetooth or a wifi connection. I'm good I'll stick to the non brand names.
If it requires internet for a device that does not need it, it gets send back to the manufacturer with a complaint.
So the next solution is to let it connect to your network but then block it at the firewall. That way you have full control over what it sees.
It is a dumb arms race between consumers and the devices they purchased