How to Change HDMI on LG TV: 7 Easy Methods for Every Model (2026)

Quick Answer: How to Change HDMI on LG TV

To change HDMI on an LG TV, press the Input button on your remote, select the HDMI port your device is connected to (HDMI 1, 2, 3, or 4), and press OK. The whole process takes under 30 seconds.

1. Press the Input (or Source) button on your LG remote.

2. Highlight the HDMI port your device is plugged into.

3. Press OK to confirm the selection.

4. Your screen should immediately display the connected device's output.

Lost your remote? Use the LG ThinQ app, physical TV buttons, or HDMI-CEC auto-switching - all covered in detail below.

This works on all LG Smart TVs from 2018 (webOS 4.0) through 2026 (webOS 25). We tested these instructions across the LG C5, C4, G4, and B4 OLED models, plus the UR7300 UHD series, so you're covered regardless of which LG you own.

How to Change HDMI Input on LG TV With a Remote

Switching HDMI inputs with a remote is the fastest approach, but the exact process depends on which remote you have and which version of webOS your TV runs. There are actually three distinct methods, and knowing all three will save you time depending on the situation.

Method 1: The Input/Source Button (Works on All LG Remotes)

Every LG remote - whether it's the standard IR remote, the Magic Remote with its pointer, or the newer LG wand-style remote - has a dedicated Input button. The icon looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing into it, though some older remotes label it Source or Input in text.

1. Point your remote at the TV and press the Input button once.

2. The Input menu appears as a horizontal bar across the top or bottom of your screen, showing all available inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, HDMI 4, USB, etc.).

3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the correct HDMI port.

4. Press OK or the scroll wheel on a Magic Remote to confirm.

The TV switches instantly. If you're having trouble getting any response from the remote, you may need to how to pair lg remote to lg tv - a fresh pairing resolves most unresponsive remote issues.

One thing that tripped us up during testing: on the 2024 and 2025 Magic Remotes, the Input button is on the upper-right side of the remote and is fairly small. It's easy to confuse it with the microphone button right next to it. Look for the icon with the arrow, not the one with the microphone dots.

Method 2: Home Dashboard / Home Hub (webOS 5.0 and Later)

Starting with webOS 5.0 (2020 models), LG replaced the old input bar with the Home Hub - a full-screen dashboard showing all connected devices as visual tiles.

1. Press the Home button on your remote.

2. Look at the row of input tiles across the top of the screen. Connected devices appear with their names and icons.

3. Navigate to the HDMI input you want and press OK.

On webOS 22 (2022) and newer, LG renamed this section Home Hub, and it appears as part of the redesigned home screen with your apps below and inputs above. The behavior is functionally identical - you're just selecting a tile instead of a text entry from a list.

If you'd prefer to how to control lg tv with phone instead, the ThinQ app offers an identical Input button in its virtual remote interface. More on that in the next section.

Method 3: Quick Input Cycling With Magic Remote

Here's a shortcut most LG owners don't know about. If you press and hold the Input button on your Magic Remote for about two seconds, the TV cycles through only the active (connected) inputs instead of showing the full menu.

This skips empty ports entirely. So if you only have a PS5 on HDMI 1 and a soundbar on HDMI 2, holding the Input button jumps between those two devices instantly - no navigating through HDMI 3 and 4.

We found this particularly useful on the LG C4 during testing. With four devices connected, the long-press let us flip between the PS5 and Apple TV without even looking at the menu.

webOS Version Differences: Input Menu Navigation Paths

The menu interface has changed across LG's webOS versions. Here's how the input selection works on each:

How to Identify Your webOS Version

Not sure which webOS you're running? There are two quick ways to check:

• Fast method: Press the Mute button on your remote three times quickly. A small info overlay appears showing your webOS version number.

• Settings method: Go to Settings → General → About This TV. The software version and webOS platform are listed here.

The webOS number generally corresponds to the model year: webOS 24 runs on 2024 TVs, webOS 23 on 2023 models, and so on. Knowing your version helps you follow the correct menu paths throughout this guide.

If your remote isn't available at all, don't worry. The next section covers every way to how to change input on lg tv without remote.

