Alex Ruben
How To Configure the Default HDMI Input Mode on Your LG Smart TV
Getting your LG Smart TV to automatically boot up on your favorite input like HDMI 1, a streaming setup, or a gaming console can save quite a bit of annoyance. Maybe you keep swapping inputs every time you turn on the TV, or perhaps you’re tired of manually switching to your gaming console. This little tweak is supposed to make life easier, but man, LG’s menu system can be unintuitive. Sometimes you think you set it, then it forgets. Not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but here’s a kind of honest breakdown based on real-world experience — with some steps you might recognize from tinkering around.
How to Fix or Set Your Default HDMI Input on LG Smart TV
Choose Your Input in the Home Dashboard
Once you’re on the home screen, press the Home button on the remote. From there, scroll down to the Home Dashboard. This is where LG loads up shortcuts for commonly used stuff. Select it by pressing OK.
In the dashboard, look at the left sidebar. You’ll see your list of inputs — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, maybe AV, or a media server. Highlight the input you want as your default — say, HDMI 2. Sometimes, it’s a tad buggy, and holding down OK doesn’t do much. But on some setups, holding it for about 20 seconds causes a green checkmark or tick to show up, confirming it’s set. Weird, but worth a shot. If that doesn’t work, try switching to your input first, then turning off the TV completely, then turning it back on — sometimes it sticks then.
Configure Power Settings for Remembering Last Input
If your TV still resets to a default or random input, it’s probably because the setting that makes it remember last used input isn’t enabled. Head to Settings — usually a gear icon somewhere on the home menu or via the remote’s menu button. Find the menu pathway: Settings > All Settings > General > System > Additional Settings > Home Settings. On some models, this path is slightly different, so just look for anything related to ‘Power On’ or ‘Startup’.
Here, locate Power On Screen or Startup Display. Make sure it’s set to Recent Input. This way, the TV will load whatever was last active when it powered off, rather than defaulting to HDMI 1 or TV tuner. Because of course, LG’s menus can be a maze and some models don’t have as many options, so check your particular firmware.
Finalizing and Checking It Works
Once that’s done, exit the menus and turn off the TV completely (not standby, full off). Power it back on — fingers crossed — and it should boot to your selected input. If it doesn’t, perhaps try selecting your preferred input again, turn the TV off, then unplug it for a few seconds before turning it on. Sometimes, hardware or firmware quirks need a real reset. Keep in mind, on some setups, the TV might default to last input only if the input device is powered on at startup, so double-check that as well.
Extra Tips & Common Troubles
- If changing the input in the dashboard doesn’t stick, check if there’s a firmware update available via Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update. Because LG’s software updates can fix weird bugs.
- Make sure your HDMI device is turned on before powering the TV on, or it might not register as “last used” or the default.
- Sometimes, resetting the TV to factory defaults helps if nothing sticks — but that’s a last resort, because you’ll lose custom settings.
Wrap-up
In a nutshell, setting the default input involves choosing it in the home dashboard, ensuring the “Power On Screen” setting is set to “Recent Input,” and making sure connected devices are on. It’s not always straightforward, especially with LG’s UI variations. But if you mess around with these, chances are you’ll get it to behave better. Just keep in mind that on some models or firmware versions, these features are limited or buggy. Sometimes, it’s just easier to get used to manually switching, but hey, with patience, this can work.
Summary
- Use the Home Dashboard to set your preferred input (hold OK if needed).
- Navigate to Settings > All Settings > General > System > Additional Settings > Home Settings.
- Make sure Power On Screen is set to Recent Input.
- Power off the TV completely and test if it loads the right input next time.
Fingers crossed this helps
Getting LG TVs to behave can be hit or miss sometimes, but messing around with these menus usually gets you closer. If not, maybe check for firmware updates or reconnect your devices with fresh power cycles. Nothing’s perfect, but at least this way, you spend less time fiddling and more time enjoying. Good luck!