Sony TV Keeps Changing Input By Itself? – Learn How to Fix

Wondering why Sony TV keeps changing input by itself? Well, this is the guide for you!

Sony TV has different input options that users can choose accordingly. Sometimes the TV starts to change from one input to another by itself, which can be caused due to many factors.

If your Sony TV keeps changing the input by itself, power cycle the TV, install a fresh set of batteries in the remote, and turn off the MHL audio input settings.

In addition, update the Sony TV firmware and in case nothing helps, we have a lot of troubleshooting tips!

Let’s proceed with unwrapping mode details!

Why Does My Sony TV Keep Changing Inputs?

Several factors can cause the Sony TV to automatically keep changing the inputs and even land on inputs that are empty (black screen).

The general possibilities are the Sony TV settings as well as the remote control and whether the unit or its buttons are malfunctioning.

For more clarity, here are all the reasons why Sony TV keeps changing inputs:

• Stuck buttons on the TV remote
• Weak Sony TV remote batteries
• Interference from infrared devices
• Enabled MHL settings on the TV
• Software (OS) glitches or bugs
• Outdated TV system firmware
• Sony TV hardware malfunction 

Now that we have identified the causes, let’s head over to troubleshooting!

How To Fix When Sony TV Keeps Changing Input By Itself?

Tip: Read and apply the solutions consecutively for a quick solution!

1. Power Cycle the Sony TV

Performing a restart or even further a power cycling method on a Sony TV will probably fix any bugs and glitches that make the automatic input switch.

This is a very easy method to perform so first, try with a simple restart (turn OFF and ON) and then a power circulation!

How to Power Cycle Sony TV?

1. Unplug your Sony TV from the power outlet.
2. Allow the TV to cool down for about 5 minutes.
3. Check the cables from the back of the TV.
4. Ensure that wires are securely connected.
5. Plug the TV directly into the power outlet.

How to Restart the Sony TV?

1. On your TV remote, press the Home button.
2. Then tap and navigate to the TV Settings.
3. Press on the About section from the list.
4. Choose the Restart option to restart your TV.

When your Sony TV boots up, go on one of the connected inputs and observe whether the TV will change to another input by itself.

If you still experience the same issue, keep reading!

2. Disable the MHL Audio Input!

When the MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) setting is enabled and an MHL cable is attached to your Sony TV then this is the reason for the input switches.

The MHL settings work this way and make the Sony TV display the MHL input no matter what content the TV is showing!

• All you have to do is to disable the permission for MHL input!

Here is how to disable the MHL audio input change settings:

1. Connect to power and turn on your Sony TV.
2. Press the Home button from the TV remote.
3. Go to Settings and select the TV Category. 
4. Next, simply choose External Inputs.
5. Locate and tap on BRAVIA Sync.
6. Select the Auto Input Change (MHL) option.
7. Choose OFF to disable the feature.

Tip: Restart your Sony TV and then check for the input-changing issue!

3. Inspect the Sony TV Remote

If the Source button on your Sony TV remote control is stuck or not working, this is the reason why the TV changes input at random.

All you need to do is clean your Sony TV remote to remove any stuck or clogged dirt from the buttons, especially the “Inputs” button!

Here is how to inspect and clean the Sony TV remote:

1. Open the Sony TV battery compartment.
2. Take out the batteries from the remote.
3. Use a clean microfiber cloth for cleaning.
4. Gently wipe the surface of the remote control.
5. Clear out any dust, dirt, or grime from buttons. 
6. Damp a cotton swab in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
7. Rub the damped cotton swab on all buttons at once.
8. Then leave the remote to air dry completely.

Once your Sony TV remote dries completely then reinsert the batteries in it and check for the input changes.

If the problem persists, eject the batteries and test without a working remote!

4. Resolve Infrared Interference!

Nearby infrared sources within proximity of your Sony TV may also interfere with the device input signal which causes it to change by itself.

However, there is no need to worry, all you have to do is to remove any potential sources of interference.

Here are some of the infrared devices that cause interference:

• Soundbars, Audio Players
• Gaming Consoles
• Cordless microphones
• Modems and Printers
• Security Systems
• Microwave Ovens 

Look for such devices around your Sony TV and shift it to another room to check if the input changing issue is resolved.

If yes, then you’ve got the culprit. If your Sony TV keeps changing the input by itself, then any other factors might be causing the problem.

Keep reading!

5. Update Sony TV Firmware!

Another possibility is that your Sony TV needs a software update.

Most of the time, outdated software glitches might cause the Sony TV to keep changing the input by itself and that’s why updating your TV software must be done and excluded from the possibilities early.

Note: Ensure your Sony TV must connect to the internet for a firmware update!

Check Updates For Google TV Models:

1. Make sure your Sony TV is turned on.
2. Prepare your TV remote control.
3. Press the Quick Settings button.
4. Tap on the Settings option from the list.
5. Find and press on the System.
6. Tap on the About section from the list.
7. Check for the available System Update.

Note: Ensure that the “automatically check for updates” setting is enabled!

Check Updates For Android TV Models:

1. Hold your Sony TV remote control.
2. Locate and press the HELP button from the remote.
3. Choose the Status & Diagnostics mode option.
4. Press on the System software update.
5. Check for the available software update.

If the update is available, then install the updates on your TV. Once the installation process ends, then restart your Sony TV and then check if the same input-changing issue still appears!

6. Unplug All Inputs from Sony TV

In case nothing so far worked and Sony TV is still changing inputs by itself, then you need to disconnect ALL inputs from the television.

When only the power TV cable is left connected to the TV, simply hook up only 1 input that you want to watch.

• Test whether Sony TV will switch inputs when only 1 device is connected

If the input doesn’t switch by itself, connect the second input to the Sony TV and again, test, to determine whether the input will switch.

If necessary, repeat this method for all the following inputs to determine which one is causing your TV to swap from one input to another.

Tip: Once you identify the device causing the input switching, inspect the output settings!

7. Factory Reset the Sony TV

If your Sony TV continues to change input, then perform a factory reset to restore all settings to default.

This method can help resolve any software glitches that might be causing the input to change, without proper reasoning and it’s the final and most-powerful solution.

Note: Resetting the device will permanently erase all configured data from the TV!

Here is how to factory reset the Sony TV:

1. Press the Quick Settings/Home/Action remote button.
2. Tap on the Settings or Arrow icon from the screen.
3. Factory reset your Sony TV by following any method: 

• System > About > Reset  > Factory Data Reset > Erase Everything > Yes
• Device Preferences > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Delete Everything > Yes 
• Storage & Reset >  Factory Data Reset > Erase Everything > Yes 

Once the reset process starts, then wait for a couple of minutes for the completion of the reset on your Sony TV.

Then configure and set up your Sony TV for the very first time and test whether the inputs will continue to change without you interacting.

Quick Recap:

If your Sony TV keeps changing input by itself, restart or power cycle your TV, turn off the MHL input settings, and inspect the remote control.

If the inputs continue to change, remove any infrared devices in close proximity to the TV and perform a factory reset.

Read Next: Sony TV Screen Mirroring Keeps Disconnecting? – Complete Fix Guide!