Losing the remote for your Hisense TV can feel disruptive, yet it does not mean you are locked out of your entertainment system. Modern Hisense models are designed with multiple layers of redundancy, allowing you to navigate menus, switch inputs, and adjust settings using alternative methods. Whether your remote is misplaced, broken, or simply buried under the couch, this guide will walk you through several reliable techniques to change the input source on your Hisense television without the original device.
Understanding TV Input Sources
Before diving into the methods, it is helpful to understand what an "input" is. Your Hisense TV likely has multiple ports—HDMI, USB, Coaxial, and AV—each acting as a gateway for different signals. An input source is simply the specific port or connection your TV is currently monitoring for video and audio. Switching inputs tells the television which port to display, which is essential for viewing external devices like streaming sticks, game consoles, or cable boxes when the remote is unavailable.
Using the Television Buttons
Most Hisense TVs come with a physical button array located on the side or beneath the bezel of the screen. These buttons are your direct line of control when the remote is absent. While the exact layout varies by model, the general function is consistent.
Locate the Buttons: Look for a small indentation on the side or bottom edge of the TV. You might need a paperclip to press the tiny reset hole, but usually, the buttons are tactile.
Power and Navigation: The primary button typically powers the TV on or off. Once the screen is active, you can usually press the same button or a dedicated "Menu" button to enter the settings interface.
Volume and Channel: Alternative buttons control volume and channel selection. These often double as input selectors when you are already inside the input menu.
Navigating the On-Screen Menu
To change the input using physical buttons, you must navigate the on-screen display (OSD). Press the "Menu" button or the central navigation button to bring up the settings panel. Use the "Volume+" or "-" buttons, or the dedicated left/right buttons, to highlight the "Input" or "Source" option. Confirm your selection by pressing the "OK" or "Enter" button. Scroll through the list of available ports—such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or Composite—and select the one your device is connected to.
Leveraging the Mobile App
If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can turn it into a virtual remote for your Hisense TV. Hisense provides an official mobile application that can control the television, provided both the TV and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Download the App: Search for "Hisense TV" or "HiSense TV" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install the official application.
Connect to the TV: Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts to pair it with your television. This usually involves selecting the TV model and confirming a connection code displayed on the TV screen.
Control the Input: Once connected, the app will mirror the remote interface. You can tap the "Input" or "Source" icon within the app to cycle through your available connections without touching the physical TV.
Utilizing Voice Commands (Where Available)
Some newer Hisense models integrate smart voice assistants, allowing you to manage the television hands-free. If your TV model supports Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you have the simplest solution available.
Check Compatibility: Look for a microphone icon on the remote or the TV bezel to confirm voice capability.
Direct Commands: If you have a compatible smart speaker, you can simply say, "Hey Google, switch the input to HDMI," or "Alexa, change the TV to HDMI 1."
