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Fix a TV that has source that will not switch

We'll check the remote, input button, TV menu, and CEC—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Fresh batteries (if remote uses them)
Step 1 of 7

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check the remote and input controls, then rule out CEC and stuck logic.

  • Confirm the TV is on but will not switch between inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Antenna, etc.) when you press the remote or TV buttons.
  • Good: You have confirmed the symptom. Proceed to Check remote.
  • Bad: TV shows no picture at all—see fix-tv-has-no-picture or fix-tv-will-not-turn-on.

Check remote

Goal: Confirm the remote works and the Input button or menu path is correct.

  • Replace the remote batteries. Test with a phone camera—IR remotes show a faint purple glow when you press a button.
  • Press Input, Source, or HDMI on the remote. Some remotes cycle with one button; others open a menu. Open TV Settings and find Input or Source if the button does nothing.
  • Good: The remote works and you can change input. Done.
  • Bad: Remote does not work—see fix-tv-remote-will-not-work. Remote works but Input does nothing—proceed to Check TV buttons.

Check TV buttons

Goal: Confirm whether the TV itself can change input.

  • Use the physical buttons on the TV (side, bottom, or back) to change input.
  • Good: TV buttons change input. The remote Input button or path is wrong—use the TV menu or replace the remote.
  • Bad: TV buttons also do not change input. Proceed to Check CEC and power-cycle.

Check CEC and power-cycle

Goal: Rule out HDMI-CEC conflict and stuck input logic.

  • Open TV Settings. Find HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or similar. Turn CEC off.
  • Unplug the TV from power for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on.
  • Try switching input with the remote and TV buttons. If you have multiple HDMI devices, unplug all except one and test.
  • Good: Input switching works. Leave CEC off or plug devices back one at a time to find conflicts.
  • Bad: Still no switch—check for a firmware update. If that does not help, call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • The TV physical buttons also do not change input after a power-cycle and firmware check.

Verification

  • The TV switches between inputs when you use the remote or TV buttons.
  • The correct input shows the desired source.
  • HDMI-CEC is off if it caused conflicts.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Remote and input button Replace batteries; check Input/Source button and TV menu.
  2. TV physical buttons Use TV buttons to change input; confirms if remote or TV is the issue.
  3. CEC and power-cycle Turn CEC off; power-cycle the TV.
  4. Disconnect devices Unplug other HDMI devices; test with one source.
  5. Call a pro TV buttons do not change input after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Whether remote or TV buttons change input
  • CEC on or off
  • Steps already tried

Does the remote work for other functions?

If the remote works for volume or power but not input, the Input button or TV logic may be the issue.

Replace batteries and test the remote. Press volume or power—does the TV respond? Works for other functions: check Input button and TV menu. Does not work at all: see fix-tv-remote-will-not-work.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix remote first

See fix-tv-remote-will-not-work. Replace batteries, check line of sight, re-pair if smart remote. Then retry input switching.

Done

Does the Input button or TV menu change the input?

Some remotes use Input, Source, or HDMI. Others require the TV menu.

Press Input, Source, or HDMI on the remote. Or open TV Settings and select Input/Source. Changes input: done. Does not change: try TV physical buttons.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Input switches

Input switching works. If it was intermittent, check CEC and power-cycle to prevent recurrence.

Done

Do the TV physical buttons change input?

TV buttons are on the side, bottom, or back of the TV.

Use the physical buttons on the TV to change input. TV buttons work: remote Input button or path is wrong—use menu or replace remote. TV buttons do not work: CEC or TV logic stuck—power-cycle, turn CEC off.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Use menu or replace remote

The TV works; the remote Input button does not. Use the TV menu to switch input, or replace the remote. Check if a firmware update improves remote input control.

Done

Power-cycle and turn CEC off

Unplug the TV for 30 seconds. Turn CEC off in TV Settings. Disconnect other HDMI devices. Retest. If still no switch, call a technician—input board may need repair.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a TV not switch sources?
Remote not working (batteries, line of sight), wrong button or menu path, HDMI-CEC conflict, or a stuck input. Less often: the TV input board has failed.
Can I fix source switching myself?
Yes. Check the remote, use TV buttons to confirm, adjust CEC, and power-cycle. Most issues are remote or CEC related.
When should I call a technician?
If the TV physical buttons also do not change input after a power-cycle. The input board or firmware may need repair.

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