Change Input on TCL TV: Step-by-Step Guide
To change the input on a TCL TV, press the Input button on the remote control, then use the arrow keys to select the HDMI port or other source you want, and press OK. If your remote lacks an Input button, look for a button labeled Source or use the Home button to access the input menu from the TV’s home screen.
Understanding TCL TV Inputs
TCL TVs, like most modern televisions, have multiple input ports on the back or side of the set. These include HDMI ports (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.), USB ports, an antenna/cable input, and sometimes composite or component inputs on older models. Each port corresponds to a different source, and the TV must be set to the correct input to display the signal from that device. For example, if your streaming stick is plugged into HDMI 1, the TV needs to be on the HDMI 1 input to show its picture.
How to Switch Inputs Using the Remote
The most common way to change input is with the remote control that came with your TCL TV. Here are the typical steps:
- Locate the Input or Source button on the remote. On many TCL remotes, it is a button with an icon that looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing in.
- Press the button to open the input source menu. This menu lists all available inputs, such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, USB, and sometimes the built-in apps.
- Use the arrow keys (up/down or left/right) to highlight the input you want.
- Press OK or Enter to select it. The TV will switch to that input immediately.
If your remote has a dedicated number pad, you might also be able to press a number that corresponds to the input (e.g., pressing 1 for HDMI 1), though this varies by model and remote version.
Changing Input Without the Remote
If you’ve lost the remote or the batteries are dead, you can still change the input using the buttons on the TV itself. Most TCL TVs have a small joystick or a set of buttons on the bottom or side of the screen. The typical button layout includes power, volume, and input/source. Press the input/source button to cycle through the available inputs one by one. This method is slower because you have to cycle through each input until you reach the one you want, but it works in a pinch.
Using the TCL Home Screen to Switch Inputs
Many TCL TVs run on the Roku operating system (or Android TV on some models). On Roku-based TCL TVs, pressing the Home button on the remote takes you to the main screen. From there, you can scroll to the left sidebar and select the input you want from the list of sources. On Android TV models, press the Home button, then navigate to the input icon or the ‘Sources’ option in the settings menu. This method is useful if you want to switch to a device but also want to see the list of all available inputs at once.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes pressing the Input button does nothing, or the input you want is not listed. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- No Input button on remote: Some TCL remotes, especially the simple ones, may not have a dedicated Input button. Use the Home button and navigate to the input menu from the home screen.
- Input not showing up: If a device is plugged into an HDMI port but the input is grayed out or missing, make sure the device is powered on and properly connected. Try unplugging and re-plugging the HDMI cable.
- TV won’t switch input: If the TV freezes or doesn’t respond, try unplugging the TV from power for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. This resets the TV’s software.
- Wrong input selected: If you see a black screen or ‘No Signal’, you might have selected the wrong input. Double-check which port your device is connected to.
How to Rename or Hide Inputs
On Roku-based TCL TVs, you can customize the input list. To rename an input, go to Home, select the input you want, press the star (*) button on your remote, and choose ‘Rename’. You can also hide inputs you don’t use by selecting ‘Hide’ from the same menu. This can make switching faster because you only see the inputs you actually use. On Android TV models, go to Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs, where you can rename or disable inputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my TCL TV not showing a picture when I switch to HDMI?
This usually means the connected device is not sending a signal, or the HDMI cable is faulty. Check that the device is powered on, try a different HDMI cable, and ensure you are selecting the correct HDMI port. Also, some devices may need to be set to output a signal in their own settings.
Can I change input using my phone?
Yes, if your TCL TV is a Roku TV, you can use the Roku mobile app on your smartphone to control the TV, including changing inputs. The app connects to the TV over Wi-Fi and mirrors the remote functions. For Android TV models, the Google TV mobile app offers similar control.
How do I program my universal remote to change input on my TCL TV?
Most universal remotes have a ‘Source’ or ‘Input’ button that can be programmed. You will need to enter a code specific to TCL TVs. Check the manual that came with your universal remote for the correct code, or use the auto-search function that scans for the correct code automatically.
Why does my TCL TV keep switching back to the home screen?
This can happen if the Home button on the remote is stuck, or if there is a software glitch. Try removing the batteries from the remote and using the TV buttons to switch input. If the problem persists, perform a system restart by unplugging the TV for a minute.
Does TCL TV support HDMI-CEC for automatic input switching?
Yes, most TCL TVs support HDMI-CEC, which allows devices to automatically switch the TV to the correct input when they are turned on. This feature is called ‘1-Touch Play’ on Roku TVs and ‘HDMI Control’ on Android TVs. You can enable it in the TV’s settings under System or HDMI settings.
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