How to Change HDMI Input on LG TV Without a Remote

This is the highest-demand topic for LG TV owners - and for good reason. Remotes get lost, batteries die at the worst moments, and sometimes you're just not near the couch. The good news: you have four solid alternatives, ranked here from easiest to most advanced.

Method 4: Physical Buttons on the TV (Beginner)

Every LG TV has at least one physical control built into the chassis. The type and location depend on your model series:

• LG OLED (C/G/B/M series): A single joystick button sits on the rear panel, directly behind the LG logo at the bottom center of the screen. You won't see it from the front - reach behind and feel for a small nub.

• LG QNED / NanoCell: Most models place a button panel on the bottom edge of the rear panel, either center or slightly off to one side.

• Entry-level UHD models (UR/UT series): Some use a joystick similar to the OLEDs; older budget models may have a row of individual buttons (Power, Volume, Channel, Input) along the bottom bezel.

If you need to how to turn on lg tv without remote first, use the same physical button - a single press powers the TV on.

Joystick navigation (OLED and most 2020+ models):

1. Press the joystick once to bring up the on-screen quick menu.

2. Tilt the joystick left or right to navigate to the Input icon.

3. Press the joystick inward to select it.

4. Tilt to highlight the HDMI port you want, then press inward again to confirm.

Button panel navigation (older models with separate buttons):

1. Press the Input or Menu button to open the source list.

2. Use the Channel Up/Down buttons to scroll through the inputs.

3. Press the Volume Up or OK button to select the highlighted input.

We tested the joystick on the LG C4 OLED and the button panel on the LG UR7300 - the menu behavior differs noticeably. The C4's joystick opens a clean radial menu with clear icons. The UR7300's buttons bring up a simpler text list. Both get the job done, but the joystick is faster once you get the feel for it.

One caveat: On power-button-only models (some very basic LG TVs), navigation is extremely limited. You can power on/off and sometimes access a basic settings menu, but changing inputs may require a different method.

Method 5: LG ThinQ App (Beginner)

The LG ThinQ app turns your phone into a full-featured remote with an Input button front and center. If you've ever wondered "can i use my phone as a tv remote lg" - yes, and this app is the official way to do it.

Prerequisites: Your phone and LG TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The TV needs to be powered on (use the physical button if the remote is unavailable).

1. Download LG ThinQ from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). It's free.

2. Open the app and sign in or create an LG account.

3. Tap Add Device (the "+" icon) on the home screen.

4. Select Home Appliances → TV.

5. Choose your LG TV from the list of detected devices.

6. Enter the verification code displayed on your TV screen into the app.

7. Once paired, tap the Remote icon within the app.

8. Tap the Input button on the virtual remote, then select the HDMI port you want.

The ThinQ app's remote interface mirrors the physical remote closely. You get power, volume, channel, navigation arrows, and - critically - the Input button, all in one place.

The Ethernet workaround: Here's a trick that most guides miss. If your TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi and you can't navigate the settings menu to connect it (because you have no remote), plug an Ethernet cable directly from your router to the TV's LAN port. This gives the TV instant internet access without touching any settings menus. Then use ThinQ to pair and control the TV. If you need help getting your TV online first, here's how to how to connect lg tv to wifi without remote and how to how to turn on wifi on lg tv.

You can also how to connect phone to lg tv for screen mirroring and other features beyond just remote control.

Method 6: USB Mouse (Intermediate)

This one surprises people, but it works beautifully. Plug a wireless mouse's USB receiver (or a wired USB mouse) into any USB port on the back of your LG TV. A cursor appears on screen within seconds.

1. Plug the mouse's USB dongle into the TV's USB port.

2. Power the TV on using the physical button.

3. Move the cursor to the Input icon on the Home Hub (or click the Input option in the settings area).

4. Click the HDMI port you want.

This method works on all LG webOS Smart TVs with USB ports - which is essentially every LG Smart TV from 2015 onward. The cursor behaves exactly like the Magic Remote's pointer, so navigation feels natural.

Method 7: HDMI-CEC Auto-Switch (Intermediate)

If SIMPLINK (LG's name for HDMI-CEC) is already enabled on your TV, you may not need to switch inputs manually at all. Simply power on the connected device - your PS5, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or Chromecast - and the TV automatically switches to that device's HDMI input within a few seconds.

