TV Keeps Changing the Inputs? Here’s All 5 Known Fixes

What can you do if your TV keeps changing the input by itself? Have you been a victim of having your favorite shows randomly switched over? Then you can solve the problem with the 5 simple fixes in this article.

If your TV keeps changing inputs by itself, try a software reset, disable any auto input features, remove batteries from the remote, and remove any nearby wireless infrared devices. Do these one by one to see which is causing the TV to change inputs.

If you want more details on solving this issue – you’re in the right place. Below we’ll go through each cause which could be making your TV change inputs, and then walk you through how to solve each one.

Ready? Then let’s get started so you can get back to enjoying your TV.

How to Stop A TV From Changing Input by Itself

Does your TV change input all on its own? Of course, this never happens while it’s on in the background and you’re not really watching it. It only seems to change input left, right, and center when it really counts. Like when you are engrossed in the most crucial part of your favorite series. Or when you’re watching an important game.

How can you stop this from happening? Coming up, you’ll see 5 fixes that will help you to rectify this problem. Stay tuned.

#1 Remove the Batteries From the Remote

We’ll start off with one of the simplest fixes. That is, to remove the batteries from your remote control. You should do this while you have the TV on. Then, you’ll have to play the waiting game. Does the TV stop changing input on its own? If so, then the following might have been the problem.

• One of the buttons on the remote is stuck and was causing the input interference
• The remote control is faulty

If one of the remote control buttons appears to be stuck, you will have to free it. This is the only way for the TV to operate normally again. If the buttons don’t appear stuck, you will need to replace your remote control.

In the case of a stuck button, you can free it using Q-tips and alcohol. (That is rubbing alcohol but there’s nothing to stop you from celebrating with a pint once the job is done.) Here’s how to do it.

1. Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol. Remove any excess alcohol from the Q-tip.
2. Rub the Q-tip around the sticking button. Do this until you can press the button up and down without it getting stuck.

But what if your remote control needs replacing? You may be able to get a replacement free of charge if your TV is still under warranty.

#2 Power Cycle the TV

Power cycling your TV is another easy fix. This may be all you need to do to stop the input jumping. Here’s how you can reset yours.

1. Turn the TV off at the power button
2. Plug the TV out at the mains. Wait for 2 minutes.
3. Plug it back in at the mains
4. Turn it back on using the power button

Once you’ve done this, test the TV to see if it still changes the input by itself. If it doesn’t, it may have needed the reset to clear any settings that weren’t working properly. You can now enjoy TV again as you should.

#3 Move Any Wireless Infrared Devices Away From the TV

Although rare, wireless infrared devices that are close to the TV could interfere with its input signal. This causes the TV to change input on its own.  You should move any of these devices away from your TV for it to work normally again.

A wireless infrared device could include any of the following devices.

• Intrusion detectors
• Home-entertainment control units
• Cordless microphones
• Headsets
• Modems
• Printers

If the TV stops changing input once you have taken one of these devices away, then you’ve found the culprit. Keep that device in another room while you are watching TV.

All cameras can actually see infrared radiation, so you can verify is a remote is working correctly by looking at it through your phone’s camera and pushing a few buttons.

#4 Turn the Auto Input Change Mode Off

Some TVs come with an auto input change mode called HDMI-CEC.

Though the name varies depending on the manufacturer.

Is this mode activated on your TV? Then your TV will automatically change input when it detects a Mobile High-Definition Link. It will swap screens no matter whether you’re watching the season finale of your favorite series or not.

So how can you turn the auto input change mode off? Here’s what you’ll need to do.

1. Press the “HOME” button on your remote control
2. Navigate to “SETTINGS”
3. Select “EXTERNAL INPUTS”
4. Navigate to the “HDMI CEC” option
5. Turn this setting off

You will then have to monitor your TV to see if it stops input jumping now you have turned this option off.

#5 Update Your TV’s Software

A simple software update is often all a TV needs to begin working properly again. This is because software updates do the following.

• Improve the security of your appliance
• Improve the stability of your software
• Remove any outdated features
• Better your user experience

To update your TV’s software, you’ll have to navigate your TV’s settings. The best way to do this is to follow your TV’s manual. Don’t have one to hand? Check out our guide to finding manuals online here.

Here’s a few general steps:

1. Make sure that you have connected your TV to the internet
2. Press the “SETTINGS” button on your remote control
3. Navigate to the “MORE SETTINGS” option
4. You should then choose “CUSTOMER SUPPORT” then “SOFTWARE UPDATE”
5. Then press “OK” to begin the software update

Once you have updated your TV’s software, you will need to check if it continues to change input by itself. If it does and you have tried the other fixes in this article, you may need to call a technician.

Instructions For Individual Manufacturers

There’s a few tricks to know depending on the brand for your TV. Here’s how to stop a TV changing inputs depending on the manufacturer.

Samsung TV’s

Samsung TV’s Anynet+ feature forces the TV to change input source. This happens when an external HDMI device is connected to the TV. This will make your TV change input instantly.

Here’s how to access the settings:

1. Go to the “SETTINGS” menu
2. Go to “GENERAL”
3. Go to “EXTERNAL DEVICE MANAGER”
4. Turn off Anynet+

SONY TV’s

1. Press the “HOME” button on your Sony remote control
2. Navigate to “SETTINGS” then “EXTERNAL INPUTS”
3. Select “BRAVIA SYNC”
4. Turn the “HDMI-CEC off
5. Press “OK”

LG TV’s

LG’s version of this is called SimpLink. To turn it off:

1. Go to the “MENU”
2. Go to “GENERAL”
3. Go to “HDMI SETTINGS”
4. Disable the “SimpLink” option.

Conclusion

Does your TV seem to have a mind of its own? Does it change input as and when it pleases? Then I’m sure the 5 fixes in this article will help you to restore your TV to normality so you can get back to undisturbed viewing of your favorite shows.

If this article has helped you, then why not check out some of our other articles and free guides? You could even sign up to our email list.

Have a great day!

-Craig