Changing an HDMI output to input on a laptop can be challenging, as most laptops are designed with HDMI output ports only.
This setup is intended to send signals from the laptop to an external screen, like a monitor or TV.
However, you might need HDMI input if you want to use your laptop as a display for other devices, such as gaming consoles or media players.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to work around this limitation with some tried-and-true methods, from using capture cards to display adapters.
How To Change HDMI Output To Input On Laptop
Here’s everything you need to know to turn your laptop screen into an HDMI input display.
- Using a Capture Card: With a capture card, you can connect external devices like game consoles to your laptop via USB, letting you view the device’s content on your laptop screen.
- Screen Mirroring Software: If both your laptop and external device support screen mirroring, software like Miracast or Chromecast can mirror the screen wirelessly.
- Remote Desktop Software: Tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer can allow you to view and control another device through your laptop.
- HDMI Input Adapters: For specific laptops, some HDMI input adapters can work around this issue.
- Using a Game Capture Card: Similar to a regular capture card but optimized for gaming, this can turn your laptop into an HDMI input screen for consoles.
Let’s walk through each method below:
1. Use a Capture Card
Step 1: Get an HDMI capture card. Look for a reliable option like the Elgato HD60 S Capture Card, available on Amazon. This device is commonly used to capture HDMI signals from consoles, cameras, and other media devices.
Step 2: Connect the capture card to your laptop via USB. The capture card will have a USB output, which plugs directly into a USB port on your laptop.
Step 3: Connect the HDMI output from the external device (like a gaming console) to the HDMI input on the capture card.
Step 4: Open the capture software that comes with the card (usually free to download from the manufacturer’s site). You should see the external device’s screen mirrored on your laptop.
2. Use Screen Mirroring Software
Some laptops and external devices support screen mirroring, making this method straightforward.
Step 1: Check if your laptop and external device are compatible with screen mirroring standards like Miracast or Chromecast.
Step 2: On your laptop, enable screen mirroring. This option is usually under “Settings” > “Devices” > “Projecting to this PC” for Windows users. For Mac, use AirPlay.
Step 3: On the external device, turn on the screen mirroring option. For example, in a smart TV, you may find this under display settings.
Step 4: Select your laptop as the screen mirroring destination. You should now see the external device’s screen displayed on your laptop.
3. Use Remote Desktop Software
Step 1: Download a remote desktop application, like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, on both the laptop and the device you want to connect.
Step 2: Set up an account (most apps have free versions for personal use).
Step 3: Connect your external device to the internet and install the remote desktop app. Open the app on both devices and input the connection code.
Step 4: Once connected, you’ll be able to control and view your device’s screen through the laptop. This isn’t HDMI input, but it’s an effective workaround.
4. HDMI Input Adapters
Some laptops have USB-C ports that can double as display inputs with the right adapter.
Step 1: Check if your laptop supports HDMI input through its USB-C port. This information can often be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 2: If your laptop is compatible, purchase a USB-C to HDMI Input Adapter like this one. These adapters are specifically designed to receive HDMI input signals and display them on your laptop screen.
Step 3: Connect the HDMI cable from your external device to the adapter, then plug the adapter into your laptop.
Step 4: Once connected, the screen should automatically switch to show the external device’s display. If it doesn’t, check your laptop’s display settings.
5. Use a Game Capture Card
A game capture card is a more specialized version of a capture card, often used by streamers to display gaming consoles on laptops or PCs.
Step 1: Purchase a game capture card such as the AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus.
Step 2: Connect the HDMI output from the gaming console to the HDMI input of the capture card.
Step 3: Connect the USB output from the capture card to the laptop. Open the capture software to start viewing the gaming console’s screen.
Step 4: In the capture software, select the correct input source. You should now be able to see and even record the gameplay on your laptop.
Conclusion
While converting HDMI output to input on a laptop isn’t always straightforward, these methods can help you work around the limitation.
Whether you choose a capture card, screen mirroring software, remote desktop, or a specialized HDMI input adapter, you now have several solutions to achieve your goal.