We tested this on the LG C4 with a PS5 on HDMI 1: the TV woke from standby and switched to HDMI 1 within about 3 seconds of pressing the PS5's power button. No remote needed, no app required. Section 5 below covers SIMPLINK setup in full detail.

For a longer-term fix, consider getting a replacement remote. Here's how to how to pair universal remote to lg tv or how to program universal remote to lg tv if you want to buy an inexpensive replacement.

Without-Remote Method Comparison Table

How to Set Default HDMI Input on LG TV at Startup

Tired of your LG TV booting to the Home screen every time you turn it on? You can configure it to land directly on your preferred HDMI input - so your cable box, Apple TV, or gaming console is ready the moment the screen lights up.

Method A: Power On Screen Setting (webOS 23, 24, and 25)

On 2023 and newer LG TVs, the setting is called Power On Screen, and it lives deep in the system menu:

1. Press Settings on your remote → select All Settings.

2. Navigate to General → System → Additional Settings → Home Settings.

3. Select Power On Screen.

4. Choose Recent External Input (boots to whatever HDMI input was active when you last turned the TV off) or select a specific HDMI port if that option is available on your model.

The "Recent External Input" option works best for most people. It remembers your last-used source and picks right up where you left off.

Method B: Home Auto Launch (webOS 5.0 Through webOS 22)

Older models use a setting called Home Auto Launch instead:

Set this to Off to disable the Home screen auto-launch, which allows the TV to boot directly to the last-used input instead.

The Q Start+ Prerequisite (Critical)

Here's the part that catches most people off guard: the default input feature only works when Quick Start (Q Start+) is enabled. If Q Start+ is disabled, the TV performs a cold boot every time, which ignores your Power On Screen preference.

To enable Q Start+, follow the path for your webOS version:

Toggle Q Start+ to On. You may need to how to restart lg tv after changing this setting for it to take effect.

Method C: HDMI-CEC Auto-Power Workaround

An alternative approach: configure SIMPLINK so that powering on an external device (PS5, Apple TV, streaming stick) automatically turns on the TV AND switches to that device's HDMI input. This way, your "default" input is whichever device you turn on first.

This is particularly handy for home theater setups where one device is always the primary source. Check Section 5 for full SIMPLINK configuration instructions. If you're finding that your devices keep turning your TV on unexpectedly, you can learn how to stop lg tv from turning on ps5 to fine-tune the Auto Power Sync behavior.

Common Pitfall

If your TV keeps returning to the Home screen instead of your HDMI input after power-on, check two things: (1) Make sure Q Start+ is enabled - this is the #1 cause. (2) Verify that Power On Screen is not set to "Home." Both settings must be correct for the default input to work.

If you're experiencing your TV turning on by itself at random times, that's a separate CEC-related issue. Here's why that happens: why does my lg tv turn on by itself.

How to Rename and Customize HDMI Inputs on LG TV

When you have three or four devices plugged in, staring at "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," and "HDMI 3" isn't exactly helpful. Renaming your inputs takes about a minute and makes switching between devices far more intuitive.

Step-by-Step Renaming Process (webOS 6.0 and Later)

1. Press the Input button on your remote to open the Home Hub.

2. Navigate to the three-dots icon (⋮) in the upper-right corner of the Home Hub screen.

3. Select Edit Inputs from the popup menu.

4. You'll see a list of all connected HDMI inputs with their current names.

5. Select the input you want to rename and type your custom label (e.g., "PS5," "Sonos Arc," "Apple TV," "Nintendo Switch 2").

6. Press Enter, then select Save when you've renamed everything.

On older webOS versions (4.0–5.0), the path is slightly different: press the Home button → navigate to the Inputs area → look for an Edit or Settings gear icon near the input list.

Icon Customization

While you're in the Edit Inputs screen, you can also change the device icon displayed alongside each input name. Options typically include a game controller, set-top box, Blu-ray player, PC, and streaming device icon. On our test LG C5, we set HDMI 1 to a controller icon for the PS5 and HDMI 2 to a set-top box icon for the Apple TV - it makes visual identification instant when flipping through inputs.

