How to Switch Input Sources on Your LG TV

The fastest way to change inputs on an LG TV

Press the Input button on your LG remote — it is usually marked with a rectangle containing smaller rectangles, or sometimes labeled "Input" directly. A menu will appear on screen showing all available inputs: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, Component, etc. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the input you want, then press OK or Enter to select it.

If you cannot find the Input button on your remote, look for a button labeled Source instead — some LG remotes use this name. The menu that appears works the same way. On very old LG remotes, you may need to press the Menu button, navigate to Input or Source, and select from there, but this is slower and less common on current models.

Once you select an input, your TV will switch to that source immediately. If nothing appears on screen after switching, check that the device connected to that input (a cable box, gaming console, streaming device, etc.) is powered on and sending a signal.

Key Takeaways

The Input or Source button on your remote opens a menu showing all available connections on your TV.
Use the arrow buttons to highlight your desired input, then press OK or Enter to switch to it.
If your TV shows "No Signal" after switching inputs, the connected device may be off or not sending video.
You can also access inputs through the TV menu system if your remote's Input button is missing or broken.
LG TVs remember which input you last used, so you may return to that input when you turn the TV back on.

Finding the Input button on different LG remote types

LG makes several remote designs, and the Input button location varies slightly. On the standard LG remote (the black rectangular one), the Input button sits in the upper right area, usually above the colored buttons. On the LG Magic Remote (the thin one with a microphone), the Input button is typically on the left side near the top. Check your remote's physical layout first — the button usually has a small icon showing overlapping rectangles or the word "Input" printed on it.

If you have lost your remote or the button is worn and unresponsive, you can still change inputs using the TV's physical buttons. Most LG TVs have a small menu button on the back or side of the set. Press it, navigate to Input or Source using the up and down buttons, and press the center button to select. This method is slower but works on every LG TV model.

What to do if the input menu does not appear

If you press Input and nothing happens, the remote may not be paired with your TV. Point the remote directly at the TV's infrared sensor (usually a small dark circle on the front bezel) and press Input again. If the TV still does not respond, try replacing the remote's batteries — weak batteries are the most common reason remotes stop working.

If a new set of batteries does not help, test whether the remote works at all by pressing other buttons like Volume or Power. If those work but Input does not, the Input button itself may be stuck or damaged. In that case, use the TV's physical menu button on the back or side of the set to access inputs instead.

Switching inputs on LG TVs without a remote

Every LG TV has physical control buttons, usually located on the back panel or the bottom right corner of the TV frame. Look for a small recessed area with buttons labeled Menu, Up, Down, and OK (or similar). Press the Menu button to open the on-screen menu, then use Up and Down to navigate to "Input" or "Source." Press OK to open the input list, use Up and Down again to select your desired input, and press OK to confirm.

This method takes longer than using a remote, but it works on all LG models regardless of age or remote availability. If you cannot locate the physical buttons, check your TV's manual or look at the back panel carefully — they are sometimes very small and easy to miss. Some newer LG TVs also allow you to control inputs through the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone if the TV is connected to your home network.

Understanding HDMI inputs and other connection types

Most modern devices connect to LG TVs through HDMI ports, which carry both video and audio in a single cable. Your TV likely has at least two HDMI inputs, labeled HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 (some models have HDMI 3 and HDMI 4 as well). When you switch inputs, you are telling the TV which physical port to display on screen. If you have a cable box on HDMI 1 and a gaming console on HDMI 2, switching between them means switching between those two ports.

Older connection types still appear on some LG TVs: Component (three colored cables), Composite (yellow, white, and red cables), and VGA (computer monitor cable). The TV input also appears in the input menu — this is the built-in tuner that receives broadcast or cable television signals. If you use an antenna or cable without a separate box, you would select TV to watch those channels.

Why your TV might show "No Signal" after switching inputs

If you switch to an input and see "No Signal" on screen, the connected device is either off, not sending video, or connected to the wrong port. First, check that the device itself is powered on — a cable box, streaming device, or gaming console will not send a signal if it is in standby mode. Look at the device to see if any lights are on, or press its power button to wake it up.

Next, verify that the cable is plugged into the correct port on both the TV and the device. HDMI cables can come loose, and it is easy to plug into the wrong port by mistake. If the cable looks secure and the device is on, try unplugging the HDMI cable from both ends and plugging it back in firmly — sometimes a loose connection causes the "No Signal" message even though the cable appears connected.

Setting a default input so your TV opens to the same source

If you always watch the same device (like a cable box or streaming device), you can set your TV to remember that input and return to it automatically when you turn the TV on. Open the TV menu by pressing Menu on your remote, navigate to Settings or Preferences, then look for an option called "Default Input," "Startup Input," or "Last Input." Select the input you want to use by default, and your TV will switch to that input the next time you power it on.

Not all LG TV models have this feature — older sets may not offer it at all. If you cannot find a default input setting, your TV will simply return to whichever input you were using when you last turned it off. This is usually close enough for most people, since you typically watch the same device most of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I label my HDMI inputs so I remember which device is plugged into each one?

Yes. Open your TV menu, go to Settings, and look for "HDMI Input Label" or "Input Name." Select the HDMI port you want to rename, then type a name like "Cable Box" or "PlayStation." The next time you open the input menu, that port will show your custom label instead of just "HDMI 1."

What if I switch inputs and the picture is stretched or cut off?
This usually means the picture format does not match the input. Open your TV menu, go to Picture Settings, and look for "Aspect Ratio" or "Picture Size." Try changing it to "16:9" or "Full Screen" and see if that fixes it. If the problem only happens on one input, the device connected to that input may need its own picture settings adjusted instead.

Why does my TV keep switching back to the TV input by itself?

Your TV may have a feature that automatically returns to the TV input when it detects a broadcast signal. Check your Settings menu for an option like "Auto Input" or "Auto Tuning" and turn it off. If that does not help, the remote may have a stuck button — try removing the batteries and pressing all the buttons to clear any stuck inputs.

Can I use voice commands to change inputs on my LG TV?

Yes, if you have an LG Magic Remote with a microphone. Press the microphone button and say "HDMI 1" or "Switch to HDMI 2," and the TV will change inputs. You can also use Google Assistant or Alexa if your TV is connected to those services, though the exact commands vary by setup.

What is the difference between Input and Source on my remote?

They do the same thing — Input and Source are just different names for the same button. Some LG remotes call it Input, others call it Source. Either way, pressing it opens the menu showing all available connections on your TV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.