Why does my TV switch to a different device when trying to use my Roku streaming player?
When your Roku® streaming player is connected to your TV via HDMI® along with other inputs like an HDTV antenna or Blu-ray™ player, communication between these devices may become unstable. Should this happen, your TV may get confused and switch to a different device when you try and control your Roku streaming player with your Roku remote. Use the troubleshooting steps below to solve this issue.
Switch TV inputs
If your TV switches away from your Roku streaming player, you can simply try to switch your TV input back to your Roku steaming player.
- Check the back of your TV and note which HDMI input your Roku streaming player is using
- Use the remote that came with your TV (not your Roku remote) and press the button labeled Input, Source, or something similar
- Using the TV remote, select the input where your Roku streaming player is connected
What to do if your TV continues to switch between input sources
If your TV continues unexpectedly switching its active source to another input or device, try the following troubleshooting steps.
Unplug your devices
- On the back of your TV, unplug the HDMI cables from any connected devices (like a Blu-ray player, game console, or sound system). Wait for about 10 seconds
- Plug the HDMI cables back into the same ports they were in on your TV. Make sure everything is securely connected
- Unplug the HDMI cable that connects your Roku player to your TV. If you are using a Roku Streaming Stick®, unplug it directly from your TV's HDMI port
- Wait 10 seconds, then firmly reattach the HDMI cable from your Roku player to your TV. If using a streaming stick, plug it directly back into your TV. Make sure to plug your Roku streaming player back into the same HDMI input on your TV
Try a different HDMI input
- Disconnect your Roku streaming player from the HDMI port on back of your TV
- Firmly connect it to another HDMI port on the back of your TV
Power cycle your Roku player and your TV
- Unplug both your Roku player and your TV from their power sources. Remove any power strips or extension cords
- After 10 seconds, plug both the power cords directly into a power outlet and power on both devices
Connect your Roku player directly to your TV if using an audio/video receiver
If your Roku player is connected to your TV through an HDMI input on your audio/video receiver (AVR), try removing your Roku player from the AVR and connect it directly to an available HDMI input on your TV.
- Disconnect the HDMI cable connected to your Roku player from your AVR. If using a Roku Streaming Stick, remove the stick from the AVR
- Plug the HDMI cable connected to your Roku or Roku Streaming Stick directly into an HDMI port on the back of your TV, noting which input you are using
- Follow the steps to switch your TV input to your Roku player
Update the TV firmware
You may be encountering issues with your TV switching inputs because the firmware on your TV is out of date. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet and update the firmware. If you need help, contact the manufacturer of your TV.
Disable 1-touch play
On your Roku player, open the settings and disable 1-touch play using the steps below.
- Select Home
on your Roku remote - Press left on the directional pad and navigate to Settings
- Select System
- Select Control other devices
- Uncheck 1-touch play if the box is checked
- Power cycle your Roku player
Note: If 1-touch play is not enabled, disable Consumer Electronics Control on your TV instead. Contact the manufacturer if you are unable to locate the CEC settings on your TV.
Last updated at 2/25/2026 3:09:31 AM
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