How to Change Source Input on a Samsung TV Easily – With or Without a Remote

How to Change Source Input on a Samsung TV Easily – With or Without a Remote

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What to Know

  • To change the source on a Samsung TV, press the Home button on the remote and navigate to Source. The input sources can be added to the home menu for easier access.
  • The Samsung Remote app or SmartThings app can change the source, requiring both TV and phone to be on the same Wi-Fi network for setup.
  • Use the TV’s control button for source changes without a remote, and the HDMI CEC feature for automatic source switching when a connected device powers on.

In this guide, I will show you how to effortlessly change the source input on your Samsung TV, whether you have a remote in hand or not. 

From utilizing the conventional remote control method to embracing modern solutions like the Samsung Remote app or SmartThings app, this article covers it all. 

We’ll walk through simple steps for direct source selection and delve into alternative methods using your smartphone or the TV’s own control button. 

Without further ado… 

1. With a Remote

Changing the source on your Samsung TV using the remote is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Ensure your input device (like a laptop, streaming stick, or gaming console) is powered on and functioning.

Step 2: Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote.

Samsung TV remote with the home button is highlighted

Step 3: Use the D-pad to navigate to the left of the screen until Source is highlighted.

Step 4: Press the Up Arrow (↑) button on your remote to browse through the available sources.

Step 5: Highlight the input source you want, and press Enter/OK on your remote to select it.

A Samsung TV with the remote is using the directional button to control the source input

Adding Input Sources to Your TV’s Home Menu

If you frequently switch sources and find it cumbersome to repeatedly navigate through the Source menu, there’s a more efficient way. 

By adding your most-used input sources directly to your Samsung TV’s home menu, you can access them with greater ease.

Step 1: Connect your device to your Samsung TV.

Step 2: Go to Source, select the input source you want on your TV’s home menu, then press the Up Arrow (↑) on your remote to access settings. Choose Add to Home, select where you want this input to appear on the main menu, and press OK.

The HDMI input source from the Samsung TV

The Add to Home source feature on Samsung TV

The HDMI input source on Samsung TV is getting set to the home screen

The HDMI 1 input on Samsung TV is set to the Home screen

With these steps, your preferred source will be easily accessible from the main menu as soon as you turn on your TV, simplifying your experience and saving time.

2. Without Remote

Using the Samsung Remote App

Samsung remote app on Apple Store

Like many, I’ve been frustrated with the Samsung remote’s lack of a dedicated source button, especially when needing to quickly switch between multiple connected devices. 

Typically, this requires a cumbersome trek through the TV’s Home and Source menus. 

Fortunately, with my Samsung UA43AU7002K, I’ve found a great workaround: using the Samsung Remote app on my iPhone 13. 

This app streamlines the process, allowing for swift and effortless source switching, bypassing the need for multiple menu navigations.

Here is how to use the Samsung Remote App:

Step 1: Download the Samsung Remote App from the App Store.

Step 2: Ensure your Samsung TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app and select your preferred remote model.

The Samsung remote app asking users to select the remote model on the app

Step 3: Choose Add device manually in the app. Follow the app’s instructions to find your Samsung TV’s IP address: Go to Settings → General → Network → Network Status → IP Settings.

The Samsung remote app on iPhone 13 Pro with the instruction how to find IP address on Samsung TV

The Network option from the Settings on Samsung TV

The Network Status option on Samsung TV

The IP network settings on Samsung TV

Step 4: Enter the IP address of your TV in the app and select Connect.

The IP address from Samsung TV is typed onto the remote app on iPhone 13

With these steps, you can use the app’s source button to quickly switch sources.

The Samsung remote app on iPhone 13 is able to control the Samsung TV

For those who find this app-based solution complex or prefer a more traditional approach, purchasing a compatible physical remote is a good alternative. 

In fact, a user on Reddit highly recommended one such remote, which they found to work seamlessly with their Samsung TV.

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Using the Control Button

In the absence of a remote, Samsung TVs offer a handy alternative: the control button

The control button under the Samsung TV

Typically located along the side or bottom bezel, this button provides a way to access and control various TV functions, including changing the input source. 

Here’s a straightforward guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Once you’ve found your TV’s control button, press it once to reveal the menu. 

Step 2: Press the button repeatedly until the Source is highlighted on-screen. 

Step 3: Then, press and hold the control button to select Source

Step 4: Repeatedly press the control button to highlight the input you want for your TV. 

Step 5: Finally, press and hold the button to select your desired input. 

A hand is using the control button locates under the Samsung TV and trying to switch the source input

Using the SmartThings App

The Samsung SmartThings app not only connects you to various devices but also puts the control of your Samsung TV right at your fingertips. 

With it, switching the TV’s source becomes a breeze. Here’s how to set it up and use it:

Step 1:You can get the SmartThings app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device.

Step 2: Open the SmartThings app and log in to your Samsung account. Go to the Devices menu, select Add Devices, and then choose Add Samsung Devices. From there, select your TV as the device you wish to control.

The SmartThings app on the iPhone 13 with the instructions to add devices

The Samsung smart TV is getting controlled by the SmartThings app on iPhone 13

Step 3: Once your TV appears in the app, select it to begin the connection process. Your TV will prompt you to confirm the registration with the SmartThings app; select OK to proceed.

The Samsung TV is getting registered to the SmartThings app

Step 4: A digital code will be displayed on your Samsung TV. Enter this code into the SmartThings app on your phone to finalize the setup.

Samsung TV provides a code for iPhone 13 to enter in

The iPhone 13 running SmartThings app is successfully controlled the Samsung TV

Now that your TV is connected to the SmartThings app, changing the source is straightforward. Just press Home in the app, go to Sources, and select your desired input. 

The SmartThings app can be used as a remote to control Samsung TV

This method offers a convenient and intuitive way to control your TV, making source switching simple and efficient.

Utilizing the TV’s CEC Feature for HDMI Input

The HDMI CEC feature on the Samsung TV with blue light background

The CEC feature on your Samsung TV streamlines how you switch sources, especially with devices like game consoles. 

When activated, CEC allows your TV to automatically turn on and switch to the appropriate HDMI input when a connected device is powered on. 

This convenient feature operates seamlessly whether your TV is off or already on, smoothly transitioning to the active CEC-enabled device.

To use this feature, ensure CEC is enabled on both your Samsung TV and any connected device. Here’s how to activate CEC on your TV:

Step 1: Go to Settings on your Samsung TV.

Step 2: Select General and then External Device Manager.

The external device manager option from the Settings on the Samsung TV

Step 3: Find and enable the CEC feature (sometimes labeled as Anynet+ on Samsung models).

The HDMI CEC feature on the Samsung TV

 

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