If you’ve recently misplaced your remote, or it suddenly stops working, you may be wondering how you can change the input on your LG TV so you can access content on your Blu-Ray player or game system.

Luckily, you have two options to change the input on your LG TV without a remote: downloading the LG ThinQ app or manually using the buttons on the side of the device. Continue reading to learn more about each method.

How to Change the Input on LG TVs with LG ThinQ App

The simplest way to control your TV without a remote is to download the LG ThinQ app. It’s free online. If you have an Android, you can download it from the Google Play Store, and if you have an iPhone, you can get it from the App Store. (Keep in mind that this only works if you have an LG Smart TV.)

After downloading it, follow these steps to connect the app to your TV:

  • Turn on your LG TV.Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.Open the app.Press the “+” on the top of your phone’s screen.Follow the prompts on the screen and tap “OK.”Navigate to the home appliance sectionChoose the TV option.Wait a few seconds.Choose your TV.Enter the verification on the TV’s screen into the app.Choose “Move to Home.”

Once you’ve paired the LG ThinQ app with your TV, it will function as though you’re holding the actual remote in your hand. To access your TV’s settings and change the input, open the app, and press the house icon. From there, you can make your changes.

How to Manually Change the Input on LG TVs

If you don’t want to download the app (or don’t have a smart LG TV), don’t worry; you can manually change the input. To do this:

  • Turn on your TV.Locate the power button on the bottom of your TV.Pull the button toward yourself.Scroll sideways through the options at the bottom of the screen.Let go of the button once you’ve found your input selection.

Do not press down on the button without gently pulling it toward yourself; this will turn off the TV.

Using the instructions listed above does more than access the input selections; it gives you access to your TV’s full suite of settings. Remember: to choose what you want, you must release the button—not press down on it.

Why Can’t I Change My LG TV’s Input?

That being said, if you have a newer TV and the above measures still didn’t work, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Make Sure Your Phone and TV Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network

You might ask yourself, “How can I connect my TV to the internet if the remote won’t work?” In this instance, you’ll have to use a USB mouse to navigate to your TV’s settings. To do this:

  • Locate the USB port on the back or side of your TV.Plug in the USB drive.Use the power button to get to the TV’s input.Connect to your mouse.Choose “Live TV” and wait a few seconds.Click “Recommended” on the right-hand side.Click “Yes” on the pop-up alert.Enter your Wi-Fi credentials.

Now, you can use your LG TV with the ThinQ app.

Make Sure the App is on the Latest Version

Check the Google Play Store or App Store for any updates. If the LG ThinQ app isn’t on the latest version, then it might not work with your smart TV.  

Check Your TV’s Power Button

If your TV’s power button won’t move forward or allow you to change the input, it might be broken. The warranty might cover the issue if it’s a factory-specific defect. You must have purchased your TV within the last year to qualify. 

Force Quit Out of the App

If the LG ThinQ app won’t work, try force-quitting out of it, then launching it again. How to force quit out of an app depends on what type of phone you have.

If you have an Android:

  • Go to settings.Select “Apps.”Choose the LG ThinQ app.Choose “Force Stop.”

If you have an iPhone:

  • Swipe up from the bottom.Pause in the center of the screen.Swipe right to find the app.Swipe up.

Now, try relaunching the app and change your TV’s input based on the instructions listed above.

Final Thoughts

You basically have two options for changing the input on your LG TV without a remote: you can press the power button and select your desired input, or you can download the LG ThinQ app, which essentially turns your smartphone into a remote.

Experiencing lag with your LG TV’s input? Check out this article to learn more about how to troubleshoot and reduce this issue.