Fixing LG OLED CX Picture Looping on Startup

Understanding the picture‑looping issue on an LG OLED CX is the first step toward a permanent solution.
When the TV boots up, instead of showing the last selected input or the TV logo, it repeats a static image or a short video clip over and over again. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the TV for home cinema, gaming, or everyday use.

The following guide explains why the looping occurs, what to check, and how to fix it using the TV’s built‑in menus, firmware updates, and, if necessary, service‑mode procedures.
It is written for a typical home user but also serves as a reference for technicians who need a quick rundown of the troubleshooting steps.

Recognizing the Problem

When you power on your LG OLED CX, the screen displays the same image or clip in a loop.
Common signs include:

• The picture repeats exactly the same frames or video segment, often with a visible playback bar.
• The looping occurs on every boot, regardless of the last used source—similar to issues documented in our guide on Quelling LG OLED G1 Picture Loop at Startup.
• The TV’s menu can be accessed by pressing the Home button, but the main picture area remains stuck in the loop.
• The loop may happen only when the TV is in a particular power mode (e.g., “Eco” or “Sleep”) or after a firmware update.

Knowing these symptoms helps you narrow down the cause before diving into advanced diagnostics.

Why Does the Loop Happen?

Several factors can trigger picture looping on startup:

1. Faulty firmware or corrupted software
   An incomplete or corrupted update can cause the TV to default to a looping video in the boot sequence—see how to keep Samsung Q70T from displaying error code 0x8007000e after an update for a similar fix.

2. Residual memory from a previously connected USB device
   If a USB drive containing a looping video was left connected during a power outage, the TV may try to play it on boot.

3. Misconfigured input or HDMI‑CEC settings
   Certain HDMI‑CEC settings can force the TV to replay a picture from a connected device if it is not recognized correctly.

4. Service‑mode flag left on after a repair
   Some service procedures set a flag that tells the TV to start a loop during the next boot. If this flag is not cleared, the loop will continue.

5. Hardware issue with the picture‑display controller
   Though rare, a faulty picture‑display component can cause a default loop as a safety fallback.

The good news is that most problems are software related and can be solved without replacing hardware.

Prepare for Troubleshooting

Before you start, gather the following:

• A working remote control or a mobile app that can control the TV’s menu.
• A USB drive with a clean file system (FAT32 or exFAT) if you plan to test the USB‑boot scenario.
• A spare HDMI cable or a known‑good HDMI source (like a streaming box or Blu‑ray player).
• Your TV’s model number and serial number, usually found on a label on the back panel.

With these items ready, you can proceed through the steps in a logical order.

Step 1: Reset the TV to Factory Settings

A factory reset removes all user‑made configurations and often clears any hidden flags that trigger the loop.

1. Turn the TV on and press the Home button on the remote.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Select All Settings.
4. Scroll to General and then Reset to Initial Settings.
5. Confirm the reset when prompted.
6. Wait for the TV to reboot.

If the picture still loops after the reset, move to the next step.

Step 2: Update or Re‑install Firmware

Firmware is the operating system of the TV. Out‑of‑date or corrupted firmware can create startup problems—see how to keep Samsung Q70T from displaying error code 0x8007000e after an update for a similar fix.

1. While still in the Settings menu, select All Settings → Support → Software Update.
2. Choose Check for Updates.
3. If an update is available, download and install it.
4. If the TV reports that it is up‑to‑date, consider a manual update via USB:
   • Download the latest firmware file from LG’s official website.
   • Copy the file to a USB drive, ensuring the drive’s root folder contains only the file (no subfolders).
   • Plug the USB into the TV’s USB port.
   • In the Settings menu, go to All Settings → Support → Software Update → Update via USB.
   • Follow the on‑screen prompts to complete the update.

After updating, reboot the TV. The loop should disappear if it was caused by software corruption.

Step 3: Disable Picture‑Looping Features

Some TVs have an option that automatically plays a background video when no input is detected. Verify that this feature is off.

1. Open Settings → All Settings → Picture.
2. Locate Auto Power‑Off or Picture‑Loop settings.
3. Set any looping options to Off or Disabled.
4. Exit the menu and power cycle the TV.

If the loop persists, the issue is likely elsewhere.

Step 4: Check HDMI and USB Sources

The TV may try to play a video from an external source that was left connected during a power failure.

HDMI Sources

1. Disconnect all HDMI cables.
2. Power on the TV.
3. If the loop stops, reconnect the cables one by one, powering the TV after each reconnection, until the loop reappears—if the issue persists, refer to Fixing Toshiba 75B Display Flicker When Switching HDMI Inputs.

USB Sources

1. Remove all USB devices from the TV.
2. Power on the TV and observe whether the loop stops.
3. If it does, plug in a USB drive that contains a simple image (like a JPEG) and see if the loop resumes.
4. Remove the USB again and test a different drive.

If a particular USB device triggers the loop, format or replace it.

Step 5: Clear the Picture Memory

The TV stores a small cache of images and videos that can sometimes be corrupted.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Go to Settings → All Settings → General → Picture Memory.
3. Select Clear Picture Memory.
4. Confirm the action.
5. Power cycle the TV.

Clearing the picture memory eliminates residual data that may cause the loop.

Step 6: Use Service Mode to Clear Flags

Advanced users can access the TV’s service menu to reset hidden flags. Proceed with caution; incorrect changes can harm the TV.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. On the remote, press the following sequence: Menu, Menu, Menu, Menu, OK, OK, OK, Power.
3. The service menu will appear.
4. Navigate to Settings → General → Flags.
5. Look for a flag named PictureLoop or BootLoop.
6. Set it to False or 0.
7. Exit the service menu and power on the TV.

If you are uncomfortable with service mode, skip this step and proceed to professional help.

Step 7: Replace Faulty Components (Last Resort)

If all software troubleshooting fails, a hardware fault may be the root cause. Common hardware issues include:

• Picture‑display controller malfunction.
• Power supply board irregularities that trigger the loop during boot.
• Mainboard firmware storage corruption that cannot be fixed via standard updates.

For example, avoid overheating issues similar to those addressed in Avoiding LG OLED BX from Overheating When Watching Live Sports.
Hardware replacement requires a qualified technician. Do not attempt to open the TV yourself, as it voids the warranty and risks electric shock.

Step 8: When to Call a Professional

If you have completed every software step and the picture still loops, contact LG support or an authorized service center. Provide them with:

• Your model and serial number.
• A description of the problem and the steps you have taken.
• Screenshots or a video clip of the looping if possible.

Professional technicians can run diagnostics on the TV’s internal systems, access deeper firmware settings, and replace components if needed.

Preventive Measures

To avoid future looping problems:

• Keep the TV’s firmware up‑to‑date.
• Disconnect USB devices after use, especially before power outages.
• Avoid manually editing or inserting unknown files onto the TV’s memory.
• Periodically perform a factory reset when experiencing odd behaviors.
• Use a surge protector to safeguard against power surges that can corrupt firmware—see also Preventing Philips 65OLED705 from Powering Off After Firmware Update for additional firmware protection tips.

By following these practices, you reduce the likelihood of encountering the picture‑looping issue again.

Summary

The LG OLED CX picture‑looping on startup is almost always a software issue. Resetting to factory settings, updating firmware, disabling looping features, and clearing picture memory usually resolve the problem.
If the loop persists after these steps, use service mode to clear hidden flags.
Only if all software solutions fail should you consider hardware replacement, which requires professional assistance.

By methodically checking each potential cause, you can restore your OLED CX to normal operation and enjoy uninterrupted home entertainment.