How to Use Your Computer Monitor as a TV

Yes, you can use a monitor as a TV—but you need the right connections and a signal source

A computer monitor can display TV content, but it is not a TV by itself. A monitor only shows a picture; it has no tuner to receive broadcast or cable signals. To watch TV on your monitor, you need a separate device that receives the signal—a cable box, streaming device, antenna, or satellite receiver—and a cable or wireless connection between that device and your monitor.

The most common setup is to connect a streaming device (like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick) or a cable box to your monitor using an HDMI cable. Your monitor will then display whatever that device sends to it, just as it displays your computer's screen. The trade-off is that you lose the monitor's ability to show your computer at the same time, unless you use a device that splits the signal or switch between inputs manually.

Key Takeaways

Your monitor needs an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C input to receive a TV signal from a separate device like a streaming box or cable box.
Most modern monitors have at least one HDMI port; check your monitor's manual or the ports on the back to confirm what you have.
You will need a signal source—a streaming device, cable box, antenna with a tuner box, or satellite receiver—because the monitor itself cannot receive TV broadcasts.
When you connect a TV source to your monitor, you cannot use the monitor for your computer at the same time unless you use an input switcher or a device with multiple outputs.
Audio from your monitor's built-in speakers is often quiet or absent; a separate speaker or soundbar will give you better sound.

Check what ports your monitor actually has

Open your monitor's manual or look at the ports on the back of the monitor itself. Most monitors made in the last ten years have at least one HDMI port. Newer monitors may also have DisplayPort or USB-C. These are the ports that can receive a TV signal from an external device.

Older monitors may only have VGA (a blue port with three rows of small holes) or DVI (a white or black rectangular port). These ports cannot carry audio and are harder to work with for TV sources. If your monitor only has these older ports, you can still use it as a TV, but you will need an adapter and a separate way to get sound to speakers or headphones.

Write down which ports you have. You will need this information when you choose a TV source device.

Choose a signal source for your monitor

Your monitor cannot receive TV signals on its own. You need a device that does. Here are the main options:

Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast) connect to your monitor via HDMI and let you watch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other streaming services. These are the cheapest and most flexible option. They cost between $30 and $100, plug into an HDMI port, and connect to your home Wi-Fi. No subscription to cable or satellite is needed, though individual streaming services may charge their own fees.

Cable or satellite boxes receive TV signals from your cable or satellite provider and send them to your monitor. If you already subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you may have a box you can move to your monitor. These boxes typically cost nothing (you rent them from your provider) but require an active subscription and a cable or satellite line run to your monitor's location.

Antenna with a digital tuner box lets you watch free broadcast TV (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, and others). You plug an antenna into a small tuner box, connect the box to your monitor via HDMI, and scan for channels. This costs $20 to $100 for the tuner box and antenna combined, with no monthly fees. The number and quality of channels you receive depends on your location and antenna type.

Laptop or desktop computer connected to your monitor can stream TV through apps like Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. This is free if you already have the computer and monitor, but you lose the ability to use your computer for other tasks while watching.

Connect your TV source to the monitor with the right cable

Once you have chosen your signal source, connect it to your monitor using the appropriate cable. HDMI is the standard—almost all modern TV devices and monitors use it. An HDMI cable is cheap (under $10 for a quality one) and carries both picture and sound.

Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your TV source device and the other end into an HDMI port on your monitor. If your monitor has multiple HDMI ports, it does not matter which one you use. Power on both the monitor and the TV source device.

If your monitor has DisplayPort or USB-C instead of HDMI, use a cable or adapter that matches your monitor's port. DisplayPort and USB-C can also carry video and audio, but you will need the correct cable for your specific setup. Check your monitor's manual if you are unsure.

Switch your monitor's input to the TV source

Most monitors have multiple inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, DisplayPort, etc.). When you connect a TV device, the monitor may not automatically switch to that input. Look for an Input or Source button on your monitor's frame or remote control. Press it and select the HDMI port (or other port) where you plugged in your TV device.

If your monitor does not have a physical button, check the manual for how to access the input menu. Some monitors use an on-screen menu accessed through buttons on the back or side of the frame.

Once you select the correct input, your monitor should display the picture from your TV source. If it does not, check that both devices are powered on and that the cable is fully inserted into both ports.

Handle audio—your monitor's speakers may not be enough

Most computer monitors have very small built-in speakers that produce thin, quiet sound. If you are watching TV on your monitor, you will probably want better audio. You have two options:

Connect external speakers or a soundbar to your TV source device (not the monitor). Most streaming boxes, cable boxes, and tuner boxes have an audio output jack or optical audio port. Plug powered speakers or a soundbar into that port. This gives you full control over volume and sound quality independent of the monitor.

Use headphones plugged into the TV source device or into your monitor's headphone jack (if it has one). This is the simplest solution if you are the only person watching.

Do not rely on your monitor's built-in speakers for regular TV watching. They will disappoint you.

Manage switching between your computer and TV

Once you connect a TV source to your monitor, you cannot use your computer and watch TV at the same time on the same monitor—unless you use additional equipment. When you switch the monitor's input to the TV source, your computer's display goes blank. When you switch back to your computer, the TV source disappears.

If you want to use both at once, consider these options: buy a second monitor for your computer, use an HDMI input switcher (a small box that lets you press a button to switch between two HDMI sources, around $15 to $30), or use a laptop that can output to the monitor while you watch TV on a separate device in the same room.

For most people, switching the input back and forth is not a big deal. It takes two seconds and becomes routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special monitor to use it as a TV?

No. Any monitor with an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C port can display TV content from a source device. You do not need a "smart" monitor or a TV-specific monitor. A regular computer monitor works fine.

Can I watch cable TV on my monitor without a cable box?

Not directly. Cable signals require a cable box to decode. However, you can watch cable channels through streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Sling TV on a streaming device connected to your monitor. These services require a subscription but do not need a cable line run to your monitor.

What if my monitor only has USB-C?

USB-C can carry video and audio, so it works for TV sources. Use a USB-C cable or a USB-C to HDMI adapter, depending on what your TV source device has. Check your monitor's manual to confirm it supports video input over USB-C (some USB-C ports are output-only).

Will using a monitor as a TV damage it?

No. Monitors are designed to display video for hours at a time. Using one as a TV will not harm it. However, leaving a static image on screen for very long periods can cause image burn-in on older monitor types (rare on modern monitors). Turning off the monitor when you are not watching is a good habit anyway.

Can I use my monitor as a TV without internet?

Yes, if you use an antenna with a tuner box or a cable/satellite box. Both receive signals without needing internet. Streaming devices do require internet, so they will not work without a Wi-Fi connection.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.