Switch HDMI inputs using your Roku remote or TV menu
To change which HDMI port your Roku TV is displaying, press the Home button on your Roku remote, then navigate to Settings > Inputs > HDMI Ports. From there you can select which port is active. If you do not have your remote, you can also press the physical input button on the side or back of your TV — usually labeled Input or Source — and cycle through the available ports until you reach the one you need.
Most Roku TVs have between three and four HDMI ports on the back. Each port can connect a different device: a cable box, gaming console, soundbar, or streaming device. Your TV can only display one input at a time, so switching between them is how you move from watching cable to playing a game to using your Roku's built-in apps.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your Roku remote, then go to Settings > Inputs > HDMI Ports to see which devices are connected and switch between them.
- If you lose your remote, the physical Input or Source button on your TV's frame lets you cycle through HDMI ports manually.
- You can label each HDMI port in your TV settings so you remember which device is plugged into which port.
- Some Roku TVs let you set a default input that turns on automatically when you power on the TV.
Finding the HDMI ports on your Roku TV
HDMI ports are located on the back or side of your TV, usually grouped together in a row. They are rectangular slots about the size of a USB port but wider. Each port is numbered — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and sometimes HDMI 4. The port numbers matter because your TV's input menu will refer to them by these numbers.
Write down which device is plugged into which port. A cable box might be in HDMI 1, a gaming console in HDMI 2, and a soundbar in HDMI 3. Keeping a note near your TV saves time when you want to switch inputs. Some people tape a label directly on the TV frame next to each port.
Using the Roku remote to switch inputs
The Roku remote has a Home button at the top. Press it once to bring up the home menu on your screen. Use the arrow buttons to navigate down to Settings, then press the center button to select it. Navigate down to Inputs and select it.
You will now see a list of all connected HDMI ports. The port currently in use will be marked or highlighted. Select the port number you want to switch to and press the center button. Your TV will when ready display that input. If a device is not showing up in this list, the cable may not be fully inserted into the port, or the device itself may be off.
Switching inputs without a remote
If your Roku remote is lost or the batteries are dead, look for a physical button on your TV labeled Input, Source, or sometimes just an arrow symbol. This button is usually on the side of the TV frame, the bottom bezel, or the back panel. Press it once to bring up the input menu on your screen.
Each time you press the button, the TV cycles to the next available input. Keep pressing until you reach the HDMI port you need. This method is slower than using the remote, but it works on every Roku TV. Once you have switched to the input you want, the button press will stop cycling and lock onto that input.
Labeling HDMI ports so you remember what is plugged in
Roku TVs let you rename each HDMI port so the input menu shows meaningful names instead of just numbers. Go to Home > Settings > Inputs > HDMI Ports. Select the port you want to rename, then choose Edit Name or Rename. Type in a name like "Cable Box", "PlayStation", or "Soundbar".
Custom names appear in your input menu every time you switch, so you will never have to guess which port is which. This is especially helpful if you have multiple gaming consoles or streaming devices connected. The names stay saved even if you unplug a device, so you can update them later if you rearrange your setup.
Setting a default input that turns on automatically
Some Roku TV models let you choose which input displays when you first power on the TV. Go to Home > Settings > Inputs > HDMI Ports and look for an option called Power On Default Input or Default Input. Select the port you want to appear automatically, then confirm the choice.
This feature is useful if you watch cable more than anything else, or if you primarily use a gaming console. Instead of turning on the TV and then switching inputs, your preferred device will already be displayed. Not all Roku TV models have this option — if you do not see it in your Settings menu, your TV does not support it.
Troubleshooting when an HDMI input is not working
If an HDMI port is not showing up in your input menu, or if you see a black screen when you switch to it, first check that the cable is fully inserted into both the TV port and the device. HDMI cables can come loose, especially if the TV is mounted on a wall or sits in a tight space. Push the cable in firmly until you hear or feel a click.
If the cable is seated properly, try a different HDMI cable. Some cables go bad over time or were defective from the start. If the device itself is off, turn it on and wait a few seconds for it to communicate with the TV. If you still see nothing, the HDMI port on your TV may be damaged. Try plugging the device into a different port to confirm whether the problem is the port or the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all four HDMI ports at the same time?
You can plug devices into all four ports, but your TV will only display one at a time. You switch between them using the input menu or the input button. The other devices remain plugged in and ready to use — you just cannot see them until you switch to their port.
Why does my TV show "No Signal" on an HDMI port?
This usually means the cable is loose, the device is off, or the cable is damaged. Check that the HDMI cable is fully pushed into both the TV and the device. Turn on the device and wait a few seconds. If you still see no signal, try swapping in a different HDMI cable or plugging the device into a different port.
Do I need to restart my TV to switch HDMI inputs?
No. Switching inputs happens when ready through the menu or the input button. If switching does not work, restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This fixes most input-switching problems.
Can I rename HDMI ports on my Roku TV?
Yes. Go to Home > Settings > Inputs > HDMI Ports, select the port, and choose Edit Name or Rename. You can give each port a custom name like "Cable Box" or "Nintendo Switch" so you remember what is plugged in.
What if my Roku remote does not have a Home button?
All Roku remotes have a Home button, but older models may look slightly different. It is the button at the top of the remote with a house icon. If you cannot find it, use the physical Input or Source button on your TV instead to cycle through ports manually.