Why Your TV Keeps Changing Inputs by Itself (Easy Fix)

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Every TV has several Inputs to allow you to use different streaming devices, DVD players, and other gadgets. When you switch from one input to another, you can watch shows and movies using a variety of devices. When your TV is changing the inputs by itself though, it can affect how you’re viewing content. 

TVs will change inputs by themselves when the auto input feature is enabled. It might also change on its own when your software is not updated or when other wireless devices are interfering with the signal. 

You might be wondering how to stop your TV from changing inputs on its own. There are some easy fixes you can try that don’t require professional help. We will discuss all of them in detail below. 

Turn the Auto Input Change Mode Off 

This feature on the TV allows it to detect which input you’re using and change automatically. For example, if you plug in a DVD player, the TV will assume you want to begin using it and switch the input to whatever the DVD is plugged into. This feature is convenient in most instances, but it can be annoying when it starts switching and you don’t need it to. 

If it’s causing problems, you can turn the feature off by following these steps: 

  1. Press the Home button on your remote control. 
  2. Choose Settings. 
  3. Select External Inputs. 
  4. Click Auto Input Change. 
  5. Turn the setting off. 

The TV should now only change inputs if you manually do so from the remote. 

Update the TV Software 

If your TV’s software is out of date, many things on the TV will not work properly including the inputs. You might find that they switch automatically or that they are unable to switch even when you need them too. 

To update your TV’s software, try the following:

  1. Make sure your TV is connected to WIFI. 
  2. Press the Home button on your remote. 
  3. Choose the Help option. 
  4. Choose Customer Support. 
  5. Choose Software Update. 
  6. Press Okay. 

Your TV will then start the updating process. Your TV might shut off and then restart itself when it’s done. If the software was the problem, your TV should stop changing inputs once it has been updated. 

Move Other Wireless Devices Away from the TV 

Although it doesn’t happen often, sometimes wireless infrared devices that are too close to the TV can interfere with the TV signal and make it change inputs. Moving devices away from the TV can resolve the problem. 

Here are some examples of devices you might want to move away from the TV: 

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

It can be easy to have all your gadgets in the same room. Although it helps with organization, having too many infrared devices in the same place can interrupt signals. Try finding other designated spots in the house for these items. At the very least, make sure they are not on the TV stand or directly below or in front of the TV. 

After moving the devices, you can check the TV and see if it’s still having the input challenge. 

Remove the Batteries from Your Remote 

Your input could be changing by itself if there is a battery stuck or if the remote is broken. Remove the back panel of the remote and see if a battery is stuck. If one is, you can use a Q-tip and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to fix it. Rub the Q-tip around the spot that is stuck until it becomes free. 

If the batteries are not stuck, you might just have a faulty remote. You will need to buy a new one either from an online site like Amazon or from the TV company’s website. 

Reset the TV 

One of the most common fixes for a TV changing inputs on its own is to reset the TV. 

You can reset the TV by following these steps: 

  1. Turn the TV off. 
  2. Unplug the TV from the wall. 
  3. Wait a few minutes. 
  4. Plug the TV back in. 
  5. Turn the TV back on. 

You can now check to see if the TV is still changing inputs or not. 

If all the above solutions didn’t fix the issue, you should consider calling the support number for your TV company. They can offer you more solutions or send a technician to your home to try and identify the problem. 

If your TV starts having input issues from the first time you bought it, you might have a faulty TV and customer service should be contacted right away. 

Final Thoughts 

TVs might change inputs by themselves for a number of different reasons. Luckily, most of the issues have easy fixes. You can turn the auto input feature off, reset the TV, and change the batteries in the remote. If these fixes don’t work, you can contact customer service.

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