TV Keeps Changing the Inputs? Here’s All 6 Known Fixes

Does your TV keep changing the inputs, and it’s driving you up the wall?

You’re not alone! In fact, the issue affects thousands of TV owners every day, leaving them annoyed and confused.

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.

Provided you want more details on solving the issue – you’re in the right place. Below I’ll go through each cause that could be making your TV keep changing 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

There are many reasons why your TV might keep changing inputs by itself. It’s important to diagnose carefully and see how your TV reacts to every change we make.

When I see similar issues, here are some things I recommend.

#1 Remove the Batteries From the Remote

Removing the batteries from your remote control can prevent your TV from changing inputs by itself. You should remove the batteries while the TV is on. Then, you’ll have to play the waiting game. Does the TV stop changing input on its own? If so, then the following could be the source of the problem:

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

In my experience, if one of the remote control’s buttons appears stuck, you’ll have to free it to get your TV working normally again. You must replace your remote control if the buttons don’t seem stuck.

For a stuck button, you can free it using Q-tips and alcohol. (Ideally, isopropyl alcohol, which I recommend when working with electronics due to its fast evaporation rate)

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Dip a Q-tip in isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Remove any excess alcohol from the Q-tip.
2. Rub the Q-tip around the stuck button and repeat until the button can move freely.

Provided your remote needs replacing, please check your warranty to see whether you’re still under coverage.

#2 Change Your HDMI Cable

Sometimes, when your TV keeps changing inputs by itself, it’s due to a bad HDMI cable. While HDMI cables are sturdy, they can become damaged over time or from being bent at sharp angles and stepped on. In many cases, when your HDMI cable is damaged, your TV will automatically switch to a different input.

It’s also possible that the HDMI you’re using is not fast enough for the signal you’re sending through it.

While saving money is always welcome, HDMI quality isn’t something you want to sacrifice for a better deal. If you want the best viewing experience, a good price standard for an HDMI cable of decent quality is anywhere between $20-30 per four feet cable.

Also, if you’re trying to watch HDR 4K content and your TV supports HDMI 2.1, I strongly recommend getting that HDMI version, as it can handle virtually any signal you throw at it.

#3 Power Cycle the TV

Power cycling your TV is another easy fix when your TV keeps changing input by itself. Power cycling may need to do to get things back to normal. Here’s how to restart most TVs:

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

Once you’ve power cycled your TV, test it to see if it still changes the input by itself. If not, great! You can now enjoy TV again normally.

#4 Move Any Wireless Infrared Devices Away From the TV

Although rare, I find that sometimes wireless infrared devices close to the TV can interfere with its network and input signals, causing it to change the input by itself. You should move any infrared devices away from your TV for it to work normally again.

A wireless infrared device can include any of the following:

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

If your TV stops changing input by itself once you’ve moved any of the abovementioned devices a little further away from it, you’ve likely found the culprit. Do your best to keep the culprit as far from your TV as possible at all times.

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

#5 Turn the Auto Input Change Mode Off

Some TVs come with an auto input change mode called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control); however, the name varies depending on the manufacturer. Some of the common proprietary names are:

• LG – Simplink.
• Sony – Bravia Sync.
• Samsung – Anynet+.

If CEC is enabled on your TV, it will automatically change input by itself when it detects a Mobile High-Definition Link. CEC will swap screens no matter what you’re watching.

To disable CEC on your TV, follow the steps below:

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 the setting off.

You’ll then have to monitor your TV to see whether it stops input jumping now that CEC is disabled.

#6 Update Your TV’s Software

A simple software update is often all a TV needs to stop changing inputs by itself. Software updates are great and should always be installed, as they:

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

You’ll have to navigate your TV’s settings to update your TV’s software. My usual advice to find the easiest way to access your TV’s settings is by checking your User Manual. If you don’t have the manual handy, please check out our guide to finding manuals online.

Here’s how to update your TV’s software:

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. Choose “CUSTOMER SUPPORT” then “SOFTWARE UPDATE”.
5. Press “OK” to begin the software update.

Once you’ve updated your TV’s software, you’ll need to check if it continuously changes input. If so, and you’ve already tried the other fixes in this article, you’ll need to call a technician.

Recommended:

Find A Repair Professional You Can Trust

Instructions For Individual Manufacturers

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

Samsung TV’s

Samsung TV’s Anynet+ feature forces the TV to change the input source when an external HDMI device is connected to the TV.

Here’s how to access the feature’s 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 CEC 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.

Keeping Your TV From Changing Inputs

Does your TV seem to have a mind of its own and keeps changing inputs by itself whenever it pleases? Then I’m sure the 6 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 for our email list.

Have a great day!

-Craig.