Sony’s Android TV and Google TV platforms display alphanumeric error codes on-screen when software or connectivity problems occur. These codes are different from LED blink codes and relate to the smart TV operating system rather than hardware failures.
- E201 — System UI Not Responding
What It Means
Error E201 indicates that the System UI — the graphical interface layer of Android TV or Google TV — has stopped responding. The TV detects that the interface is frozen or has crashed, and displays this code to alert the user.
Common Reasons
A corrupted firmware update, an incomplete system installation, or a software conflict between installed apps and the OS can cause the System UI to crash. Insufficient storage space on the TV’s internal memory can also prevent the UI from loading correctly. In rare cases, a hardware fault on the main board can trigger this software error.
How to Fix It
Restart the TV using the remote’s power button, or unplug it for 30 seconds. If the error recurs, navigate to Settings > Device Preferences > Storage and clear the cache of the System UI. A firmware update via the TV’s update function or via USB may resolve underlying software bugs. If the error persists after a firmware update, a factory reset is the next step. Back up any account settings before resetting.
- E203 — Application Error
What It Means
Error E203 indicates that an installed application on the Android TV or Google TV platform has crashed or encountered an unrecoverable error. The TV’s system has detected the failure and is reporting it to the user.
Common Reasons
A corrupted app cache or data, an outdated app version that is incompatible with the current firmware, or insufficient memory for the app to run are the most common causes. Network instability can also cause streaming apps to crash and trigger this code if the app cannot handle the disconnection gracefully.
How to Fix It
Identify the specific app causing the error. Navigate to Settings > Apps > See All Apps, select the offending app, and use the options to Clear Cache and then Clear Data. Restart the TV and relaunch the app. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the app from the Google Play Store. Ensure the TV’s firmware is up to date, as older firmware can cause compatibility issues with updated apps.
- E205 — System Boot Failure
What It Means
Error E205 indicates that the TV’s operating system has failed to complete its boot sequence. This is one of the more serious on-screen errors, as it means the Android TV or Google TV OS cannot initialise correctly and the TV is unable to function normally.
Common Reasons
An interrupted firmware update — such as one that was cut short by a power failure — is the most common cause of E205. A corrupted system partition on the TV’s internal storage can also prevent a successful boot. In some cases, a faulty main board that is unable to correctly initialise the storage chip triggers this error.
How to Fix It
Attempt a factory reset using the TV’s physical button combination (this varies by model — consult Sony’s support documentation for your specific TV). On some models, holding the power button on the TV body and the volume down button simultaneously while connecting the power cord initiates a recovery mode. A USB firmware update may also be possible in recovery mode. If hardware damage to the main board is suspected, professional repair is required.
- E220 — Network Error
What It Means
Error E220 indicates that the TV has encountered a network connectivity fault. This may relate to the Wi-Fi adapter, the network configuration, or the router and internet connection.
Common Reasons
An incorrect Wi-Fi password entered in the TV’s settings, a router that has changed its security settings, or interference causing the Wi-Fi signal to be too weak are the most common causes. A faulty Wi-Fi adapter or antenna inside the TV can produce a persistent E220 that software troubleshooting cannot resolve. IP address conflicts on the network can also cause this error.
How to Fix It
Go to the TV’s network settings and use the option to forget the current Wi-Fi network, then reconnect from scratch, entering the password carefully. Restart both the router and the TV. If using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, try switching to the 2.4 GHz band for better range. Test with a wired ethernet connection if possible — if this works, the issue is specific to the TV’s Wi-Fi. A persistent E220 on both wired and wireless connections may indicate a main board network adapter fault.
- E251 — Google Services Error
What It Means
Error E251 indicates that Google Play Services — the background framework that underpins most Android and Google TV functions — has encountered an error. Google Play Services manages app authentication, updates, and many core Google integrations.
Common Reasons
An outdated version of Google Play Services that has not updated correctly, a corrupted Play Services cache, or an account authentication problem can all trigger E251. Restricted internet access (such as a firewall blocking Google’s servers) will also prevent Play Services from functioning.
How to Fix It
Navigate to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > Google Play Services and clear the cache and data. Restart the TV. The TV should automatically download an updated version of Google Play Services on reconnection to the internet. Check that the TV’s date and time are set correctly, as incorrect system time can cause SSL certificate errors that prevent Google Services from connecting. If the error persists, a factory reset and fresh Google account sign-in is the most reliable resolution.
- E300 — HDMI CEC Communication Failed
What It Means
Error E300 indicates a failure in HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) communication. HDMI CEC allows the TV and connected devices — such as soundbars, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes — to control each other over the HDMI cable. When this communication fails, the TV reports E300.
Common Reasons
An incompatible or misbehaving HDMI device that is sending incorrect CEC signals is the most common external cause. A faulty HDMI cable that does not correctly carry the CEC pin (pin 13) will also trigger this error. Some older HDMI devices implement CEC in non-standard ways that conflict with Sony’s Bravia Sync implementation.
How to Fix It
Disconnect all HDMI devices and test each one individually to identify the problematic device. Try a different, high-quality HDMI cable. Disable HDMI CEC (called “Bravia Sync” on Sony TVs) in the TV’s settings under External Inputs, then re-enable it. If a specific device consistently causes E300, check for firmware updates for that device or permanently disable CEC on it while leaving Bravia Sync active for other devices.