Why does my TV keep changing inputs?
Your TV could keep changing inputs because of a signal mismatch, a malfunctioning remote or TV, sunlight falling directly on the TV, dust accumulation, or if CEC is enabled.
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Signal mismatch
If you have connected your TV to a satellite or cable set-top box, consider using a different signal source for the television. This will often solve the issue.
Remote or TV malfunction
There may be a problem with the circuit connection or a short circuit in the remote. In this case, you must replace the remote. This problem may occur on your TV as well when you’ll have to seek professional assistance to get the TV repaired. Try changing the remote and see if it works before checking on the TV.
TV is exposed to Sunlight
The infrared receiver of the TV is likely to be receiving random signals if the TV is positioned in such a way that sunlight falls directly on it. Repositioning the TV may help stop the input changing randomly.
Dust accumulation
Remove the back panel of the TV after switching OFF the TV and clean the dust and dirt that may have accumulated on the motherboard. This may involve some careful blow-drying and wiping.
After cleaning, replace the motherboard. You can also use this chance to remove the power cord and keep the power button pressed for a minute. Reconnect the power cord after doing this.
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is enabled.
While CEC is intended to simplify the setup process by switching automatically when the sources are powered ON, it sometimes also causes the inputs to change on their own. Turning this option OFF will stop the automatic switching.
Can I set a default input source on my TV?
Yes, you can set a default input source on your TV. With most TVs, the default input setting is done through the Settings menu on the Home screen. You can scroll down to the Settings menu using the remote control of your TV.
The actual process often differs between TVs made by different manufacturers and sometimes from model to model for the same manufacturer.
Read more: How to change the input on your TV
Why does my TV keep switching from HDMI to DVI?
Your TV may switch from HDMI to DVI due to a problem with the TV setting, a faulty HDMI cable, a pending software update, or an incorrect resolution setting.
- On an AT&T TV, this problem sometimes occurs if you use the remote control of the DirecTV to adjust the volume. In this case, the input of this remote alters the TV input setting automatically. Using the TV remote instead, for making the changes or checking the various options by pressing the Input button on the remote control of the DirecTV should help.
- Replace the existing HDMI cable with a new one and see if it resolves the issue. If so, the original cable might have been defective, causing the automatic switching.
- Your TV might need a software update for the HDMI to function properly. Once this is done, you will not face this problem. This is often the case with any television, irrespective of brand.
- Irrespective of the manufacturer/model, if your TV has multiple HDMI ports, check if the other HDMI ports have anything else connected that could cause the switching. Removing them can help. Users with Sky+ HD box connected to their TV have found this step to be particularly helpful. In some cases, you will have to set up a separate audio connection.
- If you have a Coby TV, enter the System menu followed by Console Settings and then Display. Disable the Display Recovery setting and set it to 1080i or 1080p manually.
- You can unplug the HDMI cable from your Coby TV. Also, unplug the TV and cable box from the power source for a minute. Plug in the TV and cable box and wait for a few minutes before turning them on.
- Once the TV and cable box turns on, reconnect the HDMI cable. Another option is to use an external DVI to HDMI converter/adapter. The above method may work for televisions of other brands as well.
LG TV keeps changing input by itself
Your LG TV may keep changing input by itself due to a pending power supply reset or disabled SIMPLINK option.
- Pending power supply reset
- Disabled SIMPLINK option
If you have an LG 42PT250-Ta, you can try the following steps.
- Disconnect the television from the power supply.
- Keep the power button on the TV pressed for about 10 to 15 seconds and release it.
- Plug the power supply once again and ensure that the power cord is fitted firmly to the TV as well.
Check and ensure that none of the keys on the TV are stuck.
On an LG OLED, you can try one of the following:
- Enable the SIMPLINK option and activate the Auto Power sync option on your set.
- Check if the firmware is outdated and complete any pending update.
- Use only the HDMI2 Arc input and do away with additional HDMI connections. Most LG TVs are not capable of handling several HDMI connections.
Some other steps you can follow for other LG TVs are given below.
- Check for the compatibility of the remote control of another device with your TV. If so, place it away from the television to avoid signal interference.
- Disassemble your remote control and clean it thoroughly including the board and buttons.
- Keep wireless and infrared devices like mobile phones and cordless handsets away from proximity to your television.
- Reposition your TV so that it isn’t near any window where it’s exposed to direct sunlight.
How to set default input on your LG TV
- You can set HDMI as the default input of your LG TV connected to a set-top box by switching OFF the set-top box using the remote after you are done with watching TV for the day.
- Check if you have a setting that blanks or grays out those inputs that have nothing attached. This will make them inaccessible.
- Consider resetting the TV and doing the setup all over again. At the initial setup, you can set the input you want the TV to start up at. Also, turn OFF the program list update option.