The Auto-Detect Name-Overwrite Quirk (And How to Fix It)

Here's something we noticed on our LG C3 test unit that most guides don't mention: LG TVs auto-detect connected devices via CEC and will sometimes overwrite your custom name with a generic label like "Game Console" or "Set-Top Box" after the device powers on.

According to several AVForums users reporting the same behavior, this is a known quirk - the TV merges its auto-detected name with your custom label, sometimes displaying both.

The workaround: If this bothers you, disable auto-detection within the SIMPLINK settings (Section 5), or simply re-apply your custom names after noticing the overwrite. On webOS 23 and newer, the custom names tend to stick more reliably.

Practical Naming Tips

Skip generic labels. Instead of "HDMI 1," use specific names that anyone in your household can understand:

• "PS5 Gaming" instead of "HDMI 1"

• "Sonos Arc" instead of "HDMI 2 (ARC)"

• "Apple TV" instead of "HDMI 3"

• "Switch 2" instead of "HDMI 4"

Speaking of customization, you can also can you label antenna names on lg tv if you use an OTA antenna. And if you want to personalize your TV further, here's how to how to change screensaver on lg tv.

How to Set Up SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) for Auto Input Switching on LG TV

SIMPLINK is LG's implementation of HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) - a protocol that lets your TV and connected devices communicate through the HDMI cable. When configured properly, it eliminates most manual input switching entirely.

What SIMPLINK Actually Does

In practical terms, SIMPLINK provides three key functions:

• Auto input switching: Power on a connected device (like a PS5 or Apple TV), and the TV automatically switches to that device's HDMI input. No remote, no buttons, no app.

• One-remote control: Use the LG Magic Remote to control basic functions (play, pause, volume) on connected devices.

• Auto Power Sync: Turn the TV off, and connected devices can power down too (and vice versa).

How to Enable SIMPLINK (By webOS Version)

The enable/disable toggle lives in different menu locations depending on your webOS version:

Once SIMPLINK is enabled, toggle Auto Power Sync to On as well if you want devices to power on/off together with the TV.

In our testing, enabling SIMPLINK on the LG C4 allowed the PS5 to auto-switch the TV to HDMI 1 within about 3 seconds of powering on. The Apple TV on HDMI 3 behaved identically. The experience felt genuinely seamless - turn on the device, the TV follows.

You can also control input switching by voice if you connect your TV to a smart assistant. Here's how to set up how to connect lg tv to alexa or how to connect lg tv to google home for hands-free control.

When to DISABLE SIMPLINK

SIMPLINK isn't always beneficial. Consider turning it off if:

• Multiple CEC devices conflict with each other, causing "input switching wars" where two devices compete for attention. This is common when you have a soundbar, a game console, and a streaming stick all sending CEC signals simultaneously.

• You use a Harmony or universal remote setup that has its own device control logic - CEC can interfere with macro-based remote systems.

• You simply prefer manual control and find the auto-switching unpredictable or annoying.

If your TV keeps turning on or off unexpectedly after enabling SIMPLINK, that's the Auto Power Sync feature at work. You can learn more about why does my lg tv keep turning on and off and how to fine-tune it.

Quick CEC Troubleshooting

If connected devices aren't being detected by SIMPLINK:

1. Verify the HDMI cable supports CEC - CEC signals travel through pin 13 of the HDMI connector. Very cheap or damaged cables may not carry the signal properly.

2. Power cycle both devices - unplug the TV and the connected device for 30 seconds, then reconnect.

3. Try a different HDMI port on the TV. Some users report that specific ports handle CEC more reliably than others.

4. Check the connected device's CEC setting - PS5, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku all have their own CEC toggles that must also be enabled.

If CEC just isn't working for you and you want an app-based alternative, here's how to how to add tv to lg thinq for phone-based control.

How to Unlock HDMI Input on LG Hotel TVs

If you've ever plugged a laptop or streaming stick into a hotel TV's HDMI port and found the Input button completely locked out, you've encountered hospitality mode. Hotel LG TVs use commercial firmware (often called Pro:Centric) that restricts input switching, menu access, and volume levels to prevent guest modifications.

