Connect External Devices and Switch Sources on a Samsung TV

Last Update date : Dec 16. 2025

External video devices such as game consoles, satellite boxes and PCs can be connected to your Samsung Smart TV. Once the connection is complete, you’ll be able to switch the TV’s input source in the Connected Devices menu so you can use your desired device.

A home entertainment setup with a Samsung Smart TV showing a vibrant landscape, accompanied by a laptop and gaming console.

Note: For TVs with a One Connect Box, connect the cables to the correct ports on the One Connect Box.

The information on this page is for Australian products only. Models, sequences or settings will vary depending on location and/or where the product had been purchased. To be redirected to your local support page please click here.

You can check your Samsung TV’s connected external devices in the Connected Devices menu. Selecting an external device will switch to its screen so you can begin using it.

Screenshot of a Samsung Smart TV interface highlighting the 'Connected Devices' menu.

To find the Connected Devices menu from the TV’s Smart Hub Home screen, navigate to the left sidebar of the screen and then select Connected Devices. Press the right button on the remote control to navigate through the input options.

You can set up antennae channels in the Auto Program menu.

Close-up of a hand holding a coaxial cable plug about to connect it to a wall socket.
1 Connect a coaxial cable to your TV.
A person's hand holding a coaxial cable near the antenna input on the back of a Samsung Smart TV.
2 Navigate to Settings, select All Settings and then Broadcasting.
Screenshot of a Samsung Smart TV's menu highlighting the 'Broadcasting' option within the settings menu.
3 Select Auto Program to search and store free-to-air TV channels. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Dialog box on a Samsung Smart TV screen displaying the 'Auto Program' feature, with options to 'Start' or 'Cancel'.
4 Once done, you can navigate to Connected Devices and then select your TV to view these TV channels
User interface of a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Connected Devices' section, with the 'TV' option selected.

Notes:

  • Menu names may vary depending on the region and model. The Auto Program menu may be called Auto Tuning instead.
  • The menu path may differ depending on the model (you may need to select General & Privacy, then select Broadcasting).

You can connect a cable or satellite box, OTT box or a game console using an HDMI cable.

A Samsung Smart TV mounted on a wooden wall displaying the input menu onscreen, with various devices like a game console and a router placed on the media stand below.
1 Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the desired device.
A person holding an HDMI cable near the port of a black OTT box, preparing to connect it.
2 Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI IN port on the TV.
A person's hand inserting an HDMI cable into the HDMI IN port labeled '2' on the back panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
3 If the device is not automatically recognised, it will appear as an HDMI port. You can edit the HDMI icon if you’d like to change the port name or icon to match the connected external device.
On-screen display of the 'Edit Device Type' menu on a Samsung Smart TV, showing options to select different device icons.
4 To do so, navigate to Connected Devices and then select the desired device.
Interface of a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Connected Devices' menu highlighted, with the HDMI option selected.
5 Press the down button on the remote control and then select from the following:

Note: Depending on the model, you will need to press and hold the Select button on the remote control.

A Samsung Smart TV menu screen displaying a popup with options 'Edit' and 'Add to Home', above the HDMI selection.
  • Edit: Rename the input port or change the device icon.
  • Add to Home: Add a device shortcut to the Home screen for quick input switching.

You can connect a PC using an HDMI cable.

A modern office setup featuring a laptop connected to a Samsung Smart TV, displaying a vibrant Windows wallpaper.
1 Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the PC.
A person connecting an HDMI cable to the HDMI port of a modern laptop, preparing to link it to an external display.
2 Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI IN port on the TV.
Close-up of a hand plugging an HDMI cable into the HDMI IN port on the back panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
3 If the device is not automatically recognised, it will appear as an HDMI port in Connected Devices. If you would like to edit the HDMI icon or change the port name or icon to match the PC, follow the steps below.
A menu on a Samsung Smart TV displaying the 'Edit Device Type' interface, with the 'PC' option highlighted.
4 To do so, navigate to Connected Devices and then select the PC.
Samsung Smart TV's home screen interface displaying the 'Connected Devices' menu, with the 'PC' icon highlighted.
5 Press the down button on the remote control and then select from the following:

Note: Depending on the model, you will need to press and hold the Select button on the remote control.

Popup menu on a Samsung Smart TV screen displaying options 'Edit' and 'Add to Home' above the 'PC' icon.
  • Edit: Rename the input port or change the device icon.
  • Add to Home: Add a device shortcut to the Home screen for quick input switching.

You can view video content and other media that is stored on a USB drive.

1 Insert the USB drive into the TV’s USB port. The screen will switch automatically.
A person inserting a USB drive into the USB port labeled 'USB 5V 0.5A' on the side panel of a Samsung Smart TV.
2 Alternatively, you can also navigate to Connected Devices to find your USB drive.
Screenshot of a Samsung Smart TV interface highlighting the 'Connected Devices' menu.
Samsung Smart TV interface showing the 'Connected Devices' menu with the 'Flash Drive' option highlighted.

Notes:

  • USB devices only support USB MSC (Mass Storage Class).
  • Connect directly to the USB port. Using a USB extension cable or connecting more than two external hard drives simultaneously may result in the device not being recognised or the inability to read files on the device.
  • To connect an external hard drive, ensure it is connected to the dedicated USB (HDD 5V 1A) port. For some unsupported models, if the model has USB (5V 1.0A/0.5A) ports, connect to one of these ports. It is recommended to use an external hard drive with a power adaptor.
  • Supported file systems include FAT, exFAT and NTFS formats.
  • Some files may not be supported depending on the model.

Notes:

  • If you are having trouble with your Samsung Smart TV, you can check for available software updates, as these may contain a solution to your problem.
  • Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

For further assistance, please contact our Chat Support. To find your Samsung product's User Manual, head to Manuals & Downloads.

     This product should be mounted to a wall or other suitable surface to avoid serious injury. Find out more here.

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