LG TV input selection is a fundamental aspect of using your television, and while a remote is the most common tool, there are several effective ways to change the input on an LG TV without a remote. Whether your remote has gone missing, its batteries have died, or you simply prefer a more direct approach, understanding these alternatives can save you time and frustration. This guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you can quickly access all your connected devices from your favorite streaming box to your gaming console.
The Power of Physical Buttons: Your First Line of Defense
Every LG TV, regardless of its model or age, is equipped with physical control buttons. These are typically located on the back, side, or underside of the television itself. While their exact placement can vary, they are your most reliable option when a remote is unavailable.
Locating the Buttons:
Back Panel: Many LG TVs have a control panel on the right or left side of the rear. This often includes a joystick-like button or a set of push buttons.
Underside Bezel: Some models consolidate their controls along the bottom edge of the TV, often hidden beneath the screen.
* Side Panel: Less common, but some might have buttons along the edges.
Navigating the Menu:
Once you’ve found the physical buttons, the process of changing inputs is usually intuitive:
1. Press the Menu/Input Button: Identify the button that functions as a “Menu” or “Input” selector. This might be a dedicated button or a primary function of a multi-purpose joystick.
2. Navigate the On-Screen Display: Use the directional controls (up, down, left, right, or the joystick itself) to highlight the “Input” or “Source” option on your TV’s on-screen menu.
3. Select the Input: Press the “Enter” or “Select” button to confirm your choice.
4. Cycle Through Inputs: Continue using the navigation buttons to cycle through the available input ports (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, AV, Component, etc.) until you reach the one you want.
5. Confirm Selection: Press “Enter” or “Select” again to lock in your chosen input.
While this method requires a little more physical interaction, it’s a foolproof way to change the input on an LG TV without a remote.
Embracing Smartphone Power: The LG ThinQ App Solution
For many modern LG TVs, especially those manufactured in the last decade with smart capabilities, the LG ThinQ app offers a sophisticated and convenient alternative to a physical remote. This app transforms your smartphone into a powerful LG TV remote control, providing access to virtually all the functions of your original remote, including input selection.
Getting Started with LG ThinQ:
1. Download the App: Search for “LG ThinQ” in your smartphone’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and download the official LG application.
2. Ensure Network Connection: Your LG TV and your smartphone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the app to communicate with the TV.
3. Pair Your TV: Open the LG ThinQ app and follow the on-screen instructions to discover and pair your LG TV. This usually involves selecting your TV from a list of available devices and confirming a code displayed on the TV screen.
4. Access Remote Functions: Once paired, the app will present you with a virtual remote interface. Look for the “Input” or “Source” button on the app’s remote control.
5. Select Your Input: Tap the input button within the app and then navigate through the available sources (HDMI, AV, etc.) just as you would with a physical remote.
The LG ThinQ app offers a seamless experience for those who have lost their remote or prefer controlling their TV from their phone. It’s an excellent way to change the input on an LG TV without a remote, especially for smart TV models.
Universal Remote Apps: A Broader Approach
Beyond the official LG ThinQ app, a plethora of third-party universal remote apps are available for smartphones. These apps are designed to control a wide range of electronic devices, including TVs from various brands like LG.
How Universal Remote Apps Work:
These apps typically utilize your phone’s infrared (IR) blaster (if your phone has one) or your Wi-Fi connection to send commands to your TV.
1. Download a Universal Remote App: Popular options include SURE Universal Remote, AnyMote Universal Remote, and Peel Smart Remote (though features and availability may vary).
2. Select Your TV Brand: Within the app, you’ll usually be prompted to select your TV brand – in this case, “LG.”
3. Test Different Codes: The app will then try to send various IR codes to your TV. You’ll be asked to test specific functions (like power on/off or volume) to see if the app has successfully found the correct code for your LG TV model.
4. Configure Your Remote: Once a compatible code is found, you can configure the app’s on-screen remote layout, ensuring that the input selection button is readily accessible.
While universal remote apps can be a bit more trial-and-error to set up, they provide a valuable fallback when you need to change the input on an LG TV without a remote, particularly if your TV doesn’t support the LG ThinQ app or you prefer a single app for multiple devices.
HDMI-CEC: The “Set It and Forget It” Solution
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that allows devices connected via HDMI to control each other. When enabled on both your LG TV and your connected device (like a Blu-ray player, soundbar, or streaming stick), it can automatically switch the TV’s input to the active source.
Enabling HDMI-CEC:
The name for HDMI-CEC varies across different manufacturers. On LG TVs, it’s commonly referred to as Simplink.
1. Locate Simplink Settings: Access your LG TV’s settings menu (using physical buttons or a functional remote if you have one temporarily) and navigate to the “General” or “System” section.
2. Find and Enable Simplink: Look for the “Simplink (HDMI-CEC)” option and ensure it is turned on.
3. Enable on Connected Devices: The process for enabling CEC on your other devices will vary by manufacturer. Consult their user manuals. You’ll typically find similar settings labeled as CEC, Anynet+, Viera Link, Bravia Sync, or similar.
Once enabled, if you power on your Blu-ray player, for example, your LG TV should automatically switch to the corresponding HDMI input. This is a fantastic way to change the input on an LG TV without a remote in a proactive manner, as it often handles the switching for you.
Conclusion: Taking Control Back
While a remote is the most conventional way to manage your LG television, the ability to change the input on an LG TV without a remote is a crucial skill for any owner. From the straightforward physical buttons to the advanced functionality of the LG ThinQ app and the convenience of HDMI-CEC, you have multiple reliable methods at your disposal. By understanding these alternatives, you can ensure uninterrupted access to all your entertainment, even when your primary remote is out of commission.