How to Switch to HDMI and Other Inputs on a Vizio TV

This guide walks you through changing the input source on any Vizio TV, whether you’re trying to watch a Blu-ray player, game console, streaming stick, or antenna. You’ll learn the button presses for both remote types (with and without a dedicated Input button), how to use the TV’s side panel, and what to do when the screen stays black or says “No Signal.”

What You’ll Need

• Your Vizio TV remote (the standard IR remote or the newer Voice Remote with a mic)
• If the remote is missing or not working, you can use the physical buttons on the TV itself (usually on the back or bottom edge)
• Your external device (cable box, game console, streaming stick, etc.) powered on and connected to the TV via HDMI, AV, or coax cable

Step-by-Step

1. Turn on the TV using the power button on the remote or the TV itself. Wait a few seconds for the screen to light up.
2. Locate the Input button on your remote. On most Vizio remotes, it’s labeled “Input” and sits near the top or middle. On the newer Vizio Voice Remote (with a microphone button), the Input button is at the top left, just below the power button. If you don’t see an Input button, look for a button with an icon that looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing in—that’s the same thing.
3. Press the Input button once. A menu will appear on the right side of the screen listing all available inputs, such as HDMI-1, HDMI-2, HDMI-3, AV, and TV (for antenna or cable coax).
4. Use the arrow keys (up/down) on the remote to highlight the input you want. The list shows the input name and, if the device is connected and powered on, a small preview thumbnail or the device name (like “PlayStation” or “Roku”).
5. Press OK or Select (the center button in the arrow pad) to switch to that input. The TV will take a second or two to display the new source.
6. If your remote doesn’t have an Input button: Look for a button that says “Menu” or “Settings.” Press it, then navigate to the “Input” or “Source” option using the arrow keys, select it, and choose your input from the list.
7. If you’re using the TV’s physical buttons: On most Vizio TVs, there’s a small joystick or a set of buttons on the back (right side) or bottom edge. Press the middle button to bring up the menu, then use the up/down or left/right to find “Input,” press to select, then navigate to your desired input and press to confirm.
8. For Vizio SmartCast TVs (2016 and later): You can also switch inputs using the Vizio Mobile app on your phone. Open the app, make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV, tap the TV icon, then tap “Input” and choose the source.

Common Mistakes

• Pressing the wrong button: Some Vizio remotes have a “Exit” or “Back” button that looks similar to the Input button. Double-check the label.
• Selecting an empty input: If you choose an HDMI port that has nothing connected, you’ll see a black screen or “No Signal.” Make sure your device is plugged into the correct port and is powered on.
• Using the wrong HDMI port: Many Vizio TVs have multiple HDMI ports. Note which port you plugged your device into (e.g., HDMI-1 vs. HDMI-2) and select that exact one.
• Not waiting for the TV to recognize the device: After connecting a new device, the TV may not show it in the input list immediately. Wait a few seconds, or unplug and replug the HDMI cable.
• On older Vizio TVs (pre-2016): The input menu may be a simple list without previews. Don’t be confused if you don’t see thumbnails.

Tips

• Label your inputs: On Vizio SmartCast TVs, you can rename inputs (e.g., “Cable Box,” “PS5”) by going to Settings > Inputs, selecting the input, and choosing “Rename.” This makes it easier to find the right one.
• Use the “Auto Input” feature (if available): Some Vizio TVs have a setting called “Input Power On” or “Auto Input” that automatically switches to a newly powered-on device. Check Settings > Inputs to see if it’s available.
• Keep the remote pointed at the TV: The IR sensor is usually at the bottom center of the screen. If you’re far away or at an angle, the remote may not register.
• If you use a universal remote: Make sure it’s programmed for Vizio. The Input button may be labeled “Source” or “AV” on some universal remotes.

Troubleshooting

I pressed Input but nothing happens. First, check that the remote has fresh batteries and is pointed at the TV. If the remote is dead, use the physical buttons on the TV. If the TV itself doesn’t respond, unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in—this resets the system.

I see “No Signal” on the screen. This means the TV is on the right input, but it’s not receiving a signal from the device. Check that the device is powered on, the HDMI cable is firmly connected at both ends, and try a different HDMI cable. Also, make sure the device is set to output video (e.g., a laptop may need to press Win+P and select “Duplicate” or “Extend”).

The input list doesn’t show my device. If you just plugged it in, the TV may need a moment. Try unplugging the HDMI cable and plugging it back in while the TV is on. If it still doesn’t appear, try a different HDMI port on the TV.

I switched inputs, but the screen is black. The TV might be on the correct input, but the device might be in a low-power state. Wake up the device (press a button on its remote). If the device is a streaming stick, make sure it’s plugged into a USB power source, not just the HDMI port.

My Vizio remote doesn’t have an Input button at all. This happens on some older models. Use the “Menu” button, then navigate to “Input” or “Source.” Alternatively, download the Vizio Mobile app to control the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Vizio TV keep switching back to SmartCast?

Some Vizio TVs have a setting called “Power On State” that defaults to SmartCast. Go to Settings > System > Power & Input and change the “Power On State” to “Last Input” so it remembers your last used source.

How do I switch inputs without a remote?

Use the physical buttons on the TV itself. Look for a small joystick or a set of buttons on the back or bottom edge. Press the middle button to open the menu, navigate to Input, and select it.

Can I use HDMI ARC for audio?

Yes, but only on the HDMI port labeled “ARC” (usually HDMI-1). To use it, connect your soundbar or receiver to that port and enable CEC in Settings > System > CEC.

Why is my Vizio TV not detecting my Roku?

Make sure the Roku is plugged into a power outlet (not just the TV’s USB port, unless that port provides enough power). Check the HDMI connection, and try a different HDMI port on the TV.

How do I rename an input on my Vizio TV?

Go to Settings > Inputs, select the input you want, and choose “Rename.” Type the new name using the on-screen keyboard.

What does “No Signal” mean on my Vizio TV?

It means the TV is on a specific input but isn’t receiving any video signal from that device. Check the device’s power, cable connections, and that the device is outputting video.

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