Quick tip · Home devices

Your TV is on the wrong input. Here’s what to check.

The television is on, but the screen says No signal or shows the wrong device. Before resetting anything, make sure the TV is looking at the HDMI port where your cable box, streaming device, or game system is actually connected.

Find the input or source control

Look on the television remote for a button labeled Input, Source, TV/Video, or a rectangle with an arrow entering it. Press it once to open the input list. Do not hold it down unless your television’s instructions say to.

If you use a cable or streaming remote, it may not control the TV input until it has been programmed for that television. The original TV remote is often the simplest place to start.

Match the menu to the cable

  1. Look behind or beside the TV for the HDMI cable connected to the device you want.
  2. Note the label beside that port, such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3.
  3. Choose the matching name from the TV input menu.
  4. Wait a few seconds for the picture to appear.

If the picture returns but the sound does not

Check whether the sound is supposed to come from the TV, a soundbar, or a receiver. A soundbar connected through HDMI ARC or eARC can add a second input choice. Avoid changing several audio settings at once. First confirm which device should be producing the sound.

Make the next switch easier

Many televisions let you rename HDMI inputs. “Cable,” “Roku,” or “Game” is easier to remember than HDMI 2. A small label on the cable or a note near the remote can also save another round of guessing.

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