How to Change HDMI Input on a Samsung TV

Switching between HDMI inputs on a Samsung TV sounds straightforward — and usually it is. But depending on your TV model, remote type, and how many devices you have connected, the process can look a little different. Here's a clear breakdown of how it works, what affects the experience, and what to consider for your specific setup.

What "Changing HDMI" Actually Means

Your Samsung TV has multiple HDMI ports — typically between 2 and 4, depending on the model. Each port is a separate input channel. When you connect a device (like a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or streaming stick) to one of those ports, you need to manually tell the TV which port to display. That's what changing the HDMI input does.

This is different from adjusting HDMI settings like HDMI-CEC (called Anynet+ on Samsung TVs) or HDMI signal format. Those are configuration options found in the settings menu. Switching inputs is simply selecting which connected device the TV should show.

The Standard Ways to Switch HDMI Inputs

Using the Remote Control

The most common method:

1. Press the Source button on your Samsung remote. It's usually labeled "Source" or shown as an arrow pointing into a box.
2. A list of available inputs will appear on screen — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, etc.
3. Use the directional arrows to highlight the correct HDMI port.
4. Press Enter or OK to confirm.

On newer Samsung remotes — including the One Remote that ships with QLED and Neo QLED models — the Source button may be replaced by a home screen shortcut. In that case:

1. Press the Home button (house icon).
2. Navigate left to Source in the menu bar.
3. Select the HDMI input you want.

Using the TV's Physical Buttons

If you've lost your remote or the batteries are dead, most Samsung TVs have a control button built into the set — often located on the back panel, underneath the TV, or on the bottom-right edge of the bezel.

• A single joystick-style button lets you navigate menus by pressing and tilting.
• Pressing it once typically brings up a menu overlay where you can navigate to Source.

The exact button location varies by model year and form factor (frame TVs, lifestyle TVs, and standard panels all differ slightly).

Using the SmartThings App

Samsung's SmartThings app (available on Android and iOS) can control compatible Samsung TVs over Wi-Fi. Once your TV is added to the app:

1. Open SmartThings and select your TV.
2. Tap the remote control icon.
3. Use the virtual Source button to switch inputs.

This works well as a backup remote and supports the same input-switching functionality as a physical remote.

Renaming HDMI Inputs for Easier Navigation 🎮

One underused feature: you can rename your HDMI ports to reflect what's actually connected. Instead of "HDMI 2," your TV can display "PlayStation" or "Apple TV."

To rename an input:

1. Go to Source from the home menu.
2. Highlight the HDMI input you want to rename.
3. Press the down arrow or look for an Edit or pencil icon option.
4. Choose a preset name or enter a custom one.

This is especially useful if you frequently switch between several devices and want to avoid guessing which port is which.

HDMI-CEC (Anynet+): Automatic Input Switching

Samsung's Anynet+ is an implementation of the HDMI-CEC standard. When enabled, it allows connected devices to automatically trigger an input switch on the TV when they power on.

For example, turning on a compatible soundbar, Blu-ray player, or game console can automatically switch the TV to that device's HDMI port — no manual input change needed.

To enable Anynet+: Settings → General → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) — toggle it on. The menu path may vary slightly between Tizen OS versions.

HDMI Signal Format: A Separate but Related Setting

If you're connecting a device that supports 4K at 120Hz, HDR10+, or VRR (variable refresh rate for gaming), you may need to adjust the HDMI Signal Format for the specific port you're using.

This is not the same as switching inputs. To access it:

• Settings → General → External Device Manager → HDMI Signal Format
• Set the relevant port to Enhanced (or "Ultra HD Deep Color" on older models) to unlock higher bandwidth support.

Without this, a high-performance source device may default to a lower resolution or refresh rate than it's capable of delivering.

Factors That Affect Your Experience

Several variables shape how this process works for you:

• Remote type — Older Samsung remotes have a dedicated Source button; newer minimalist remotes route through the home menu.
• TV model year and Tizen OS version — Menu layouts and feature names have shifted across generations. A 2019 model looks different from a 2023 one.
• Number and type of connected devices — More devices means navigating a longer source list; using Anynet+ changes the workflow entirely.
• Device compatibility with HDMI-CEC — Not all third-party devices implement CEC reliably, which affects whether automatic switching works.
• HDMI port version on your TV — Older models may have HDMI 2.0 ports; newer flagships include HDMI 2.1 ports capable of higher bandwidth. This matters if your source device outputs at high specs. 📺

How often you switch inputs, how many devices you manage, and whether you want manual control versus automatic switching all lead to meaningfully different setups — and what works cleanly for one configuration may feel clunky for another.