Projectors, receivers & remotes

AV receiver randomly switches inputs on its own

Unwanted input switching is usually caused by HDMI-CEC signals from another device or a remote sending stray commands.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15–30 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Input changes without anyone pressing anything
  • Happens when turning a TV, game console, or streaming device on/off
  • Switches to a device that isn't even in use
  • Started after adding a new HDMI-connected device

Likely causes

  • CommonHDMI-CEC auto-switching from a connected deviceCEC lets devices like a game console or Blu-ray player request to become the active input when they power on.
  • CommonUniversal remote or smart hub sending unintended commandsA macro or scene in a smart remote setup may include an input-change step.
  • PossibleIR interference from another remote or deviceAnother IR remote in the room may share overlapping codes with the receiver.
  • PossibleReceiver's auto-input-detection featureSome receivers auto-switch to whichever HDMI input just detected a signal.

What to do

  1. Identify which device's power-on/off correlates with the unwanted switch.
  2. Turn off HDMI-CEC on that specific device (menu names vary: Bravia Sync, Anynet+, SimpLink, Consumer Electronics Control).
  3. Turn off HDMI-CEC on the receiver itself if the issue continues, to fully stop cross-device signaling.
  4. Check any universal remote's activities/macros for an unintended input-switch step and edit or remove it.
  5. Turn off any 'auto input detect' or 'last input memory' setting in the receiver's menu.
  6. Test one device change at a time after each setting adjustment to confirm which fix worked.

When to call a pro

Not typically needed; this is a settings issue almost always solvable by adjusting CEC and remote configuration.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.