Xbox controllers can now switch your TV input with HDMI-CEC

One press to start playing.

Xbox controllers can now switch your TV input with the single press of a button thanks to a new HDMI-CEC option.

If you’re unfamiliar with HDMI-CEC, it’s a protocol that lets you control HDMI-connected devices using one controller… in this case, a literal controller.

You can find all HDMI-CEC options for the Xbox One, Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X under Settings > Sleep mode & startup > TV & A/V power options. There are a variety of options available, as follows:

• Console turns on other devices (ie the Xbox can power on your TV when you turn the console on)
• Console turns off other devices (ie the Xbox can power down your TV when you turn the console off)
• Other devices can turn console off (ie when you turn your TV off, that will your Xbox off too)
• Console sends volume commands (ie Xbox can control TV volume)
• Switch TV input using controller (ie your Xbox will switch your TV input to it when you use your controller)

You can mix and match any of the HDMI-CEC options above to a scenario that suits you best.

If you’re learning about HDMI-CEC and want turn similar features on or off on the PS5, you can do so on that console using Settings > System > HDMI. Over on the Nintendo Switch, you’ll find similar settings under System Settings > TV Settings > Match TV Power State.