LG's Copilot change — how it shifts the used smart TV market

Ars Technica recently reported that LG says users will be able to delete the Copilot icon, but that TV chatbots are likely to remain a built-in feature. That little policy headline matters more than it looks if you're trading, selling, or pawning a smart TV.

Why a software shortcut matters at the counter

A visible or persistent AI feature on a smart TV changes what buyers ask about and what a shop worries about. At the most basic level, you should expect questions about updates, accounts, and whether the TV can be returned to factory settings — and those answers affect how fast the piece moves and what offer it gets.

What to check before you bring a smart TV in

• Verify the TV can be reset to factory defaults and that any signed-in accounts are fully removed.

• Make sure the remote and power cable are present and functional; missing accessories lower interest.

• Look for recent firmware updates or prompts that could block a reset or require sign-in.

• Note whether any AI assistant icons or services are removable or permanently embedded.

• Check the screen and input ports visually for damage — cosmetic flaws affect resale speed.

Keep this checklist on hand when you prepare a TV. Most modern smart TVs are thin flat panels and may include built-in network features or voice controls that tie to accounts.

How the shop will think about offers

A shop treats software and account state like condition issues. A TV that can be wiped, has no active personal accounts, and accepts a standard sign-on is easier to resell quickly; that reduces risk and improves the offer. If a model has persistent software elements or requires a linked account to change key settings, the shop faces more work: demonstration, more questions from buyers, and a longer time on the floor.

Resale speed is as important as physical condition. If a model is likely to prompt buyer confusion about AI features, the shop will either lower the price to move it faster or hold it for a specialist buyer — both reduce the immediate cash you get.

Steps you can take to protect your offer

Start with account housekeeping. If the TV is tied to any manufacturer ecosystem, sign out everywhere, remove the device from your accounts, and follow the manufacturer's recommended factory-reset steps. Save receipts, original packaging, and any proof of purchase if you can; they shorten verification.

Be prepared to demonstrate that the TV boots to a setup screen or home screen without asking for your credentials. If the TV currently shows prompts for AI chatbots or a persistent shortcut, show the shop whether the icon can be hidden or removed after an update. If it can't, be honest up front — disclosure avoids surprises and builds trust.

What changes the offer (and how to negotiate)

A shop adjusts offers based on predictable risks:

• Active account ties that require the seller's credentials to change settings make a TV harder to resell.

• Recent firmware that locks features or requires online activation increases the effort to flip the unit.

• Missing accessories or visible damage are immediate markdowns.

• Models with questionable privacy features or non-removable prompts may limit the buyer pool.

If you want a better offer, reduce those risks: remove accounts, show a reset, include accessories, and be transparent about any odd software behavior. Explain what you did to remove personal data — a clear demonstration of a factory reset is often the single most persuasive move.

When it's worth selling elsewhere

If a TV has a non-removable AI feature that makes casual buyers wary, you may get a higher net if you sell to a specialty buyer or an electronics refurbisher rather than trying the general pawn route. That's a time-versus-cash tradeoff: a specialist might pay more but take longer to find.

If speed is essential, accepting a lower, quicker cash offer at the shop may be the practical choice. If maximizing return matters more, consider listing it with a clear description about account state and any persistent features so buyers are informed up front.

Key takeaway

• Remove accounts and perform a factory reset before you bring a smart TV to the shop.

• Disclose any persistent AI features or non-removable shortcuts; honesty speeds appraisal.

• Include remotes, cables, and proof of purchase to improve offers and verification.

• If the TV's software state limits casual buyers, weigh selling to a specialist versus taking a quick pawn offer.