How to Select the HDMI Input for Your Roku Setup

This guide walks you through selecting the correct HDMI input on your TV so your Roku device displays properly. You’ll learn how to identify the right port, switch inputs using your TV remote, and fix common issues when the screen stays black or says “No Signal.”

What You’ll Need

Your Roku device (streaming stick, box, or built-in Roku TV)
The TV remote that came with your television (not the Roku remote)
Knowledge of which HDMI port your Roku is plugged into (check the back or side of your TV)

Step-by-Step

Confirm your Roku is plugged into an HDMI port. Look at the back or side of your TV. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports labeled “HDMI 1,” “HDMI 2,” etc. Note the number next to the port your Roku is connected to.
Turn on your TV and your Roku. Your Roku should power on automatically when plugged in, but if it doesn’t, plug it into a USB port on the TV or use its power adapter.
Locate the “Input” or “Source” button on your TV remote. This is usually labeled “Input,” “Source,” or has an icon that looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing in. It’s often near the top or bottom of the remote.
Press the Input/Source button. A menu will appear on your TV screen listing all available inputs, such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Component, and maybe “TV” or “Antenna.”
Use the arrow keys (up/down or left/right) to highlight the HDMI input that matches the port your Roku is connected to. For example, if your Roku is in the port labeled “HDMI 2,” select “HDMI 2.”
Press OK or Enter on your TV remote. The TV will switch to that input, and you should see the Roku home screen or its startup animation within a few seconds.
If you see a black screen or “No Signal,” repeat the process and try a different HDMI input. Sometimes the port labels on the TV don’t match the menu order, or you may have plugged into a port that’s disabled.

Common Mistakes

Using the Roku remote to change inputs. The Roku remote controls the Roku, not your TV’s input selection. You must use the TV remote.
Selecting the wrong HDMI port. If you have multiple devices, it’s easy to pick the wrong one. Double-check which port your Roku is actually in.
Plugging into an HDMI port that doesn’t support HDCP. Some older TVs have one HDMI port that doesn’t support copy protection, which can cause a black screen. Try a different port.
Not powering the Roku properly. If your Roku is a streaming stick, it may need its own power adapter. Plugging it into a TV USB port might not provide enough power, causing it to reboot or not show up.

Tips

Label your inputs. Many TVs let you rename inputs (e.g., “Roku,” “Cable Box”). This makes it easier to find the right one later.
Enable CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). If your TV and Roku support CEC (often called Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or SimpLink), you can use the Roku remote to switch inputs automatically. Go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) on your Roku.
Use the Roku mobile app. The free Roku app has a “Remote” feature that can also switch inputs if your TV supports CEC.
Remember the input number. Write down which HDMI port your Roku uses so you can quickly find it in the future.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve selected the correct input but still see nothing, try these in order:

Check the HDMI cable connection. Unplug and replug the cable at both ends (Roku and TV). Make sure it’s firmly seated.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV. Move the Roku to another port and select that input instead.
Power cycle everything. Unplug your TV and Roku from power for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This clears temporary glitches.
Check if the Roku is getting power. If the Roku’s LED isn’t lit, it’s not powered. Use the included power adapter and plug it into a wall outlet, not a TV USB port.
Try a different HDMI cable. A damaged cable can cause no signal. Use a high-speed HDMI cable if possible.
Reset the Roku. If you see the Roku logo but it freezes, press and hold the reset button (on the device) for 20 seconds. This restores factory settings—you’ll need to set it up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my TV say “No Signal” even though I selected the right HDMI input?

This usually means the Roku isn’t sending a signal. Check that it’s powered on (look for a light), the HDMI cable is secure, and the Roku is plugged into a working power source. Try a different HDMI port or cable.

Can I use the Roku remote to change the TV input?

Yes, but only if your TV supports HDMI-CEC and it’s enabled. On your Roku, go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) and make sure it’s on. Then the Roku remote’s input button (if it has one) can switch inputs.

How do I know which HDMI port my Roku is in?

Look at the back or side of your TV for the HDMI ports. They are usually numbered. If you can’t see, follow the cable from your Roku to the TV—the port it plugs into is the one you need.

What does “HDCP” mean and why does it matter?

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a copy-protection standard. If your Roku is plugged into an HDMI port that doesn’t support HDCP, you’ll get a black screen or an error. Try a different HDMI port, as most modern TVs support HDCP on all ports.

Why does my Roku keep restarting when I plug it into the TV’s USB port?

The TV’s USB port may not provide enough power. Use the power adapter that came with your Roku and plug it into a wall outlet. This is especially common with streaming sticks.

My TV only has one HDMI port, but I have multiple devices. What can I do?

You can use an HDMI switch (a small box that lets you plug in multiple HDMI devices and switch between them). Connect the switch to your TV’s HDMI port, then plug your Roku and other devices into the switch.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →