How to Rename HDMI Inputs on TCL Roku TV
If you connect multiple devices to a TCL Roku TV, renaming HDMI inputs can make the Home screen faster to use and easier to understand.
This guide explains how to rename HDMI inputs on TCL Roku TV, what changes you can make, and what to do if the rename option is missing.
Why HDMI Input Names Matter
Roku TVs label connected devices by port number or detected device type, which is useful at first but can become confusing as your setup grows.
A clear custom label helps you identify a game console, streaming device, soundbar, cable box, or Blu-ray player at a glance.
- Speeds up switching between devices
- Reduces confusion when multiple HDMI ports are in use
- Makes family use simpler
- Helps you match the correct port to the correct device
What You Need Before Renaming an HDMI Input
Before changing a label, make sure the device is connected and powered on so the TV can detect the input correctly.
On TCL Roku TV, input names are managed through the Roku interface, and the rename option is usually tied to the active HDMI port.
- A TCL Roku TV with HDMI devices connected
- The Roku remote or the Roku mobile app
- Basic knowledge of which device is on each HDMI port
How to Rename HDMI Inputs on TCL Roku TV
To rename an HDMI input on TCL Roku TV, start from the Home screen and navigate to the input tile for the device you want to edit.
The exact wording can vary slightly by Roku OS version, but the workflow is similar across most TCL Roku models.
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Move to the HDMI input tile you want to rename.
- Press the * button on the remote to open the options menu.
- Look for Rename, Edit name, or Change input label.
- Select a preset name such as Game Console, Blu-ray Player, PC, or Set-top Box.
- Save the selection and return to the Home screen.
Some Roku TVs also let you choose a custom label depending on the model and software version.
If that option appears, you can type or select a more specific name such as PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Apple TV, or Work Laptop.
Where the Rename Option Usually Appears
The rename feature is often found in the same place where Roku lets you manage input settings.
On many TCL Roku TVs, pressing the asterisk button on the input tile opens a menu with options for renaming, moving, or removing the input from the Home screen.
Common menu paths
- Home > highlight HDMI input > * > Rename
- Settings > TV inputs > select HDMI port > Rename
- Home > Settings > TV inputs > edit the active input
If your TCL Roku TV uses a slightly different menu, the goal is the same: select the correct HDMI port and assign a name that matches the connected device.
Best Practices for Naming HDMI Inputs
The best input names are short, recognizable, and consistent.
Roku’s interface works best when labels are easy to scan, especially if you use multiple HDMI sources.
- Use device names you already know: PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Use function-based labels: Cable, Streaming, Blu-ray, Laptop
- Avoid long custom names that are hard to read on screen
- Keep naming consistent across all inputs
If you share the TV with others, choose names that match how the household talks about each device.
That reduces mistakes and makes the Home screen more intuitive.
Can You Rename HDMI Inputs to Anything?
Many TCL Roku TVs offer preset label options rather than fully freeform names.
In that case, you may see terms like Game Console, Satellite Box, or Blu-ray Player instead of a blank text field.
Some newer Roku TV software versions provide more flexibility, but the available labels depend on the TV model and Roku OS build.
If your model does not allow custom text, choose the closest built-in category.
Even a generic label is more useful than a port number when you need to move quickly between devices.
What to Do If You Cannot Rename the Input
If you do not see a rename option, the issue is usually related to software version, input detection, or the specific TCL Roku TV model.
Start with the simplest checks before assuming the feature is unavailable.
- Confirm the device is connected to the correct HDMI port
- Make sure the device is powered on
- Restart the TV from Settings > System > Power > System restart
- Check for Roku OS updates in Settings > System > System update
- Try opening the input menu from the Home screen instead of the Settings menu
In some cases, the input may need to be detected again before the rename option becomes available.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable can also refresh the device listing.
How to Organize Multiple Inputs More Efficiently
Renaming is only one part of managing a busy setup.
TCL Roku TV also lets you organize the order of input tiles, which can make navigation even easier.
- Move the most-used HDMI input near the top or front of the list
- Remove unused inputs from the Home screen if the option is available
- Use clear labels that match the physical HDMI port layout
- Keep game consoles and high-use devices easy to access
For example, if HDMI 1 is a soundbar passthrough, HDMI 2 is a PlayStation, and HDMI 3 is a laptop, label them in a way that reflects daily use rather than just the port number.
Does Renaming Affect Picture or Sound Settings?
Renaming an HDMI input does not change picture quality, refresh rate, HDR support, or audio settings.
The label only changes how the input appears in the Roku interface.
Your TCL Roku TV will still use the device’s actual HDMI signal, including features such as 4K, Dolby Vision, or ARC/eARC where supported.
If an input behaves differently after renaming, the cause is usually unrelated to the label change.
In that case, review the HDMI cable, device output settings, or TV input configuration separately.
Helpful Troubleshooting Tips
If your TV still does not show the expected name after you change it, the issue may be a display refresh delay rather than a failed rename.
Roku menus can take a moment to update, especially after a restart or software change.
- Return to the Home screen and re-open the input tile
- Restart the Roku TV if the new label does not appear
- Verify that you edited the correct HDMI port
- Reconnect the device if the TV still shows an old or generic label
For devices that support CEC, the TV may also detect the device under a manufacturer name or category.
This can override expectations about what the label should look like, but the rename settings should still control the Home screen display.
When to Update HDMI Names
Update HDMI labels whenever your device setup changes.
Common times include upgrading a console, moving a streaming device to another room, or replacing a laptop with a new model.
Keeping labels current prevents confusion and keeps the TCL Roku TV interface organized.
- After adding a new HDMI device
- After swapping devices between ports
- After a hardware upgrade or replacement
- When a household member starts using a different device
Knowing how to rename HDMI inputs on TCL Roku TV makes everyday use smoother, especially in homes with several connected devices.
With the right labels and a simple input layout, the TV becomes easier to navigate without changing any of your picture or sound settings.
