The quickest way to change input on a Roku TV
Press the Home button on your Roku remote, then scroll up to the top of the screen and select Inputs. A list of all connected devices will appear — choose the one you want to watch. This takes about five seconds and works on every Roku model made in the last decade.
If you do not see an Inputs option at the top, your TV model may use a different menu layout. Scroll left or right along the top menu bar until you find it, or look for a section called Sources or Connected Devices.
You can also use the physical input button on your TV remote if your Roku came with one, though the Home menu method is more reliable because it shows you which devices are actually plugged in.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, scroll to the top menu, and select Inputs to see all connected devices.
- The Inputs menu shows you which HDMI ports have devices connected and lets you switch between them instantly.
- If Inputs does not appear at the top, scroll the menu bar left or right to find Sources or Connected Devices.
- You can also press the physical Input button on your TV remote if your model has one, though it may cycle through inputs rather than showing a list.
What happens when you select a different input
When you choose a new input from the menu, your TV switches to that HDMI port immediately. Whatever device is connected to that port — a cable box, gaming console, streaming device, or antenna — will display on your screen. The Roku interface disappears and you see the output from that device instead.
Your TV remembers which input you were last using, so if you turn the TV off and back on, it may return to that input rather than the Roku home screen. You can change this behavior in your TV settings if you want Roku to always be the default when you power on.
Finding the Inputs menu on different Roku TV brands
Roku makes the software that runs inside TVs from TCL, Hisense, Insignia, and other manufacturers, but each brand arranges the menu slightly differently. On most models, Inputs sits at the far left of the top menu bar next to Home. On some TCL and Hisense models, it appears as the second or third option.
If you cannot find Inputs by scrolling the top menu, try pressing the Options button (marked with three horizontal lines) on your remote while on the Home screen. Some TV models hide the Inputs option in a secondary menu. You can also check your TV's manual — the brand name and model number are usually printed on the back of the set or in the Settings menu under System Information.
Switching inputs when your remote is not working
If your Roku remote has lost power or is not responding, you can still change inputs using the physical buttons on the TV itself. Most Roku TVs have a small menu button or input button on the side or bottom of the frame. Press and hold it until a menu appears, then use the volume and channel buttons to navigate to Inputs and select it.
The exact button location varies by brand — TCL models often have buttons on the bottom right, while Hisense models may have them on the side. If you cannot find physical buttons, check whether your TV has a small pinhole reset button; pressing it will not change the input, but it can help if the TV is frozen.
Connecting new devices to your TV inputs
Each HDMI port on the back of your Roku TV can accept one device. When you plug a device into an HDMI port, your TV should detect it automatically within a few seconds. The device will then appear in your Inputs menu with a name like "HDMI 1" or "HDMI 2," or sometimes with a custom label if the device sends one.
If a newly connected device does not appear in the Inputs menu, try unplugging the HDMI cable and plugging it back in. Make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the device. If it still does not show up, the HDMI port may be damaged or the cable may be faulty — try a different port or a different cable to test.
Renaming inputs to make them easier to find
You can give each input a custom name so you remember what is plugged into each port. Go to Home, select Inputs, highlight the input you want to rename, press the Options button, and choose Rename Input. Type a name like "Cable Box" or "Nintendo Switch" and save it.
Custom names appear in your Inputs menu from then on, making it faster to find the device you want. This is especially useful if you have multiple gaming consoles or streaming devices connected at once. The names stay saved even if you unplug and replug the device, so you only have to set them up once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my TV not show all my HDMI devices in the Inputs menu?
Devices only appear in the Inputs menu when they are powered on and actively sending a signal to the TV. If a device is plugged in but turned off, it may not show up. Turn on any device you want to see, wait a few seconds, then go back to the Inputs menu. If it still does not appear, the HDMI cable may be loose or the port may not be working.
Can I set a default input so my TV always opens to a specific device?
Yes. Go to Home, select Settings, then System, then Power On Behavior. You can choose to power on to the Roku home screen, to the last input you were using, or to a specific input. Select your preference and save it. From then on, your TV will open to that input when you turn it on.
What if I press the input button and nothing happens?
The remote may be out of batteries or not paired with the TV. Replace the batteries in your remote and try again. If that does not work, try using the physical buttons on the TV itself. If neither method works, your TV may need to be restarted — unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up.
Can I use the Roku app on my phone to change inputs?
The official Roku app lets you control playback and navigate menus, but it does not have a direct input-switching feature. You can use the app's remote control to navigate to Home and then Inputs, which works the same way as using a physical remote. For faster switching, the physical remote or TV buttons are more direct.