Xbox Series X|S can now control your TV’s input
Thanks to the power of HDMI-CEC, your Xbox console can now switch the input source of your TV.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft just released anupdatefor theXbox Series X,Xbox Series S, and Xbox One X that allows the consoles to control the input of a television. Now, when you press the Xbox button on your controller, the console will switch the input source of your TV back to your Xbox. As a result, you can now swap from watching a TV show to gaming without having to use your remote.
Xbox’s Larry Hrybshowed off the feature on Twitterand shared a screenshot of the HDMI-CEC options for the console.
Starting today, when you press Xbox button on your controller once you will be able to switch input back to your Xbox. If you are on a different TV input waiting for a download or update, you can press the Xbox button once to switch back to the Xbox inputhttps://t.co/hbEs9ns27cpic.twitter.com/aOkIyVERJsStarting today, when you press Xbox button on your controller once you will be able to switch input back to your Xbox. If you are on a different TV input waiting for a download or update, you can press the Xbox button once to switch back to the Xbox inputhttps://t.co/hbEs9ns27cpic.twitter.com/aOkIyVERJs— Larry Hryb 🇺🇦 (@majornelson)April 6, 2022April 6, 2022
Controlling TV input is only the latest HDMI-CEC feature to roll out to Xbox consoles. Here are all of the ways you can control your TV from your Xbox, asoutlined by Microsoft:
Of course, you’ll need a TV that works with HDMI CEC to take advantage of any of these features. Many of thebest 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Ssupport HDMI-CEC. In some cases, the feature will be disabled by default.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
