Sony TVs hide a service menu behind button sequences on the remote. This menu shows diagnostic info, panel hours, and some locked settings. People open it to check usage on used sets or turn off hotel mode restrictions.
Wrong changes can ruin picture quality or brick the TV. Sony does not support user access. Proceed only if you accept the risk.
Important Safety Warnings
Do not adjust anything unless you know exactly what it does. One bad value can cause permanent damage. Take photos of every screen before touching settings. If unsure, stop and contact Sony support.
Changes write to memory. Some cannot reverse without professional tools. Bluetooth remotes often fail the sequence—use the original infrared remote.
Required Remote and Prerequisites
You need the Sony remote that came with the TV. Newer minimal remotes lack number buttons but have alternatives. Bluetooth pairing blocks the fast signals needed. Switch to an older IR remote if possible.
Put the TV in standby first (red light on, screen off). Press buttons fast, within 2-3 seconds total.
Access Methods by TV Generation
Methods vary by year and remote type. Try them in order.
Older Sony TVs (Pre-2018, Non-Android)
Turn TV to standby. Press Display (or Info/i+), 5, Volume Up, Power quickly. Screen turns on in service mode.
Alternative: Display, 5, Power.
Sony Android TV Models (2018-2021)
Standby mode. Press Info (i+), 5, Volume Down, Power fast. Or try Info, 5, Volume Up, Power.
Some open Self Check first—press Enter for full menu.
Modern Sony Google TV / Bravia (2022-Current)
With number buttons on remote: Standby. Info (i+), 5, Volume Up, Power.
With minimal remote (no numbers): Go to home screen first, then standby. Press Home, D-pad center (OK/Select), Volume Up, Power quickly.
2024-2026 Bravia models often need the second version.
Step-by-Step Navigation in the Menu
Use arrow keys to move. Numbers 1 and 4 jump categories. 3 and 6 change values. Mute or Enter saves on some screens. Read each label carefully.
Common Uses for the Service Menu
Disabling Hotel or Hospitality Mode
Hotel mode caps volume and blocks inputs. Enter service menu. Find Hospitality or Hotel section (sometimes under Setup or General). Set Hotel Mode to Off or Disabled. Save if prompted, then exit.
Checking Panel Usage Hours
Go to Self Diagnosis or Status. Look for lines with hour counts—first set often total power-ons, last set panel hours. Numbers show in five-digit blocks. Useful for used TVs; over 20,000 hours signals heavy use on OLED.
Running Self-Diagnostics
Select Self Check or Diagnostic History. View error codes and counts. Clear history only if needed—usually no changes here.
How to Exit Safely
Press power button once on remote. Let TV shut down fully. Wait 10 seconds. Turn on normally. This avoids saving unwanted changes.
If you adjusted values, some menus require “Write” before exit.
Troubleshooting Access Problems
Sequence fails? Check timing—too slow common. Confirm IR remote (point directly, fresh batteries). Try Volume Up vs Down variation. Newer TVs block some methods—search your exact model if stuck.
No menu on 2025+ models sometimes means restricted access by design.
Advanced Risks and When to Avoid
Service menu lets technicians calibrate white balance, gamma, and panel drivers. Casual users break color accuracy fast. OLED panels risk burn-in from bad settings. Improper changes can also lead to freezing or a black screen. See our Sony TV freezing fixes and general TV no picture troubleshooting for potential recovery steps. Firmware updates can change or lock access entirely.
Skip this unless checking hours or fixing hotel lock. For picture tweaks, use standard settings instead.
Most owners never need the service menu. It exists for factory and repair work. Use common sense—when in doubt, back out.
Related TV Service Menu Guides
We cover service menu access for many popular brands. Check these dedicated guides:
Hi , I have a Sony X800H 49-inch TV: 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV and cant find the hidden menu that controls eye tracking , I found it once but my kods changed settings on the tv and tv eye tracking was activated again . How do I find that settings menu ?
What? Eye tracking? How, do you have some camera on tv ?