My Roku TV is already awesome on its own.
Yet I enjoy connecting external devices to it.
So I have more input options.
It’s just that it can be a chore having to constantly switch inputs.
That is…
Until I discovered several easy ways to do it.
Continue reading to find out:
- 7 easy ways to switch your Roku TV’s input.
- What 3rd party voice assistants are capable of controlling your Roku TV.
- An app that you can use to instantly turn your smartphone into a Roku remote.
- And a lot more…
How to change input on Roku TV – 7 ways
There are several easy ways to change the input on Roku TV.
But before we jump to each method…
There are a couple of necessary things I need to discuss:
- How to set up your Roku TV inputs.
- Difference between Roku TV and Roku streaming devices.
Roku TVs vs Roku streaming devices
“Wait, aren’t they the same thing?”
Actually, they’re not. Although people tend to use these names interchangeably.
Roku TVs refer to actual smart TVs with the Roku OS.
Such as the TCL 3 Series. Or the Hisense R6 Series.
Other manufacturers of Roku TVs include:
On the other hand, Roku streaming devices are those that you plug into a TV. A
Like the Roku Streaming Stick or the Roku Ultra. Both of which, by the way, work even on non-smart TVs.
The methods in this guide mainly apply to Roku TVs.
How to set up your Roku TV inputs
Another thing that’s necessary to note…
For all of the guides here to work, you’ll have to set up your Roku TV’s inputs first. Here’s how:
Step #1: Plug your external device into one of your Roku TV’s ports.
For a streaming device or a gaming console, use an HDMI port.
If you’re connecting a VCR, use the AV port. And the coax port for cable boxes.
Step #2: Press your Roku TV remote’s Home button.
Step #3: Select Settings.
Step #4: Scroll down and select TV Inputs.
Step #5: Select the port where you plugged your external device.
For example, you plugged your Xbox One into your Roku TV’s HDMI 1 port.
Therefore, look for HDMI 1 and select it.
Step #6: Select Set up input.
Your Roku TV should then automatically add your external device to the main menu.
That way, it’d be easy to switch from one input to another.
Alright. At this point, we’re now ready to dive into the several ways to change a Roku TV’s input.
Let’s proceed.
#1: Using the Roku TV remote
The easiest way to change your Roku TV’s input is through the remote.
All it takes is a few clicks.
Here’s how to change the input via the Roku TV remote:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Use the remote’s arrow button to look for your desired input.
- Select the input that you want.
That’s it. Your Roku TV should instantly switch to your selected input.
“I’m getting an error trying to change the input!”
If your Roku TV’s not changing input, it’s likely due to an OS glitch. Or the external device’s connection may not be secure.
You can easily fix that by disconnecting and reconnecting the device to your TV.
And by restarting your Roku TV. You can quickly do it by unplugging it from the outlet. And then, after 30 seconds, plug it back into the power source.
#2: Through the Roku TV button
Let’s say you lost your Roku TV remote. Or it’s no longer working.
Well, don’t worry. It happens to many people.
There are still other easy ways to change your Roku TV’s input.
And one of them is through the TV’s control button.
Unlike older TVs, Roku TVs only have 1 main control button. You can press it and move it in different directions to navigate through the Roku interface.
Now I did mention that Roku has partnered with several manufacturers for their smart TVs.
So because of that, the location of the buttons will differ.
Here are the possible location of the TV buttons:
- Bottom left.
- Bottom right.
- At the back of the TV.
So try to find the control button first.
And once you’ve found it, follow these steps for changing the input through the button:
- Press the button once to pull up the Inputs menu.
- Pull the button downward to highlight the TV input that you prefer.
- Let go of the button.
Your Roku TV should automatically change to the input you selected.
Here’s a visual guide on changing the input using a Roku TV’s control button:
#3: Roku Official Remote Control app
You may also use your smartphone to change the input on your Roku TV.
You’ll just need to download the Roku Official Remote Control app.
It’s available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
So if you don’t have it yet, just go ahead and install it on your smartphone.
And then, follow these steps for pairing the app to your Roku TV:
Step #1: Ensure that your smartphone and Roku TV are using the same WiFi network.
Step #2: Launch the Roku remote control app on your phone.
Step #3: Press the Remote icon on the bottom of the app’s screen.
Step #4: Click the Connect button. The app should then start searching for a device. Wait for your Roku TV to appear on the app.
Step #5: Select your Roku TV.
That’s it.
To change the input, press the Home button from the app’s remote. Then select your desired input.
#4: Push-to-talk remote button
Why press any buttons when you can just use your voice?
Yes, with Roku TV, voice control’s possible. And in fact, there are several ways to do it.
Do you happen to own a Roku Voice Remote?
If so, you may use its push-to-talk button to change your TV input.
Just look for a button with either a microphone or a magnifying glass icon. It’d depend on your remote version.
Then push and hold the button.
Now, for example, you’d like to switch to HDMI 2…
Just say something like “change to HDMI 2.”
Easy, right?
No need for any magic word. According to Roku, you only need to speak in a normal and conversational tone. And the TV should be able to pick up your command.
#5: Hands-free voice instruction
Now if you have the Roku Voice Remote Pro…
You can change the TV input hands-free.
Unlike the previous method, you won’t need to press and hold any button.
But first, ensure that you turn on the hands-free option. You can find the button on the left side of the remote.
After switching the button on, you may begin voicing out instructions.
With the hands-free approach, though, you’d need to start every command with “Hey Roku.”
So let’s say you want to switch the TV input to AV.
Just say, “Hey Roku, change the input to AV.”
Pro tip: When giving out voice commands, see to it that you and the remote aren’t too close to the TV. Otherwise, the remote may not pick up your voice properly due to the TV audio.
#6: Alexa
Those Roku remotes aren’t the only things you can use for voice control.
You can also use 3rd party voice assistants to change your TV’s input.
Of course, you can’t talk about voice assistants without mentioning the most famous one.
Alexa.
And yes, Alexa’s compatible with Roku.
Moreover, linking the 2 is extremely easy.
You’ll just need 3 things for this to work:
- Alexa app.
- Roku account.
- Alexa-enabled device.
The Roku account should be the same one you’re using with your TV.
For the Alexa app, you can quickly download it from the App Store if you’re an iOS user.
Or the Google Play Store if you’re using an Android device.
As for Alexa-enabled devices, here are a few examples:
Here’s how to link Alexa to your Roku TV:
- Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Select Menu.
- Navigate to Skills & Games and select it.
- Find Roku using the search bar.
- Click the Enable button.
- Sign in with your Roku account.
- Select Roku TV from the list and click Continue.
- Wait for Alexa to find your Roku TV. And then select it.
- Select the Alexa device you’d like to pair with your Roku TV.
- Tap Link Devices.
Done with all the steps?
You may now command Alexa to change your TV input.
For example, “Alexa, switch to HDMI 4 on Roku TV.”
#7: Google Assistant
As an alternative to Alexa, you may also use Google Assistant to switch the TV input.
So what are the requirements?
You’ll need any Google Assistant-enabled device. One example is the Nest audio.
And then, you’d need to install the Google Home app on your mobile phone.
You can easily find it on the Apple App Store. As well as the Google Play Store.
These are the steps to connect your Roku TV with Google Assistant:
- Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Select the Plus icon.
- Scroll down and select Set up device.
- Tap the Have something already set up? option.
- Select the search icon and look for
- Sign in with the same Roku account you’re using for your TV.
- Select your Roku TV and tap Continue.
- Follow the prompts to finish the process.
Afterward, you may start talking to Google Assistant to change your TV input.
Say something like, “Hey Google switch to AV on Roku TV.”