Connect external video devices and switch input sources on a Samsung Smart TV

Last Update date : Dec 23. 2024
A home entertainment setup with a Samsung Smart TV showing a vibrant landscape, accompanied by a laptop and gaming console.

External video devices, such as game consoles, satellite boxes, and PCs, can be connected to your Samsung Smart TV. Once the connection is complete, you’ll be able to switch the TV’s input source in the Connected Devices menu so you can use your desired device.

Note: For One Connect Box models, connect the cables to the ports on the One Connect Box.

Screenshot of a Samsung Smart TV interface highlighting the 'Connected Devices' menu.

You can check your Samsung TV’s connected external devices in the Connected Devices menu. Selecting an external device will switch to its screen, so you can begin using it.

To find the Connected Devices menu from the TV’s Smart Hub Home screen, navigate to the left sidebar of the screen, and then select Connected Devices. Press the right button on the remote control to navigate through the input options.

Review the next sections for various connection instructions. You can also check the steps for connecting external devices in the Connection Guide menu. Navigate to Connected Devices, and then select Connection Guide.

Close-up of a hand holding a coaxial cable plug about to connect it to a wall socket.

You can set up antenna channels in the Auto Program menu.

1 Connect a coaxial cable to your TV.
A person's hand holding a coaxial cable near the antenna input on the back of a Samsung Smart TV.
2 Navigate to Settings, then select All Settings, and then select Broadcasting.
Screenshot of a Samsung Smart TV's menu highlighting the 'Broadcasting' option within the settings menu.
3 Select Auto Program. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Dialog box on a Samsung Smart TV screen displaying the 'Auto Program' feature, with options to 'Start' or 'Cancel'.
4 You can also navigate to Connected Devices and then select your TV.
User interface of a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Connected Devices' section, with the 'TV' option selected.

Notes:

  • Menu names may vary depending on the region and model. The Auto Program menu may be called Auto Tuning instead.
  • The menu path may differ depending on the model (you may need to select General & Privacy, then select Broadcasting).
A Samsung Smart TV mounted on a wooden wall displaying the input menu onscreen, with various devices like a game console and a router placed on the media stand below.

You can connect a cable or satellite box, OTT box, or a game console using an HDMI cable.

1 Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the desired device.
A person holding an HDMI cable near the port of a black OTT box, preparing to connect it.
2 Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI IN port on the TV.
A person's hand inserting an HDMI cable into the HDMI IN port labeled '2' on the back panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
3 If the device is not automatically recognized, it will appear as an HDMI port. You can edit the HDMI icon if you’d like to change the port name or icon to match the connected external device.
On-screen display of the 'Edit Device Type' menu on a Samsung Smart TV, showing options to select different device icons.
4 To do so, navigate to Connected Devices and then select the desired device.
Interface of a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Connected Devices' menu highlighted, with the HDMI option selected.
5 Press the down button on the remote control and then select from the following:

Note: Depending on the model, you will need to press and hold the Select button on the remote control.

A Samsung Smart TV menu screen displaying a popup with options 'Edit' and 'Add to Home', above the HDMI selection.
  • Edit: Rename the input port or change the device icon.
  • Information: View information about the device.
  • Add to Home: Add a device shortcut to the Home screen for quick input switching.
A modern office setup featuring a laptop connected to a Samsung Smart TV, displaying a vibrant Windows wallpaper.

You can connect a PC using an HDMI cable.

1 Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the PC.
A person connecting an HDMI cable to the HDMI port of a modern laptop, preparing to link it to an external display.
2 Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI IN port on the TV.
Close-up of a hand plugging an HDMI cable into the HDMI IN port on the back panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
3 If the device is not automatically recognized, it will appear as an HDMI port. You can edit the HDMI icon if you’d like to change the port name or icon to match the PC.
A menu on a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Edit Device Type' interface, with the 'PC' option highlighted.
4 To do so, navigate to Connected Devices and then select the PC.
Samsung Smart TV's home screen interface displaying the 'Connected Devices' menu, with the 'PC' icon highlighted.
5 Press the down button on the remote control and then select from the following:

Note: Depending on the model, you will need to press and hold the Select button on the remote control.

Popup menu on a Samsung Smart TV screen displaying options 'Edit' and 'Add to Home' above the 'PC' icon.
  • Edit: Rename the input port or change the device icon.
  • Information: View information about the device.
  • Add to Home: Add a device shortcut to the Home screen for quick input switching.

You can view video content and other media that is stored on a USB drive.

1 Insert the USB drive into the TV’s USB port. The screen will switch automatically.
A person inserting a USB drive into the USB port labeled 'USB 5V 0.5A' on the side panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
2 You can also navigate to Connected Devices and then select the USB drive.
Samsung Smart TV interface showing the 'Connected Devices' menu with the 'Flash Drive' option highlighted.

Notes:

  • USB devices only support USB MSC (Mass Storage Class).
  • Connect directly to the USB port. Using a USB extension cable or connecting more than two external hard drives simultaneously may result in the device not being recognized or the inability to read files on the device.
  • To connect an external hard drive, ensure it is connected to the dedicated USB (HDD 5V 1A) port. For some unsupported models, if the model has USB (5V 1.0A/0.5A) ports, connect to one of these ports. It is recommended to use an external hard drive with a power adapter.
  • Supported file systems include FAT, exFAT, and NTFS formats.
  • Some files may not be supported depending on the model.

You can control all external devices connected to the TV using a single Samsung remote control. Simply access the Universal Remote Setup menu to register external devices.

Navigate to Connected Devices and then select Universal Remote. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the remote.

View of the Samsung Smart TV interface showing the 'Connected Devices' menu with the 'Universal Remote' option highlighted.

Notes:

  • This feature may not be supported depending on the TV model or the connected external device model.
  • For models that support Universal Remote Setup, connecting an external device (such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console) to an HDMI port and turning it on may automatically switch to the device's screen or set up the Universal Remote automatically.
  • Do not place obstacles in front of the external device or TV logo. Obstacles may prevent the remote control signal from being transmitted properly.
Close-up of a hand holding a Samsung remote control, pointing at a Samsung Smart TV displaying the home screen with various content options.

Your Samsung TV can automatically display the Smart Hub Home screen each time you turn it on. When this option is disabled, the last used source will be displayed.

1 To turn this on, navigate to Settings, then select All Settings, and then select General and Privacy.
Screenshot of the Samsung Smart TV settings menu with 'General & Privacy' highlighted.
2 Select Start Screen Option and then select Start with Smart Hub Home.
Interface of the Samsung Smart TV's settings menu displaying the 'Start Screen Option' with various choices, including 'Start with Smart Hub Home' highlighted.

Note: The menu path may differ depending on the model (you may need to select Advanced Features and then select Start Screen Option).

Notes:

  • If you are having trouble with your Samsung Smart TV, you can check for available software updates, as these may contain a solution to your problem.
  • Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

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