How To Change HDMI On LG TV Without Remote | Swap HDMI

Losing a remote is annoying, but you’re not stuck. Most LG TVs give you at least one fallback: a small control button on the set, a phone app remote, or a connected box that can steer the TV through HDMI-CEC.

This guide walks you through each option, starting with the quickest moves that work on the widest range of LG models. You’ll end with a repeatable setup so your TV lands on the right HDMI input next time.

Changing HDMI On LG TV Without Remote Using TV Buttons

Many LG TVs hide a single “joystick” button under the logo, on the bottom edge, or on the back panel. On some models it’s a cluster of buttons on the side. That control can open a small on-screen menu where you can pick Input and switch to HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on.

Button layouts vary by model year, so use your hands and eyes first. Feel along the underside of the bezel, then check the back-right area near the ports. If you see a small nub that clicks in four directions, that’s the joystick style control.

Use The On-TV Joystick Menu

1. Turn the TV on — Press the physical button once to power up, then wait for a picture.
2. Open the control menu — Press and hold the same button for a second or two until a small menu appears.
3. Select Input — Nudge the joystick to choose Input (or Source), then press to confirm.
4. Pick the HDMI port — Move to HDMI 1/2/3/4, then press to switch.

If The Button Only Cycles Power

Some slim LG sets limit the button to power and volume. When that happens, try a longer press (3–5 seconds) after the TV is on. On a few models, a longer hold triggers a menu that a short press does not.

• Try a long press — Hold the button down while the TV is on, then release when a menu pops up.
• Try a directional press — If it’s a joystick, press left/right/up/down rather than straight in.
• Check for a second control — Some models place a second button near the power LED or on the rear corner.

Use A Phone As A Remote With LG ThinQ

If your LG TV is on your home Wi-Fi, the easiest long-term fix is using a phone remote. LG folded the older “LG TV Plus” features into the ThinQ app, so you can control the TV, open apps, and switch inputs from your phone.

Start here if you can still get to the TV’s Home screen with the on-set button, or if the TV is already on the right network from a prior setup. If your TV is new to your Wi-Fi and you can’t reach settings, skip to the HDMI-CEC section first.

On LG’s own steps for setting up ThinQ on an LG Smart TV, the app can control the TV and launch apps once paired. You can read the full steps on LG’s ThinQ setup page.

Pair ThinQ With Your LG TV

1. Install the app — Download LG ThinQ on iPhone or Android, then sign in or create an LG account.
2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi — Put your phone on the same network as the TV.
3. Add the TV — In ThinQ, tap Add (+), choose TV, then follow the on-screen pairing prompt.
4. Approve pairing on the TV — Accept the connection request when the TV shows a code or prompt.

Switch To HDMI Inside ThinQ

1. Open the TV remote — In ThinQ, open your TV tile, then open the remote control view.
2. Open Inputs — Tap the Input or Source control in the remote UI.
3. Choose the HDMI port — Tap HDMI 1/2/3/4 to switch.

Try HDMI-CEC From A Connected Device

HDMI-CEC lets a device control a TV over the HDMI cable. Names vary by brand. LG often calls it SIMPLINK. If you have a game console, streaming stick, or set-top box connected, you might be able to switch the TV’s input by waking that device, or by pressing its Home button.

This route shines when you can’t reach the TV’s input menu, or the on-set button is too limited. It can feel like a trick the first time it works.

Wake A Console Or Streaming Box To Force The Switch

1. Power on the device — Turn on your PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, or cable box.
2. Press Home on its remote — Many devices send a CEC “active source” signal when Home is pressed.
3. Wait for the TV to jump inputs — Give it a few seconds to move to that HDMI port.

Enable CEC On The Device Side

If nothing happens, CEC may be off on the device. Each platform has a toggle in settings.

• Enable HDMI control — In the device settings, turn on HDMI control / CEC / “Control TVs and receivers.”
• Restart the device — Power cycle the device after changing the setting so it re-announces itself.
• Reseat the HDMI cable — Unplug and reconnect at both ends to refresh the handshake.

