Table of contents(13)+
- 01The 30-second test
- 02Step 1: Find the AV input port on your Hisense TV
- 03Step 2: Get the right AV cable or adapter
- 04Step 3: Switch your Hisense TV to the AV input
- 05Step 4: Fix a missing AV input or “No Signal”
- 06Frequently Asked Questions
- 07Does a Hisense TV have an AV input?
- 08What does the AV input look like on a Hisense TV?
- 09Do I need an adapter for the AV input on a Hisense TV?
- 10Where is the AV button on a Hisense remote?
- 11Why is there no AV option in my Hisense input list?
- 12Can I switch to AV without the Hisense remote?
- 13Related guides
On most Hisense TVs, the AV input is a 3.5mm composite jack labeled “AV IN,” located in the port cluster on the back or left side of the TV. Newer sets need the small breakout adapter that came in the box; older Hisense TVs have full-size yellow, red, and white RCA jacks instead.
I hunt for this port a lot when I set up retro consoles and old DVD players. On my Hisense U7 (VIDAA), there's no yellow RCA jack at all — just one 3.5mm “AV IN” port that only works with the bundled adapter cable. My older H8G was the same. So if you're missing that little dongle, that's usually the real problem, not the TV.
The 30-second test
Not sure which port is the AV input? Do this before you dig out cables:
- Scan the back and side port panels for text that reads AV IN, Composite, or AV.
- If you see one small round jack (not three RCA holes), your TV uses a 3.5mm adapter.
- Check the TV box or manual bag for a short cable with a mini-plug on one end and three colored RCA plugs on the other.
Found the adapter? You're ready to plug in. Missing it? Skip to Step 2 for cheap replacements.
Lost the remote and can't press Source? Once your device is plugged in, you still have to switch the TV to AV. The free HiRemote app puts a Source button on your iPhone, so you can flip to the AV input over Wi-Fi without the physical remote.
Step 1: Find the AV input port on your Hisense TV
Hisense tucks the AV input into the main port cluster. Look in two spots:
- Back panel — a recessed block of ports, usually toward the bottom-right when you face the screen.
- Left side edge — some slim models turn a few ports sideways so wall-mounts sit flush.
The jack is labeled AV IN, AV, or Composite. On most sets since 2019, it's one small round jack, not three RCA holes. For a full map of every port and button, see our Hisense button and port location guide.
| Hisense TV era | AV port type | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Most sets 2019–2026 (VIDAA, Roku, Google TV) | Single 3.5mm “AV IN” jack | The bundled 3.5mm-to-3-RCA adapter |
| Older / larger pre-2019 sets | Full-size yellow, red, white RCA jacks | A standard 3-RCA composite cable |
| Some 2023+ budget models | No composite input at all | An HDMI source, or an RCA-to-HDMI converter |
Step 2: Get the right AV cable or adapter
What you plug in depends on which port design your TV has.
- Single 3.5mm jack: Use the breakout adapter from the box — a mini-plug on one end, three RCA plugs on the other.
- Three RCA holes: Use a normal composite cable. Match colors: yellow to video, red and white to audio.
Lost the adapter? Buy a “3.5mm to 3 RCA AV cable,” but pick one made for Hisense or TCL. The pin order isn't universal, so a random cable can swap your picture and sound wires. One honest limit: composite AV is standard-definition only. You won't get an HD picture through it, no matter the cable.
Step 3: Switch your Hisense TV to the AV input
Plugging in isn't enough. You have to tell the TV to show that input. Press the Source or Input button on your remote, then pick AV or Composite. The exact path depends on your TV's operating system.
| Operating system | How to open the input list | What AV is labeled |
|---|---|---|
| VIDAA U | Press Input/Source, or Home → input row | AV or Composite |
| Roku TV | Press Home → scroll to the input tiles | AV |
| Google TV | Press Input/Source → Inputs | Composite or AV |
| Fire TV Edition | Press Home → Inputs, or the Source button | AV |
The AV tile often stays greyed out until your source device is plugged in and turned on. Power on the DVD player or console first, then open the source menu.
On a Hisense Roku TV? You can switch inputs from a browser too. Our free online Roku remote works over your Wi-Fi with no app or account — type in the TV's IP address and use Home and the arrow keys to open the input tiles. HiRemote's iPhone app covers VIDAA and Google TV models the same way.
Step 4: Fix a missing AV input or “No Signal”
Sometimes AV plays up. Work through these in order:
- No AV in the list: Plug in and power on your source device, then reopen the menu. Some 2023-and-later budget Hisense sets dropped composite — check your model's spec.
- Black screen or “No Signal”: Your adapter's pin order may not match. Try swapping the yellow and one audio plug, or test a Hisense-specific cable.
- Picture but no sound (or the reverse): An RCA plug is in the wrong hole. Re-check yellow, red, and white against the labels.
Still stuck on a blank screen? Our Hisense TV no signal guide covers the deeper fixes. To confirm your exact model's ports, check the label on the back or Hisense's official support site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Hisense TV have an AV input?
Yes, almost every Hisense TV has an AV (composite) input. On newer sets it's a single 3.5mm jack labeled “AV IN” that needs a small breakout adapter. Older Hisense TVs use full-size yellow, red, and white RCA jacks. A few 2023-and-later budget models dropped composite entirely, so check your model's spec sheet if you can't find it.
What does the AV input look like on a Hisense TV?
The AV input usually looks like one small round headphone-style jack marked “AV IN” or “Composite.” It sits in the rear or side port cluster near the HDMI ports. When you plug in the bundled adapter, it splits into three colored RCA plugs — yellow for video, red and white for audio. Older sets show those three RCA holes directly on the TV.
Do I need an adapter for the AV input on a Hisense TV?
On most Hisense TVs made since about 2019, yes — you need the 3.5mm composite adapter that came in the box. The single AV jack won't fit standard RCA plugs without it. If you lost the adapter, buy a “3.5mm to 3 RCA AV cable,” but match one made for Hisense or TCL. The plug order varies between brands, so a random cable can swap your colors.
Where is the AV button on a Hisense remote?
There's no dedicated “AV” button on most Hisense remotes. Instead, press the Source or Input button — often a square icon with an arrow — to open the input list, then pick AV or Composite. On Hisense Roku TVs, press Home and scroll to the AV input tile. If you've lost the remote, the HiRemote app has the same Source button.
Why is there no AV option in my Hisense input list?
The AV input usually stays hidden until something is plugged in and powered on. Connect your device, turn it on, then reopen the source menu. If AV still never appears, your model may not include a composite input — some newer budget Hisense sets skip it. Check the model number on the back label against the spec sheet.
Can I switch to AV without the Hisense remote?
Yes. Use a phone remote app or the TV's own buttons. The HiRemote app adds a Source button on your iPhone to flip inputs over Wi-Fi. Hisense Roku TVs also work with our browser remote. On the TV itself, the physical control stick or button can sometimes cycle inputs — press it to open the menu, then navigate to AV.
