The fastest way to change inputs on an LG TV

Press the Input button on your LG remote. A menu will appear showing all the inputs your TV has — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, Component, etc. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the input you want, then press OK or Enter. The TV will switch to that source when ready.

If you cannot find the Input button on your remote, look for a button labeled Source instead — some LG remotes use that label. The button is usually in the middle section of the remote, near the directional pad.

If your remote is lost or not responding, you can also change inputs using the TV's physical buttons. On most LG TVs, there are buttons on the side or bottom of the frame. Look for one labeled Input or Source, or use the menu button to navigate to Input settings through the on-screen menu.

Key Takeaways

  • The Input or Source button on your LG remote opens a menu showing all available connections to your TV.
  • HDMI inputs are what you use for cable boxes, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
  • If your remote does not have an Input button, check the TV's physical buttons on the frame or use the menu system.
  • You can rename inputs in the TV settings so "HDMI 1" shows as "PlayStation" or "Cable Box" instead, making it easier to find what you want.

Understanding what each input does

Your LG TV has multiple input ports on the back and sides. Each one connects to a different device. HDMI inputs are the most common — these handle video and audio from cable boxes, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. Most modern devices use HDMI.

TV or Antenna input is for over-the-air broadcast signals if you use an antenna instead of cable. Component inputs (usually three colored ports) are older and rarely used now, but some older devices still have them. Composite inputs (usually yellow, white, and red ports) are even older and mostly obsolete.

Your TV may also have USB ports and a 3.5mm audio jack, though these are typically for connecting external speakers or playing media from a flash drive rather than for switching main inputs.

Renaming inputs so you remember what is plugged in

By default, LG TVs label inputs as "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," and so on. You can change these labels to something more useful like "Cable Box," "PlayStation," or "Roku." This makes it much faster to find the right input when you are switching between devices.

To rename an input, press the Settings button on your remote (or access Settings through the menu). Navigate to All Settings or Picture, then look for Input Label or HDMI Label. Select the input you want to rename, type in a new name using the remote's keyboard, and save. The next time you open the input menu, you will see your custom names.

The exact path varies slightly depending on your LG TV model and software version, but the option is always in the Settings menu under a section related to inputs or HDMI.

What to do if the input menu does not appear

If pressing Input or Source does nothing, the remote batteries may be dead. Replace them with fresh alkaline batteries and try again. Point the remote directly at the TV from a few feet away — some remotes need a clear line of sight to work.

If the remote still does not work, use the physical buttons on the TV itself. Most LG TVs have a row of buttons along the bottom edge or on the side of the frame. One of these buttons should be labeled Input or Source. Press it to open the input menu, then use the arrow buttons to navigate and select your input.

If you have an older LG TV model, the input button might be labeled differently — look for anything that says "Input," "Source," "TV/Video," or has a symbol that looks like a plug or connection. Your TV's manual will show exactly where this button is located.

Using the magic remote for faster input switching

If you have an LG Magic Remote (the newer style with a pointer and voice control), you can change inputs even faster. Point the remote at the TV and press the Input button, or say "Input" into the microphone if voice control is turned on. The input menu will appear, and you can click directly on the input you want using the pointer.

Some Magic Remotes also let you program custom buttons to jump straight to a specific input without opening the menu. This is useful if you always switch between the same two or three devices. Check your remote's manual or the LG support website for your specific model to learn how to set up quick-access buttons.

Troubleshooting when the TV shows no signal

If you switch to an input and see "No Signal" on the screen, the device plugged into that input is either off, not connected properly, or using a different input on its own end. First, check that the device (cable box, streaming device, game console) is actually powered on. Look for a light on the front of the device or check its power cord.

Next, make sure the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the device. Push it in firmly until you hear or feel a click. If the cable looks damaged or bent, try a different HDMI cable — sometimes cables fail without obvious signs.

If the device has its own input or output settings, check those too. For example, a cable box might be set to output through its own HDMI port, but you may have plugged it into a different port by mistake. Unplug the device, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in to reset it. Then try switching to that input again on your TV.

Switching inputs on a webOS TV versus other LG models

Most LG TVs made in the last 10 years use webOS, LG's smart TV operating system. On webOS TVs, the input menu looks the same and works the same way — press Input, select your source, and press OK. The menu appears as a horizontal row of options at the bottom of the screen.

Older LG TVs that do not have webOS may show the input menu differently — sometimes as a vertical list on the left side of the screen instead. The process is identical, but the layout looks different. If you are not sure which version you have, check the TV's manual or look in Settings for "webOS" in the system information.

All LG TVs, regardless of age or software version, have an Input button on the remote and physical input buttons on the TV frame. If one method does not work, the other always will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a default input so the TV always starts on the same source?

Yes. Go to Settings, then All Settings, then look for Power or Startup settings. You should find an option to set the default input or last input used. Choose your preferred input and save. The next time you turn on the TV, it will go to that input automatically.

Why does my TV keep switching inputs on its own?

This usually happens when a device sends a signal to the TV telling it to switch inputs automatically. Check if any of your connected devices have an auto-input or HDMI-CEC setting turned on. Turning off HDMI-CEC in your TV settings (under All Settings or HDMI) will stop devices from switching inputs without your permission.

What is the difference between HDMI 1 and HDMI 2?

They are separate ports on the back of your TV. HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 work identically — the number is just a label so you know which physical port you plugged a device into. Some newer LG TVs have HDMI ports labeled with features like "HDMI 3 (eARC)" which supports better audio, but for most devices it does not matter which HDMI port you use.

Do I need to change inputs if I use the TV's built-in apps like Netflix?

No. Built-in apps run on the TV itself, not through an external device, so they do not use any input. You access them through the TV's home menu or app launcher. You only need to change inputs when you want to use an external device like a cable box, streaming device, or game console.

Can I use a universal remote to change inputs on my LG TV?

Yes, if the universal remote is programmed for LG TVs. Most universal remotes have an LG code you can enter during setup. Once programmed, the Input button on the universal remote will work the same way as the LG remote's Input button. Check the universal remote's manual for the correct LG code for your TV model.