The fastest way to change inputs on a Samsung TV
Press the Input button on your Samsung remote. A menu will appear showing all the inputs your TV has — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, USB, and others depending on your model. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the input you want, then press Enter. The TV will switch to that input when ready.
If you cannot find the Input button on your remote, look for a button labeled Source instead — Samsung uses both names on different remote models, and they do the same thing. The button is usually in the upper half of the remote, often near buttons for volume and channel.
If your remote is lost or not responding, you can also change inputs using the TV itself. Press the Menu button on the TV's physical panel (usually on the bottom or side edge), navigate to Input or Source, and select the input you need.
Key Takeaways
- The Input or Source button on your remote opens a menu where you can select which device is connected to each HDMI port.
- Samsung remotes use either "Input" or "Source" as the button label, but both buttons perform the same function.
- If your remote is missing, you can access the input menu through the TV's physical buttons and on-screen menu.
- HDMI inputs are numbered (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.), and the TV will remember which device you last used on each port.
- Some Samsung TVs let you rename inputs in the settings so you can see "Soundbar" instead of "HDMI 3" on the menu.
Understanding what each input does
Each input on your Samsung TV connects to a different device. HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and HDMI 4 are the most common — these are where you plug in a cable box, streaming device, gaming console, or soundbar. The TV does not care what device is plugged into which HDMI port; you just select the port number that matches where you plugged it in.
TV or DTV input means the antenna or cable connection built into the TV itself — this is what you use if you have an antenna plugged directly into the TV's cable port, or if you are using the TV's built-in tuner to pick up broadcast channels. USB input lets you play photos or videos from a USB drive plugged into the TV's USB port, though this is rarely used on newer TVs.
Some Samsung models also show inputs like Component, Composite, or AV — these are older connection types that are less common now. If you do not have anything plugged into an input, you can ignore it.
Why the input menu shows devices you did not plug in
When you open the input menu, you may see inputs listed that have nothing connected to them. This is normal — Samsung TVs show all available inputs whether or not a device is actually plugged in. You can select a blank input by accident, and the TV will show a blue screen or "No Signal" message, but this will not damage anything.
If you select the wrong input by mistake, just press Input or Source again and pick the correct one. There is no penalty for switching back and forth.
Renaming inputs so you remember what is plugged in
If you have multiple HDMI devices, it can be hard to remember which one is plugged into HDMI 1 versus HDMI 2. Samsung lets you rename each input so the menu shows "Soundbar" or "Nintendo Switch" instead of just a number.
To rename an input, press Menu on your remote, go to Settings, then General, then External Device Manager or Device Name (the exact path varies by model year). Select the input you want to rename, type a new name, and save. The next time you open the input menu, you will see your custom name instead of the port number.
This step is optional — the TV works fine with numbered inputs — but it makes switching faster if you have a crowded setup with a cable box, streaming device, gaming console, and soundbar all plugged in at once.
What to do if the input menu does not appear
If you press Input or Source and nothing happens, the remote batteries may be dead. Replace them with fresh ones and try again. Point the remote directly at the TV (not at an angle) and press the button firmly.
If the remote still does not work, try using the TV's physical buttons instead. Look for a small button or joystick on the bottom or side edge of the TV frame — this is usually labeled Menu or has a symbol that looks like three horizontal lines. Press it, navigate to Input or Source using the arrow buttons, and select the input you need.
If the input menu appears but is frozen or will not let you select anything, try unplugging the TV from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This resets the TV's software and usually fixes menu problems. Wait for the TV to fully restart before trying again.
HDMI ports and which devices go where
Samsung TVs have multiple HDMI ports on the back or side. They are usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and HDMI 4. Any HDMI device can go into any port — the TV does not care. Plug your cable box into whichever port is easiest to reach, and use the Input menu to select it.
One exception: some Samsung TVs have one HDMI port labeled HDMI/ARC or eARC. This port is designed to work with soundbars and can send audio back to the soundbar as well as receive video from other devices. If you have a soundbar, plugging it into the ARC port can simplify your setup, but it is not required — a soundbar works fine in any HDMI port.
If you plug a device in and the TV shows "No Signal" when you select that input, the cable may be loose or damaged. Unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and the device, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in firmly. If the problem continues, try a different HDMI cable or a different HDMI port.
Switching inputs with your phone or voice assistant
If you have a Samsung TV made in the last few years, you may be able to change inputs using your phone or a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Home. This requires setting up the SmartThings app on your phone and connecting your TV to your home Wi-Fi network.
To use your phone, open the SmartThings app, select your TV, and look for a remote control icon or input option. You can then switch inputs from the app without needing the physical remote. To use a voice assistant, say "Alexa, switch the TV to HDMI 1" or "Hey Google, change the TV input to HDMI 2" — the exact command varies by which assistant you use and whether you have set up the integration.
Voice commands and phone control are convenient but not essential — the physical remote is always faster and more reliable if it is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my Samsung remote and cannot find the Input button on the TV?
Look for a small button or joystick on the bottom or side edge of the TV frame. Press it to open the menu, then use arrow buttons to navigate to Input or Source. If you cannot find any physical buttons, you can order a replacement Samsung remote online, or use a universal remote that works with Samsung TVs.
Can I change inputs using the TV remote from my cable box?
No, the cable box remote only controls the cable box. You need the Samsung TV remote to switch inputs. However, many cable box remotes can be programmed to control your TV as well — check your cable provider's website or call them to learn how to set this up.
Why does my TV go back to the last input I used instead of staying on the one I selected?
This usually means the TV is set to automatically switch inputs when it detects a signal. Check your TV settings under General or External Device Manager and look for an option like "Auto Input" or "Auto Source Switch" — turn it off if you want the TV to stay on your chosen input.
Is it bad for my TV if I switch inputs a lot?
No, switching inputs does not damage the TV. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want without any harm to the hardware or picture quality.
What does HDMI ARC mean, and should I use it for my soundbar?
ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It lets the TV send sound back through the HDMI cable to a soundbar, which simplifies your cable setup. If your soundbar supports ARC and your TV has an ARC port, plugging the soundbar into that port can reduce the number of cables you need. However, a soundbar works fine in any HDMI port if ARC is not available.