What does AutoHDMI do?
When you turn on your TV from scratch (like after plugging it in, a power cut, or restarting it), AutoHDMI automatically switches the screen to your favorite device (like an Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, or Fire Stick) so you do not have to navigate TV settings or remote inputs. It makes your Smart TV feel like a direct monitor for your favorite device!
How does this help elderly or non-technical family members?
Many people find it very difficult and frustrating to navigate complex TV menus and use remotes just to change the input. With AutoHDMI, you configure it once, and the TV will always start up directly on their favorite input. They do not need to touch the TV remote at all—the TV is just ready to watch!
Why does my smart TV go to the home screen after a power cut, and how do I fix it?
When power is restored after an outage, most Android TVs and Google TVs boot directly to their default home screen instead of the device you were watching. AutoHDMI fixes this. It detects the startup after a power cut and automatically switches the TV back to your selected HDMI input without you having to touch the remote.
How much does the app cost?
AutoHDMI gives you a completely free 7-day trial automatically when you first install it. No credit cards or sign-ups are needed. After the trial, you can unlock the app forever with a single, one-time purchase. There are no recurring monthly subscriptions or hidden fees.
Why use this instead of HDMI-CEC or the TV's "Last Used Input" setting?
The built-in "Last Used Input" setting often forgets its state after a power cut or gets removed during firmware updates. HDMI-CEC is often unreliable because multiple connected devices fight for control of the TV. AutoHDMI bypasses both: it talks directly to the TV's operating system to enforce your chosen input on every single boot, regardless of what your external devices are doing.
How do I set up AutoHDMI on my TV?
Open the AutoHDMI app on your TV, choose which input port you want to open automatically (e.g. HDMI 1), and then select "Enable Accessibility Assistant". The app will guide you to your TV's system settings where you can turn on the AutoHDMI Assistant service. That's it! Setup is quick and identical for both Android TV and Google TV.
Does AutoHDMI work the same way on both Android TV and Google TV?
Yes! AutoHDMI uses a single, unified Accessibility Assistant mode on both Android TV and Google TV. You do not need to replace your launcher or change default home screen settings on either platform.
How do I install the app without using the terrible TV browser or keyboard?
You can install it remotely from your phone or computer! Just go to the Google Play Store website on your phone, search for AutoHDMI, make sure you are signed in with the same Google Account that is on your TV, click "Install on more devices", and select your TV. Google Play will magically install it on your TV in the background.
Can I install this on my Nvidia Shield, Fire Stick, Mi Stick, or Apple TV?
No. AutoHDMI must be installed on the television's own built-in operating system. It does not work on, and should not be installed on, external set-top boxes, TV sticks, or Android boxes. AutoHDMI lives ON your TV itself, and its job is to switch the TV's input TO your external device.
Does this app work on Samsung, LG, or Roku TVs?
No. AutoHDMI is strictly for TVs with Android TV and Google TV built in (like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Philips). It does not work on Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, or Roku OS. If your TV does not have the official Google Play Store built in, this app cannot be installed.
Why doesn't the app switch inputs when I turn the TV off and on quickly with the remote?
When you turn off your TV using the remote control, the TV usually just goes into a standby "sleep" mode (like closing a laptop lid) rather than turning off completely. When it wakes up, it stays on the screen you left it on. AutoHDMI only runs when the TV boots up completely from scratch (like after a power cut, or if you click "Restart" in your TV settings).
How do I allow AutoHDMI to run at startup on TCL TVs (TCL Safety Guard / T-Guard)?
TCL TVs include a pre-installed security app called Safety Guard (or T-Guard) that automatically blocks third-party apps from autostarting on boot to conserve memory. To allow AutoHDMI: 1) Open the Safety Guard (or T-Guard) app on your TCL TV (you can click "Open TCL Guard" inside AutoHDMI setup, or find it in your TV's app drawer). 2) Go to Permission Shield (or App Permissions). 3) Select Auto Launch Permission (or Auto Start Manager). 4) Find AutoHDMI under the "Closed" or "Disabled" list and switch its toggle from Closed to Open (or Disabled to Allowed).
How do I stop my TV manufacturer (Hisense, Sony, Xiaomi, etc.) from killing the app in the background?
