The fastest way to change inputs on a Samsung TV
Press the Input or Source button on your Samsung remote. A menu will appear on screen showing all available inputs — 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 or Select. The TV will switch to that input immediately.
If you cannot find the Input button on your remote, look for a button labeled Source instead — Samsung uses both names across different remote models. The button is usually near the top or middle of the remote, often grouped with other navigation controls.
Some Samsung remotes have a dedicated input button that looks like a small rectangle with lines or a window symbol. On older remotes, you may need to press the Menu button first, then navigate to Input or Source from the on-screen menu.
Key Takeaways
- The Input or Source button on your remote opens a menu showing all connected devices and lets you switch between them in seconds.
- If your remote does not have a dedicated Input button, press Menu and look for Input or Source in the settings menu.
- Samsung TV remotes vary by model year and region, so the button location and label may differ from what you expect.
- HDMI inputs are numbered (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.), and the TV will remember which device is plugged into each one.
- If an input shows "No Signal," the cable is loose, the device is off, or the device is not set to output to that HDMI port.
Using the on-screen menu if your remote has no Input button
Press the Menu button on your remote. A menu will appear with options like Picture, Sound, Channel, and Settings. Look for an option labeled Input, Source, or sometimes External Device Manager — the exact wording depends on your TV model and software version.
Highlight the Input or Source option using the arrow buttons and press Enter. A list of available inputs will appear. Select the one you want and press Enter again. The TV will switch to that input.
This method is slower than using a dedicated Input button, but it works on every Samsung TV model. If you find yourself changing inputs often, consider buying a replacement Samsung remote that has a dedicated Input button — they are inexpensive and work across most Samsung TV models from the last ten years.
What to do if an input shows "No Signal"
A "No Signal" message means the TV is set to that input, but nothing is connected or the device is not sending a picture. First, check that the cable is plugged in firmly on both ends — the TV side and the device side. Unplug it, wait five seconds, and plug it back in. Then power off the device (cable box, game console, streaming device) and turn it back on.
If the cable is secure and the device is on, check that the device itself is set to output video to that HDMI port. For example, a cable box may have a menu setting that lets you choose which HDMI output to use. A game console may need you to select the correct HDMI output in its settings. Check the device's manual or settings menu.
If you have tried a different HDMI cable and a different HDMI port on the TV and still see "No Signal," the TV's HDMI port may be damaged. Try the other HDMI ports first. If none of them work with that device, contact Samsung support or a TV repair technician.
How to set a default input on Samsung TVs
Some Samsung TV models let you set a default input so the TV switches to it automatically when you turn on the TV. Press Menu, then navigate to Settings or System. Look for an option called Start with Last Input, Power On Input, or Default Input. The exact name varies by model.
If this option exists on your TV, turn it On. The TV will remember which input you were watching last and return to it the next time you power on. This is useful if you always watch one device — for example, if your cable box is on HDMI 1 and you want the TV to show HDMI 1 every time you turn it on.
Not all Samsung models have this feature. If you cannot find it in the Settings menu, your TV may not support it. In that case, the TV will always return to the TV (broadcast) input when you power it on, and you will need to manually switch to your device's input each time.
Switching inputs on Samsung TVs without a remote
If you have lost your remote, you can change inputs using the physical buttons on the TV itself. These buttons are usually on the bottom right or bottom left of the TV frame. Look for buttons labeled with arrows or symbols. Press the button that looks like a menu or settings icon — often a square or three horizontal lines.
Use the arrow buttons to navigate to Input or Source in the on-screen menu. Press the center button or the button that looks like a checkmark to select it. Then use the arrows to highlight the input you want and press the center button again to switch to it.
This method is slow and awkward, but it works. If you use your TV regularly, buying a replacement remote is worth the cost. Samsung remotes are available online and at most electronics retailers, and they typically cost between $20 and $50 depending on the model.
Understanding HDMI ports and input labels
Most Samsung TVs have at least two HDMI ports, labeled HDMI 1 and HDMI 2. Some larger models have three or four. Each port is independent — you can plug a different device into each one, and the TV will recognize them separately. When you switch inputs, you are telling the TV which HDMI port to display.
The TV will remember which device is plugged into which port. If you unplug a device and plug it into a different HDMI port, you will need to select the new port number from the input menu. The TV does not automatically find the device on the new port.
Some Samsung TVs also have a TV input for over-the-air broadcast signals (if you have an antenna) and a USB input for playing media files from a USB drive. These inputs work the same way as HDMI — select them from the input menu to view them. USB inputs are rarely used on modern TVs, but they are still available on most models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my TV keep switching back to the TV input?
Your TV may have a setting that returns to the TV (broadcast) input after a period of inactivity, or it may be set to return to the TV input every time you power it on. Check the Settings menu for an option like "Power On Input" or "Start with Last Input" and adjust it. If the TV is switching inputs on its own while you are watching, a button on the remote may be stuck or the remote may have a low battery.
Can I rename HDMI inputs so I remember which device is plugged in?
Yes. Press Menu, go to Settings, and look for an option like "HDMI Device Manager" or "Input Labels." Select the HDMI port you want to rename, and you can type in a custom name like "Cable Box" or "PlayStation." Not all Samsung models have this feature, but most TVs made in the last five years do.
What if I plug in a new device and it does not show up in the input menu?
Make sure the device is powered on and the HDMI cable is plugged in firmly on both ends. Some devices take a few seconds to be recognized. If it still does not appear, try a different HDMI port on the TV. If the device works on a different port, the original port may be faulty.
Is there a way to switch inputs without using the remote?
Yes, you can use the physical buttons on the TV frame to access the menu and select an input. This is slower than using the remote, but it works if your remote is lost or broken. You can also buy a replacement Samsung remote online for $20 to $50.