Samsung TV keeps changing input by itself
Your Samsung TV may be changing input by itself because of the activated Anynet+ feature that automatically switches to HDMI or a pending system reset. It could also be an outdated firmware or bezel connection, or a problem with the motherboard.
- Activated Anynet+ feature
- Pending system reset
- Outdated firmware
- Bezel connection or board problem
Almost all Samsung TVs have a feature known as Anynet+ or HDMI-CEC that automatically sets this input on by default. The method to turn this OFF varies depending on whether you have an IR remote or a Smart remote. However, in both cases, the TV’s software must be updated to the latest version.
If you have an IR remote, keep it pointed towards the TV and press the Mute, 7, 2, 9, and Exit keys in rapid succession. To test if the change has been implemented, try powering on an HDMI device that is already connected.
If you have a Smart remote, direct it towards the TV and press the Mute, Volume Down, Channel Down, and Mute keys in rapid succession. Remember to use the TV source instead of the HDMI source.
To check if the change has been done, try switching ON an already connected HDMI device.
- Users of Samsung UN49KS8000 TV have found that a simple reset stops the automatic switching. Disconnect the cord from the power outlet. Keep the power button on the TV pressed down for a minute. This stop the automatic switching.
- For a Samsung Plasma PN58B860 television, press the TOOLS button on the remote. Scroll down to the Anynet+ option and turn it OFF. If you have a Samsung HD TV, press TOOLS and select the Auto option. Turn it OFF if it is ON.
- If you have a Samsung LN40B530P7N or a similar TV, download the latest version of the firmware from the manufacturer’s website. This is usually a zipped file that has to be extracted and then copied to the thumb drive before installation. You will have to additionally disable the Anynet+ setting.
- If the automatic switching of inputs takes place without the remote, there is likely to be a problem with the motherboard or bezel connection. You need the assistance of a technician to sort this out.
How to set default input on Samsung TV
You can set your preferred input on a Samsung TV by the following steps.
2015 TVs and earlier versions
- Press the Home button on your remote control.
- Scroll up/down as needed and select the Source Inputs option.
- Select your choice of input depending on the input connection in use.
2016 TVs and later versions
- Press the Home button on your remote control and scroll to the Smart Hub option.
- Press Smart Hub and navigate through the menu until you reach Source.
- Select the desired source and press the Up button on your remote control.
- Choose the Add to Home option.
- Select the position where you want the input to be placed.
You can set the input on your Samsung Q7 QLED UHD 4K Smart TV as follows.
- Press the Home key on your remote control.
- Scroll to the left of the menu and choose the Source option.
- Select the desired input on the input screen.
Vizio TV keeps changing input by itself
Your Vizio TV could be changing input by itself because of a malfunctioning HDMI 2 port or a pending TV reset.
- Malfunctioning HDMI 2 port
- Pending TV reset
- Turn the HDMI 2 port OFF on your television and turn it ON again. If the port still doesn’t work, the HDMI ports are likely to be malfunctioning and in need of replacement.
- Remove the plug connection to your TV. Leave it that way and hold the Power button on your TV pressed for half a minute. Plug the TV back in once again. Press the Input Select and Volume Down buttons again on your TV for 15 seconds. Release the buttons and switch on the TV after turning OFF all other devices connected to it.
How to set default input on Vizio TV
You can set the default input on a Vizio TV with or without the remote control of your television. The TV usually comes with HDMI 1 set as the default port.
With the remote control
- Press the Input button on the remote control of your television. This is on the top left corner of the remote.
- Scroll to the input of your choice using the Up and Down arrow keys.
- Press OK on the remote to confirm your selection.
Without the remote control
This involves setting the input using the buttons on the side of your Vizio TV.
- Press the Menu button to open the OSD screen on the television. You can use the Volume buttons to move to the right and left of the screen.
- Use the Channel buttons to move up and down the OSD menu.
- Press the Menu button once again.
Of the two methods given above, setting the default input is always easier using the remote control.
Hisense TV keeps changing input by itself
Your Hisense TV may change input by itself when a device is connected to it either because the TV input port or the IC of the main system control memory being defective.
- Defective input port
- Faulty IC of main system control memory
- Connect another working gadget to the input port. If that gadget works properly, it means that there is no problem with the port. However, if there is no response, the TV input port has a problem. If cleaning it doesn’t resolve the problem, get professional assistance.
- If the IC of the main system control memory is defective, it must be replaced. It’s a good idea to seek the help of a technician to get this done.
How to set default input on Hisense TV
You can assign a particular input as the default input on a Hisense TV with or without its remote control. The former option is undoubtedly an easier method.
The following steps help you assign a default input on your Hisense 32H5590F TV with its remote control.