Some Smart TV operating systems aggressively put background boot helpers to sleep to save power. To ensure 100% reliable startup handoffs: 1) Open TV Settings -> Apps -> Special app access -> Energy Optimization (or Battery Optimization). 2) Locate AutoHDMI in the app list. 3) Change its setting to "Don't Optimize" or "Unrestricted".
Why did AutoHDMI suddenly stop working after a few weeks?
Android 11+ and Google TV include an automatic OS feature that removes permissions for apps that are not opened manually every day. To fix this: 1) Open TV Settings -> Apps -> AutoHDMI. 2) Scroll down to "Remove permissions if app is unused" (or "Pause app activity if unused"). 3) Toggle this setting OFF (Disabled). 4) Ensure Accessibility is turned back ON under TV Settings -> System -> Accessibility -> AutoHDMI.
What happens if I "Force Stop" the AutoHDMI app or use a memory cleaner?
Android security automatically disables all Accessibility services whenever an app is Force Stopped or killed by a task cleaner. If you force stop AutoHDMI, you must re-enable it manually by going to TV Settings -> System -> Accessibility -> AutoHDMI -> toggle OFF then ON. Avoid force stopping the app during normal use.
Do I need to re-enable Accessibility after updating AutoHDMI from the Play Store?
On certain TV models, Android may temporarily pause Accessibility services when an app updates. If auto-switching stops working after an update, simply open the AutoHDMI app or check TV Settings -> Accessibility to make sure the toggle is active.
How can I test if AutoHDMI is working without unplugging my TV?
Go to TV Settings -> System -> Restart (or hold down the Power button on your remote and select Restart). This performs a full system cold boot, allowing you to watch AutoHDMI automatically hand off to your selected HDMI port in seconds!
How do I temporarily turn off the automatic switching?
If you want your TV to start up normally without switching inputs, open the AutoHDMI app settings on your TV and turn off the "Enable AutoHDMI" option. You can turn it back on whenever you want.
What if the automatic switch does not work on my TV brand?
We support most TV brands. However, some brands customize their software in ways that block input switching. If you run into issues, make sure Accessibility is enabled and Battery Optimization is set to Unrestricted. If it still does not work, contact us at support@taponyourglass.com so we can investigate and add support for your TV!
Will this app slow down my TV or consume battery?
No. AutoHDMI only runs for a split second when your TV starts up. Once it switches to your selected HDMI port, it shuts down completely. It does not run in the background while you watch TV, so it uses zero memory and zero battery.
Why does the app ask for the "Startup" permission?
This permission is like an alarm clock. It tells the app when the TV has finished starting up from scratch, so it can run the automatic switch right away.
Why does the app need the "Accessibility" permission?
Android TV and Google TV use the Accessibility Assistant to detect when your TV screen finishes booting up. As soon as the main TV screen opens, the assistant quickly switches to your favorite HDMI input port and then immediately disarms itself. It never reads your passwords, search queries, or screen content.
Why does the app ask to ignore "Battery Optimization"?
Some TVs try to save power by turning off apps waiting to run at boot. We need this permission so the TV allows our helper assistant to wake up and perform the HDMI switch when you turn the TV on.
Is my purchase shared across all TVs under my Google Account, or is it per device?
AutoHDMI lifetime licenses are linked to your specific television hardware device rather than just your Google Account. If you have multiple Smart TVs in your home, each TV requires its own lifetime license to unlock full auto-switching features.
Can I transfer my lifetime license if I buy a new TV or replace my old one?
Yes! If you upgrade your television, replace a damaged TV, or move to a new model, we will gladly transfer your existing lifetime license to your new TV free of charge. Because licenses are bound to hardware, transfers are handled directly by our support team upon request.
What details do I need to provide to transfer my subscription to a new TV?
To transfer your license to a new TV, please email us at support@taponyourglass.com with: 1) Proof of Purchase: Your original Google Play Order Receipt or Order ID (e.g., GPA.XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXX). 2) Photo of TV Screen: A clear photo showing the Help & Support screen inside the AutoHDMI app open on your new TV (displaying the new device hardware ID). Once received, our support team will verify your purchase and migrate your license to your new TV within 24–48 hours!
Still have questions?
If you have any other questions, bugs, or need help with setup, send us an email: