When you plug in a Firestick, you need to select the correct HDMI input on your TV to see the Fire TV interface. This is one of the most commonly missed steps for first-time users.
Why You Need to Change the HDMI Input
Your TV has multiple HDMI ports (usually 2–4). Each port is assigned a number — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and so on. When you plug the Firestick into one of these ports, your TV will not automatically switch to show it — you need to manually select that input. If you don't, you'll see whatever your TV was previously showing, not the Firestick.
How to Select the HDMI Input for Your Firestick
- Note which HDMI port number the Firestick is plugged into on the back of your TV (look for a label on the port, e.g. HDMI 2)
- Pick up your TV's own remote — not the Firestick remote
- Press the Source, Input, or TV/AV button on your TV remote
- A menu or list of inputs will appear on screen
- Select the HDMI number that matches the port your Firestick is in
- The Firestick screen or the Amazon Fire TV startup screen should appear
What If I Can't Find the Source/Input Button?
Different TV brands name this button differently:
| TV Brand | Button Name |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Source |
| LG | Input / Home > Input |
| Sony | Input Select / Input |
| Panasonic | AV |
| Hisense | Source or Input |
| TCL | Source or Input |
| Philips | Source |
| Generic/Budget | AV, TV/AV, Source, or Input |
If your TV remote doesn't have an obvious source or input button, check the TV's physical buttons — most TVs have a button on the side or bottom that cycles through inputs. You can also check your TV's manual.
Does the TV Switch Automatically?
Some TVs switch automatically when they detect a signal on an HDMI port (HDMI-CEC feature). To enable this, look for HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings. See our guide to setting up TV controls on Firestick.
If you're setting up a Firestick for the first time, see our complete Firestick setup guide or our beginner's guide. All FirestickHub packages include setup support via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Press the Source or Input button on your TV remote and select the HDMI port number your Firestick is plugged into.
You're probably on the wrong HDMI input. Press Source/Input on your TV remote and select the correct HDMI port.
Some TVs auto-switch via HDMI-CEC. If yours doesn't, manually select the HDMI input each time or enable HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings.