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

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Last update on 2025-05-21 / Paid Link.

Using the Control Button

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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

 

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