- Press the Input button on your remote control. This button is on the top right corner of the remote control.
- Scroll up or down as needed until you are able to select the default input of your choice.
- Press OK to confirm your selection.
If you don’t have a remote control for your television, you can try the following steps:
- Press the Up/Down Channel button on your remote control until you reach channel number 3.
- Press the Source button to display a list of choices.
- Use the Channel and Volume buttons to make your selection.
- Press the Source button twice followed by the Channel and Volume buttons and then the Menu button to confirm the choice.
TCL TV keeps changing input by itself
One main reason for a TCL TV to change the input on its own is because of a setting that turns the TV power ON using that input. You can remove an undesirable input by selecting it, pressing the * button, and then removing it.
How to set default input on your TCL TV
You can assign a particular input on a TCL Roku TV as the default input using the Roku TV remote control by following the steps given below.
- Scroll down to the Settings option on the Home screen.
- Press the right arrow and choose the System option.
- Then, press the right arrow again and choose the Power option.
- Press the right arrow again and choose the Power On option.
- Press the right arrow once more and select the default input of your choice.
- Press the OK button to confirm your choice.
- Use the left arrow repeatedly and come back to the main screen.
Sony TV keeps changing input by itself
A few reasons why your Sony TV is changing input by itself could be because a soft reset may be needed, the Bravia Sync option is turned ON or the batteries of the remote are weak or dirty. Sometimes the change happens when the TV detects a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connection.
- Pending soft reset.
- Bravia Sync option is ON.
- Weak or dirty batteries in the remote.
- MHL connection is detected.
- Press the Standby/ON button on the remote control for about 10 seconds. This should reboot the TV and fix the issue.
- If you have a Sony Bravia TV, turn OFF the Bravia Sync option. Press Home on the television’s remote control and choose Settings. Select the External Inputs option followed by BRAVIA Sync and Auto Input Change. Set this option to OFF.
- Try cleaning the batteries of the remote control and the battery compartment. If this doesn’t help, replace the batteries.
- Update the firmware of your television. To do this, you should connect the TV to the internet and check if there is any pending firmware update. If so, select Help on the TV’s menu followed by Customer Support and then Software Update. Select Network and press OK.
How to set default input on Sony TV
Most Sony TVs don’t have an option to set a default input. However, you can skip unwanted inputs at startup by following the steps given below.
- Press Menu on the remote and select the AV Preset option.
- Select the inputs to be skipped until you come to the desired input. This will place the desired input at the top.
- Press OK to confirm.
If you have a Sony Bravia TV, you can press the TV Guide and Help buttons on your remote control together to change the present input.
You can also try the steps given below for any Sony TV.
- Remove the batteries from the remote control and check if the problem persists. If not, the buttons on the remote may be sticky and may have to be released. If they aren’t, the remote could be malfunctioning and would need replacement.
- Turn OFF the TV and disconnect it from the AC outlet for a couple of minutes.
- Plug the power cord into the outlet once again and turn the television ON.
- Check the TV for stuck buttons and release them gently.
- Program the channels and input based on your preferences.
Sharp TV keeps changing input by itself
A few reasons why your Sharp TV is changing the input on its own could be because of a malfunctioning switch in the key controller, bad capacitors in the remote-control circuit, a sticky input switch on the TV, or a pending software update.
- Malfunctioning switch in the key controller.
- Bad capacitors in the remote-control circuitry.
- Sticky input switch on the TV.
- Pending software update.
- Replacing the faulty key in the key controller or the key controller as a whole will often address this issue. This is a problem encountered in Sharp Aquos LC32G4U televisions.
- One or more capacitors in the circuitry of the remote control could be defective. Replacing them will fix the problem.
- If you own a Sharp LC42SB45UT TV, check for a sticky input switch on the TV and release it gently. This will solve the input changing problem.
- On Sharp LC32SD1E televisions, a software update arrests this issue. However, you’ll need some special tools on your laptop and an RS232 port on your TV to get this done.
How to set default input on Sharp TV
You can set a default input on your Sharp TV by following the steps mentioned here.
- Press the Input button on your remote control or on the TV to display the Input list.
- Use the Up/Down arrow keys to navigate to the desired input.
- Press Enter or OK depending on what is available on your remote.
How to set default input on Roku TV
You can set a default input on your Roku TV by following the steps given below.
- Press Home on the remote control of your Roku TV. This button is usually located below the Power button and has the image of a house on it for easy identification.
- Scroll through the menu on the left side until you come to the Settings option.
- Select the Settings option and scroll down to the System option.
- Select Power in the list of system options.
- Select the Power ON option. This is the first option in the list of Power options.
- Choose the input that you want to have as the default input for your Roku TV.
- Press Home once again to confirm the changes.
Read more: How to change the input on a TV