Why is My Samsung TV Switching Source by Itself?

Since Samsung released its first Smart TV Pavv Bordeaux TV 750, the Samsung TV switching source by itself has always existed for most TV owners.

While it’s no surprise that Samsung makes technologically advanced televisions on the market such glitches are frustrating and annoying, yet have straightforward solutions.

There are various solutions to your Samsung TV switching source by itself, with the main one being to reset your TV to factory settings. If a reset doesn’t work, be sure to update your Smart TV firmware or check your remote.  

This article will delve deep into step-by-step guides on how to solve such a problem should your Samsung LCD TV develops a mind of its own and switches source on its own.

Reasons Why your Samsung TV switches Source by Itself

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of your favorite show only to have the TV switch the source.

Aside from the most prevalent causes, here are some other reasons for Samsung Smart TV changing source by itself.

The Neighbor’s Remote

The signal from your neighbor’s remote can unintentionally affect your television. It’s a common problem, especially in crowded neighborhoods with houses close to each other.

For this to happen, the remote must be pointing at your TV from a considerable distance.

You can stop this problem by keeping your TV out of range so your neighbor’s remote won’t be pointing directly to your TV.

TV Malfunction

Just like a signal from the remote can cause the TV to change channels, something in the TV can also make it act like it’s receiving signals and switch sources by itself.

You can fix this by repairing your TV, which is often a complicated and dangerous process. Always get a professional to repair your TV if you don’t know what you’re doing.

How to Fix Samsung TV Switching Source by Itself – Steps

Step #1. Reset Your Samsung TV

The majority of problems and technical glitches with a Samsung Smart TV can be solved by wiping the slate clean and restoring its factory settings.

Ideally, your TV will probably experience problems once in a while, and if it’s switching source by itself, it’s probably not enough to need repair.

Here’s a guide on how to reset your Samsung Smart TV:

1. Press the Menu button on your remote control then select Support.
2. Press Enter button then select Self Diagnosis option.
3. Press Enter button, select Reset and press Enter.
4. For a secured TV, you’ll need to put in your PIN code.
5. Press Enter, then confirm the reset.

The TV will shut down once it’s done with the reset. Turn it back on and it will re-calibrate itself and go back to its factory settings.

Finally, make sure you have at least two devices connected to the Samsung TV’s source inputs. That way, you can test whether the problem is present on multiple inputs.

Step #2. Update Samsung TV Firmware

If your Samsung TV suddenly starts switching to a different source, it might also be because it needs a software upgrade.

Whenever users report such problems, Samsung moves fast to create software updates.

Follow these steps to update TV firmware:

1. Use your TV remote to go to Settings.
2. Select Support from the settings options.
3. Select Software Updates.
4. Select Update Now and give your TV a few minutes to update.

Once new updates have been installed to your TV, please turn it off then on again.

Proceed to select a source and stay on it for a while to check if the issue of Samsung TV switching source by itself is fixed.

Step #3. Check the MHL Cable

Some ten years ago, Samsung and other prominent industry pioneers developed an industry-standard Mobile High-Definition Link, an HDMI cable to connect smart TVs to mobile devices.

Most MHL users have experienced sudden changes in the source inputs in their Samsung TVs. Go to settings and attempt to fix the problem if you’re using an MHL cable.

Here’s what you should do:

1. On your TV remote, press Home
2. Select Settings, then General
3. Select Input Device Manager
4. Select Mobile High-Definition Link
5. Select Off.

Step #4. Check your Remote

Several things can cause your remote to act out. Because the remote is primarily used to change the TV source, it’s essential to check if it has any problems.

Here are some quick fixes for your remote:

1. Use a dry but damp cloth to clean your remote without getting it wet.
2. Put new batteries in your remote and check if there are any changes.
3. Unscrew and open up the remote to remove any debris, sugar particles, or bread crumbs stuck in it.
4. Get a different infrared remote to check if the remote is the issue.

Step #5. Block Direct Sunlight

The filter on your TV is responsible for only letting through infrared signals from your remote to an infrared receiver. There are many infrared emitters in your household, such as a light bulb and your body.

A beam of sunlight is a mixture of light energy of different wavelengths, including infrared. The infrared receiver of your TV is sensitive to a specific wavelength.

Therefore, your Samsung LCD TV changing source by itself may be because of infrared from the sun.

Should you have this problem, here are the remedies:

1. Reposition your television away from direct sunlight.
2. Reprogram the infrared sensor in your TV to be compatible with your remote control only.

Like other modern electronics, Samsung TVs may have issues or annoyances that can arise from a variety of sources.

Read Next: Why is Samsung TV Not Downloading Apps?

If your Samsung TV source keeps switching, you’ll have to reset it first, then update it, check the MHL cable, fix the remote, or keep it away from direct sunlight. Any of these five or a combination of these solutions will fix the problem.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that different TV models may require a different Samsung TV switching source solution by itself.

Suppose you’ve already tried the methods for diagnosing this problem, and it still isn’t working.

In that case, it’s most likely due to a broken component in the television, which is a much more severe issue that will require you to seek a technician’s help.