Navigating the settings on your ONN TV can feel daunting the moment the remote stops working. Whether the batteries are dead, the infrared sensor is broken, or the pet decided to make it a chew toy, you do not have to be stuck on one input. Modern ONN televisions are designed with multiple control options, allowing you to change the input source using the television's physical buttons, a mobile app, or even voice commands.
Before you panic and assume the TV is broken, it is important to understand how the TV interprets commands. The primary method for changing the input on an ONN TV without the main remote is accessing the on-screen display (OSD) menu. This menu is usually accessed via a cluster of buttons located on the side or bottom edge of the television frame. These buttons act as a direct interface to the television’s firmware, bypassing the need for a wireless connection entirely.
Locating the Physical Buttons
The location of the control buttons is the first hurdle, but it is consistent across most ONN models. You will usually find them on the right side of the screen, though some models place them on the bottom center or on a rear panel near the ports. The cluster typically consists of four buttons: Power, Input, Volume, and Menu.
Identifying the Buttons
Look for the button labeled "Input" or "Source." It might be iconized with a rectangle and an arrow pointing inward. If the buttons are not labeled, you can identify the function by pressing them lightly. The "Volume" buttons will adjust the sound, the "Menu" button will open the main settings, and the "Input" button will cycle through the available connections like HDMI, AV, or USB.
Using the On-Screen Display (OSD)
Once you locate the buttons, changing the input is a straightforward process. Press the "Menu" button to bring up the On-Screen Display. Use the "Volume Up/Down" or "Channel Up/Down" buttons to navigate the menu tabs. Look for an option titled "Input," "External Input," or "Connection."
After selecting this option, you will see a list of available ports. Use the navigation buttons to highlight the source you want to use—such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or Composite—and press the "Enter" or "OK" button (usually the center of the directional pad) to confirm the selection. The TV screen should switch to that specific input immediately.
Leveraging Smartphone Applications
If your ONN TV is a smart model running the Fire TV platform or Android TV, you likely have the option to pair a smartphone app. These apps turn your phone into a virtual remote, complete with a keyboard and mouse functionality. Popular third-party apps like "Fire TV Remote" or "Android TV Controller" allow you to control the television as long as your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To use this method, download the appropriate app, ensure your TV is connected to Wi-Fi, and follow the pairing instructions within the app. Once connected, you can open the app and use the on-screen controls to change the input just as you would with the physical remote, providing a convenient backup solution.
Exploring Voice Control Options
For users who own smart home devices, voice control offers a hands-free solution to changing inputs. If your ONN TV is connected to a smart speaker with Alexa or Google Assistant, you can manage the television using simple voice commands. Ensure the TV and the smart speaker are linked to the same account and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
Once set up, you can say commands like "Alexa, switch HDMI to ON" or "Ok Google, change the input to HDMI 2." Note that this functionality depends heavily on the specific model and the integration capabilities of the television. If the native smart assistant is not responsive, checking the HDMI-CEC settings might resolve communication issues between the TV and the speaker.