Use A Universal Remote Or Phone IR Blaster

If your TV is not on Wi-Fi or ThinQ pairing is blocked, an infrared remote is the most direct fix. A basic universal remote that supports LG codes can give you an Input button in minutes.

Some Android phones include an IR blaster. If yours does, a remote app can send LG IR codes without any Wi-Fi pairing. iPhones do not include an IR blaster, so iPhone apps that claim “IR remote” still need a Wi-Fi path or an external IR accessory.

Quick Universal Remote Setup

1. Insert fresh batteries — Weak batteries cause missed inputs and pairing loops.
2. Run the LG code search — Use the remote’s setup mode, then try LG codes until power and volume work.
3. Test Input switching — Press Input/Source, then pick the HDMI port from the list.

When Hotel Or Hospital TVs Block Inputs

Commercial “hotel mode” setups can lock the Input menu. You might still see HDMI ports on the back, but the software blocks switching away from the channel lineup. In that case, a universal remote may still fail because the TV firmware denies the command.

• Check the on-screen banner — Models labeled with “H” series or hospitality branding often run restricted menus.
• Try the device wake trick — HDMI-CEC from a console can still flip inputs on some installs.
• Ask the front desk — Many properties have a full remote they can lend so you can select HDMI once.

Common Blocks And Fixes When HDMI Won’t Show Up

Sometimes you reach the Input menu and still can’t get a picture. That can be a cable issue, a port issue, or a setting that masks labels. Work through these checks in order so you don’t chase ghosts.

Fast Checks That Solve Most No-Signal Moments

• Confirm the device is on — Many TVs show “No Signal” when the device is asleep.
• Swap the HDMI cable — A cheap cable failure is common, even on new gear.
• Try another HDMI port — Move from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2, then pick that port in the Input menu.
• Unplug power for 60 seconds — Pull TV and device power, wait, then plug back in to reset HDMI handshake.

Match The TV Port To The Feature You Need

LG TVs label ports for features like ARC/eARC. If you’re plugging in a soundbar, you may need the port marked ARC. If you’re plugging in a console, any port works, but your best port for higher refresh rates depends on your model and panel. LG’s own help note points out that HDMI features vary by model and port. Their page on connecting an HDMI device is a good reference when you want to confirm what each port can do on your model.

Table Of Options At A Glance

Method	What You Need	Works When
On-TV button menu	Physical button access	You can reach the TV and the menu is not locked
LG ThinQ phone remote	TV on Wi-Fi + phone on same network	The TV is a webOS smart model and pairing is allowed
HDMI-CEC device wake	Console/streamer with CEC on	You can control the connected device
Universal IR remote	Any LG-compatible remote	TV accepts IR input commands

Set Yourself Up So You Don’t Get Stuck Again

Once you’ve reached the correct HDMI port, take two minutes to make the fix stick. The idea is simple: make the TV return to the input you use most, and keep a backup control path ready.

Lock In A Default Startup Input

Many LG models can start on the last used input, or a chosen input, depending on webOS version and settings. If you regain a working remote path (ThinQ or a universal remote), set your TV to boot into the HDMI port you use most.

1. Open Settings — Use ThinQ or a remote, then open the Settings gear on the TV.
2. Find startup input — Look for a setting tied to Home settings, external devices, or startup behavior.
3. Select the HDMI port — Pick the HDMI input you want as your usual landing spot.

Keep A Backup Control Path

• Save ThinQ on your phone — Leave it signed in so it’s ready the next time.
• Label the HDMI ports — Put a small sticker on the cable: “HDMI 1 PS5,” “HDMI 2 Apple TV.”
• Store a spare remote — A cheap LG-compatible IR remote in a drawer beats hunting the couch.

When The TV Is Completely Offline

If your LG TV is not connected to Wi-Fi and you can’t reach settings with the physical button, use an IR remote first. After that, connect the TV to your network so ThinQ becomes a permanent backup. On models that accept Ethernet, a wired connection can be the quickest way to get the TV online.