How to Use an HDMI Switch

And how they work

By
Kayla Dube
Kayla Dube
Writer and Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
  • J. Everette Light Career Center
Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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Updated on November 12, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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What to Know

  • Connect an HDMI cable from the HDMI switch's output port to an HDMI port on your TV. Connect the switch's power supply to power.
  • Attach the devices to the HDMI ports on the HDMI switch. You can then use the switcher to change between devices.

HDMI switches connect more than one device to an HDMI port on your TV. You can use the switch to choose which device you want to display on the TV. If you don't have many HDMI ports on your TV, it's a great way to use multiple HDMI devices efficiently.

How Does the HDMI Switch Work?

Because some TVs have a limited amount of HDMI inputs, you can find yourself unable to attach a new gaming system or streaming device because all the inputs are in use. However, with an HDMI switch, you can use a single input on your TV and attach multiple devices to the HDMI switch. Then, you can press a button to select which input you'd like to use on the HDMI switch.

Don't confuse HDMI switches with HDMI splitters. A switch takes in multiple devices and sends one signal through one cable to the TV, while a splitter divides the signal from one device and sends that signal to multiple TVs.

How Do You Hook Up an HDMI Switch?

No matter what kind of HDMI switch you get, you'll be setting it up the same way. The only difference between types of switches is how many inputs it has. Follow these steps to set up an HDMI switch on your TV.

  1. Make sure your TV and all devices you're going to use are off. Then, connect the HDMI switch cable to an HDMI port on your TV.

  2. Connect the HDMI switch to a power outlet.

  3. Connect the devices you want to use with your HDMI switch to the switch's inputs using HDMI cables.

  4. Turn on your TV and select the input the switch is attached to. Select the device on the HDMI switch. The device will then show up on your TV.

How Do I Switch From HDMI to TV?

If you don't want to use your HDMI input and want to use your TV, you can switch between these using your input selection. The exact process may differ between televisions, but you can generally follow the steps below.

  1. Using your TV's remote, go to your input (or source) selection screen.

  2. Change the input from HDMI to TV (likely your cable or antenna connection).

  3. You'll then be able to use your TV, and you can go back to your input selection to switch back your HDMI input when needed.

Should I Use an HDMI Switch?

If you have too many devices compared to the number of inputs on your TV, an HDMI switch is your most convenient answer.

FAQ
  • What is an HDMI switch box?

    An HDMI switch box, also called an HDMI switching box, is the same as an HDMI switch. An HDMI switch box is an audio/video connection hub that accepts input from HDMI sources and then sends signals to a TV.

  • Which is better, an HDMI switch or splitter?

    Whether you choose an HDMI splitter or switch depends on your needs. If you’re connecting just a couple of devices or must use longer cables, an HDMI splitter may work best for you. When connecting multiple devices to one TV, an HDMI switch is a better option.

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