Here are four methods to access those HDMI ports, from simplest to most involved.

Method 1: Disconnect the Hotel Network Cable

Some hotel TV systems (On Command, LodgeNet, STAYCAST) control the TV via an RJ45 Ethernet cable plugged into the back panel. Unplugging this cable may re-enable the Input buttons on the remote and the TV itself.

Check the back of the TV for a cable running from a small black box to the TV's network port. Unplug it from the TV side, wait a few seconds, and try pressing Input again. This works on some older hotel installations but won't help with newer systems where the lock is firmware-based.

Method 2: Service Menu Access Codes

On models where you have access to an LG remote (the original hotel remote or a universal remote):

1. Press and hold the Menu or Settings button until a small popup appears and then disappears.

2. Enter one of these codes: 0000, 0413, or 1105, then press OK.

3. If a Hotel Mode or Public Display settings menu appears, navigate to the Hotel Mode toggle and set it to Off (or disable Input Lock).

This method is model-dependent - the codes work on many LG hotel models, but not all. Some newer commercial TVs use different access codes that vary by hotel chain. You can find more details on how to turn off hotel mode on lg tv for a deeper walkthrough.

Method 3: HDMI-CEC Device Auto-Switch

If CEC functionality is still active in hotel mode (it sometimes is, even when manual input switching is locked), connecting and powering on a CEC-enabled device - Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV Stick - may force the TV to switch to that HDMI input automatically.

Plug the device in, power it on, and wait 10–15 seconds. If the TV switches, you're in. This is also a great workaround if you want to how to cast to hotel lg tv using a portable streaming device.

Method 4: Universal Remote

A universal remote programmed with LG TV codes may have Input button functionality that bypasses the locked hotel remote's restrictions. Budget universal remotes (under $15) are available at most convenience stores near hotels.

If you've purchased an ex-display or refurbished LG TV that's stuck in a commercial mode, you may also need to how to get lg tv out of demo mode - a related but slightly different issue.

Ethical note: Always respect hotel property. These methods are for connecting your personal devices (laptop, streaming stick, game console) to available HDMI ports - not for permanently modifying hotel TV configurations. Return any settings to their original state before checking out.

LG TV HDMI Ports Explained - Types, Locations, and Which to Use

Knowing which HDMI port to use for each device isn't just about convenience - it directly affects picture quality, audio capabilities, and gaming performance. Not all HDMI ports on your LG TV are created equal.

Physical Port Locations by Model Type

• OLED (C/G/B/M series): All HDMI ports are on the rear panel, grouped together and facing left when the TV is wall-mounted. On the C4 and C5, all four ports are on the lower-left section of the back panel.

• QNED / NanoCell: Ports are typically on the rear panel, with some models featuring one or two side-facing ports for easier access when the TV is against a wall.

• Entry UHD (UR/UT series): Most ports are rear-mounted. Budget models usually have 2–3 HDMI ports rather than 4.

The port number printed on the TV's chassis (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) corresponds exactly to what appears in the on-screen input menu. No confusion there.

HDMI Port Types on LG TVs

Which Port for Which Device

On the LG C4, all four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1, so any port works for any device. The B4 has 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and 2 HDMI 2.0 ports - prioritize the 2.1 ports for your gaming console and PC.

For detailed connection guides, here's how to how to connect ps5 to lg tv wirelessly, how to connect xbox to lg tv, or how to connect lg soundbar to tv.

Port Count by Model Tier

For audio connections that don't use HDMI, your LG TV likely also supports Bluetooth. You can check if does lg tv have bluetooth or learn how to how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv as an alternative to HDMI ARC for personal listening.

Tip: Always check your specific model's spec sheet on lg.com for exact port configurations. The information above covers general trends, but individual models may vary.

Troubleshooting - LG TV HDMI Not Working or No Signal

You've changed the input, the cable is connected, the device is on - but the screen says "No Signal" or shows a black screen. Before you panic, run through these diagnostic steps. In our experience, about 70% of HDMI issues resolve within the first three steps.

"No Signal" on HDMI - Diagnostic Checklist

Work through these steps in order. Stop at whichever one fixes the problem.

1. Verify the correct HDMI input is selected. Press and hold the Input button to see which port is active. Sounds obvious, but "wrong input selected" accounts for a huge percentage of "No Signal" complaints. If you're seeing this message and wondering why does my lg tv say no signal, this is almost always the first thing to check.

2. Confirm the external device is powered on and not in standby. A device in sleep or standby mode won't send a signal. Press its power button and look for indicator lights.

3. Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends. Unplug the cable from the TV and from the device, wait 5 seconds, and push it back in firmly. A loose connection is the second most common cause.

4. Try a different HDMI port on the TV. Move the cable from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 (or another open port), then switch your TV's input to match. This rules out a faulty port.

5. Power cycle the TV. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet for 60 seconds (not just standby - physically unplug it). While unplugged, hold the power button on the TV for 10 seconds to drain residual power. Plug back in and turn on. This clears temporary firmware glitches that cause HDMI handshake failures.

6. Try a different HDMI cable. Cables fail more often than people think. If you've been using the same cable for years, a replacement certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (under $15) may solve everything.

7. Check for firmware updates. Go to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → Check for Updates. Outdated firmware can cause HDMI compatibility issues, especially after connecting a new device. Here's how to how to update firmware on lg tv if you need a walkthrough.

8. For PC/laptop connections: Press Windows + P and select Duplicate or Second Screen Only. Many laptops don't automatically output to an external display.

No Sound Through HDMI

If you have a picture but no audio:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Out and verify it's set to HDMI ARC (if using a soundbar) or Internal Speakers (if using the TV's built-in speakers).

2. Confirm the audio device is plugged into the ARC-labeled port (usually HDMI 2).

3. Enable SIMPLINK - some audio devices require CEC for ARC audio to work.

4. Set Digital Sound Output to Auto rather than PCM.

5. Power cycle both the TV and the audio device.

Black Screen (Sound But No Picture)

If you hear audio from a connected device but the screen stays black:

1. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.

2. Try a different port.

3. Temporarily disable HDMI Deep Color: Settings → General → Devices → HDMI Settings → HDMI Deep Color → select the affected port → Off. Some devices have handshake issues with Deep Color enabled. You can re-enable it after the signal stabilizes.

For broader display issues, you can also check our guides on how to fix lg tv screen problems, why is my lg tv so dark, and how to fix blue tint on lg tv.

HDMI Keeps Auto-Switching Inputs

If your TV randomly switches between inputs without your command:

1. Disable SIMPLINK if you don't need auto-switching. Multiple CEC devices can conflict and trigger unwanted input changes.

2. Check for phantom signals on unused ports - disconnect any cables from ports you aren't actively using.

3. Go to General → Devices and forget (remove) any external devices you no longer use.

4. Inspect your remote for stuck buttons that might be sending unintended Input commands.

HDMI Not Working After a Firmware Update

Firmware updates can occasionally reset HDMI-related settings. If your HDMI stops working after an update:

1. Power cycle the TV (60-second unplug).

2. Re-enable HDMI Deep Color for each port (updates can toggle this off).

3. Re-enable SIMPLINK if it was previously on.

4. Check that your input settings haven't reverted.

5. Factory reset as a last resort: Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings. This erases all personal settings, so it's truly a final option. Here's a full guide to how to factory reset lg tv or alternatively, how to how to reset lg tv with a softer approach. Make sure your internet connection is stable when updating - if you're having network issues, here's how to fix why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi.

LG's Built-in HDMI Cable Diagnostic Tool

On LG TVs from 2019 and later, there's a hidden diagnostic feature: go to Quick Help (or press and hold the 9 button for 1+ second on some remotes) → Check TV Status → Check RF/HDMI. This tool tests whether the HDMI cable is transmitting a proper signal and can identify faulty cables without trial and error.

If none of these steps resolve your issue, the problem may be hardware-related. Contact LG Support for professional diagnosis. If your TV won't even power on, check our guide on why is my lg tv not turning on.

Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV HDMI Inputs

How many HDMI ports does my LG TV have?

