Can You Change TV Input With a Roku Remote?

For those that use television sets with multiple input ports, it can be confusing how one can change TV inputs with a Roku Remote. There is no specific button that has the function, nor is it indicated in the Roku Remote manual.

Using the device to change inputs is still possible though, depending on a few factors. In this article, we’ll cover all the ways your Roku remote can be used to change TV inputs.

Roku Remotes and HDMI CEC Television sets

The easiest way to use the Roku remote as a way to change inputs is to use it in conjunction with an HDMI CEC TV. HDMI-CEC-capable devices will automatically switch to the proper input when you push the HOME button on your Roku remote.

This function is one way only, however, as you can’t switch back via this method. If your Roku is plugged into the HDMI 1 port and you’re currently in HDMI 2, pushing home will switch you to HDMI 1 but will not allow you to return to HDMI 2. There isn’t a dedicated button for changing input on the Roku remote.

What Is HDMI CEC?

HDMI CEC is a feature available in many HDMI-capable devices that gives users the option to switch the TV’s input source via one controller. If your device has more than one input port, there’s a good chance that it’s HDMI CEC capable, though it may need to be enabled. The CEC in HDMI CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control.

If your device only has a single input port, HDMI CEC may be absent, as it wouldn’t serve any function. When the HDMI CEC feature is enabled on a TV, simply turning on Roku will automatically switch the input source to where you plugged in your Roku.

How Do I Find HDMI CEC on My TV?

Although HDMI CEC is quite common, it has yet to become a standard feature in HDMI-capable televisions. To know if your TV can turn HDMI CEC on, you’ll need to have your television’s original remote and follow these steps:

For General TVs

1. On the remote, press the Menu button.
2. Choose Settings.
   
3. Locate and select either the Inputs, System, or System Options menu.
   
4. Look for a CEC, HDMI, or HDMI CEC option.
   
5. Choose Enable.
   

For Samsung TVs

Samsung uses the term Anynet+ for HDMI CEC. Once you open the Settings menu, locate Anynet+ and choose to enable.

For LG TVs

HDMI CEC is known as Simplink on LG television sets. Open the Settings menu, locate Simplink, then click on enable.

Panasonic

HDMI CEC is known by several different terms on Panasonic televisions. Open the Settings menu, then choose the HDMI Control menu. Look for either the CEC option, EZ-Link, Viera Link, or HDAVI Control. Once selected, all you have to do is toggle it on.

Sharp

HDMI CEC is known as Aquos Link on Sharp TVs. To turn it on, follow these steps:

1. Press the Menu button on your Sharp TV remote
2. From the list, choose System Options.
   
3. Open Aquos Link Setup.
4. Toggle the option on.
   

Philips

The options to turn on HDMI CEC for Philips sets are a bit more complicated. The feature is known as EasyLink for Philips TVs. It can be turned on by doing the following:

1. On your Philips TV remote, press the HOME button.
2. On the menu, choose Setup.
3. Click on TV Settings.
4. Choose Installation.
5. Choose and open Preferences.
6. Open EasyLink.
7. Toggle Master EasyLink on.
8. Toggle Auto TV on.
9. Toggle RC Key Forwarding on.

Toshiba

Toshiba sets call HDMI CEC either CE-Link or Regza Link. It can be turned on by following these steps:

1. Press Menu on the Toshiba TV remote.
2. Choose Options from the menu.
3. Find and choose HDMI CEC Control Setup.
4. Toggle HDMI CEC Control on.
5. On the options, enable TV Auto Power, Amplifier Control, and Auto Standby.

For Sony TVs

For smart TVs HDMI CEC options are under the External Inputs menu when you open settings. On non-smart TVs it will be under the HDMI Device Selection Menu under the Bravia Sync Settings. Just toggle the option on, and you’re good to go.

For Android TVs

Most Android Televisions don’t come with HDMI CEC support, but you can still check if your particular device is capable of the feature. To check, do the following:

1. On your remote, press Menu or Settings
   
2. Go to the Input menu.
   
3. Look for a CEC menu. If it’s available, just toggle the CEC switch on. If you can’t find a CEC menu, then the feature may be unavailable for your TV model.
   
   

Roku TV

Even the Roku TV will need the HDMI CEC controls enabled to allow input source switching. This is done by doing the following:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku TV.
   ;’/
2. Choose Settings
   
3. Open System.
   
4. Open Control other devices (CEC).
   
5. Enable System audio control.
6. Enable 1-touch play.
   

Sideclick Remote Attachment

For TVs that don’t have HDMI CEC enabled, there’s a device that attaches to streaming remotes that add extra capabilities to the device. The Sideclick Remote Attachment slides right onto the Roku remote itself and gives users the ability to assign actions to the extra buttons.

The Sideclick Remote functions as a universal remote which you can also use to control the TV as well. Take note, however, that if your Roku Remote has an audio jack, the Sideclick Remote will block the input jack.

Even if your TV has HDMI CEC, there’s still an advantage in using the Sideclick attachment. As previously mentioned, turning on the Roku will cause the TV to switch into the default HDMI port where it’s attached. On a regular Roku remote, you can’t switch back without turning the Roku off. The Sideclick allows you to program a button to switch inputs without shutting off the Roku. The Sideclick also has the advantage of being compatible with other streaming devices, not just Roku.

Use a Universal Remote

If the first two options aren’t feasible, you can always use a universal remote rather than your Roku remote as a way to control your streaming device. Most universal remote models can be synced with the Roku Stick and can be used as an alternative remote. A standard universal remote will have an input source button available.

Switching back and forth between inputs is possible using a third-party universal remote, but this takes the Roku remote entirely out of the equation.

How Do I Change My Default Roku Input?

Your Roku Input Source should automatically be the port into which you plug the device. If this doesn’t happen, you can change the default Input Source by doing the following:

1. Press Home on the Roku remote.
   
2. Press the left arrow button, then choose Settings from the menu.
   
3. From the list, open Power.
   
4. Choose Power On from the menu.
   
5. On the right side, you’ll be given a list of possible input sources available. Choose which Input Source your Roku is currently plugged in.
   
6. Press OK.
   

Your default Roku input source should now be set.

Relying on Third Parties

Although Roku has grown increasingly popular as a streaming service provider, operating most of its peripherals is still confusing to the average user. It’s hard to know how one can change TV inputs with a Roku remote when it isn’t explained in the manual. Until Roku creates a specific button for the feature, you’ll need to rely on your TV settings or third-party remotes to do the job.

Do you know of other ways to change TV input with a Roku remote? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.