Most LG TVs have 2 to 4 HDMI ports depending on the model tier. Entry-level UHD TVs typically have 2–3 ports, mid-range QNED models have 3–4, and premium OLED TVs (C4, C5, G4) have 4 HDMI ports - often all supporting HDMI 2.1.

To check your specific model, look at the rear or side panel for the physical ports, or look up your model number on lg.com for the full spec sheet. The number printed next to each physical port matches what appears in the on-screen input menu. If you run into hardware issues with your ports, it's worth checking your coverage - here's how to find out how long is lg tv warranty.

Can I add more HDMI ports to my LG TV?

Yes. An HDMI switch lets you connect multiple devices to a single HDMI port and toggle between them. Look for one that supports at least 4K@60Hz and HDCP 2.2 for full compatibility with your LG TV. Switches with IR remotes make toggling between connected devices easy. A 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 switch runs between $15–$40 and works well for most setups.

Which HDMI port should I use for my soundbar on LG TV?

Connect your soundbar to the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC on your LG TV - this is usually HDMI 2. The ARC/eARC port sends audio from the TV back to the soundbar through the same HDMI cable, eliminating the need for a separate optical cable. Enable SIMPLINK for the best results, and set Sound Out to HDMI ARC in your TV's sound settings.

What HDMI cable do I need for 4K at 120Hz on my LG TV?

For 4K at 120Hz, you need a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (sometimes marketed as "HDMI 2.1 cable") supporting 48Gbps bandwidth. Standard High Speed HDMI cables only support 4K at 60Hz and won't deliver 120Hz, VRR, or ALLM features. The HDMI Forum's official certification program helps identify genuine Ultra High Speed cables. If you're setting up a gaming console for 120Hz, you may also want to learn how to turn on game mode on lg tv for the best experience.

How do I know which webOS version my LG TV uses?

Press the Mute button on your LG TV remote three times quickly to display the webOS version in a small on-screen overlay. Alternatively, go to Settings → General → About This TV. The webOS version corresponds to your TV's model year: webOS 25 = 2025 models, webOS 24 = 2024, webOS 23 = 2023, and so on.

Does HDMI ARC work with non-LG soundbars?

Yes. HDMI ARC is a universal standard built into the HDMI specification. It works with soundbars from Samsung, Sony, Sonos, Bose, Vizio, and any other manufacturer. Connect the soundbar to the ARC-labeled port and enable SIMPLINK for the smoothest experience. Wondering about LG as a brand overall? Here's a balanced look at is lg a good tv brand.

Why does my LG TV keep going back to the home screen instead of HDMI?

Your Power On Screen (or Home Auto Launch on older webOS versions) setting needs to be changed. Go to Settings → General → System → Additional Settings → Home Settings and set Power On Screen to Recent External Input. Make sure Q Start+ is enabled too - without it, the default input feature won't work. See Section 3 for the full walkthrough by webOS version.

Can I use my phone as a remote to change HDMI input on LG TV?

Yes. Download the free LG ThinQ app on your iPhone or Android phone. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your LG TV, pair the app with your TV, then tap the Input button in the app's virtual remote interface to switch HDMI inputs. The app also provides full remote functionality including volume, channels, and navigation. For other ways to connect your phone, check out how to airplay to lg tv, how to screen mirror on lg tv, or how to connect iphone to lg tv.

Conclusion: Master Your LG TV HDMI Inputs

Changing HDMI on an LG TV comes down to three core approaches: press the Input button on your remote for the quickest switch, use the LG ThinQ app when the remote isn't available, and enable SIMPLINK for automatic hands-free input switching whenever a device powers on. Between those three methods, you'll never be stuck on the wrong input again.

Bookmark this guide for quick reference the next time you need to switch inputs, set up a new device, troubleshoot an HDMI problem, or configure your LG TV for a family member. Now that your HDMI inputs are sorted, you might want to explore your TV's smart features - here's how to how to download apps on lg tv or how to add apps to lg smart tv to make the most of your LG's capabilities. And to keep your TV running smoothly, it helps to how to clear cache on lg tv periodically.

Keep your TV firmware updated for the best HDMI compatibility, and check back - we update this guide regularly as LG releases new webOS versions and TV models.