Unlike cable boxes, your TV's built-in tuner doesn't automatically know which channels reach your antenna until you run an Auto Channel Scan (sometimes called Auto Program or Channel Tuning). You should rescan every time you move or re-aim your antenna.
Universal 4-Step TV Rescan Guide
- Position and aim your antenna first: Check your ZIP code compass and place your antenna near a window or wall facing the broadcast towers before starting the scan.
- Open Settings on your TV remote: Press the Home, Menu, or Gear (⚙) button on your TV's original remote.
- Go to Channels / Broadcasting: Select Broadcasting, Channels, Live TV, or Tuner Setup, and make sure the Signal Type is set to Antenna / Air (never "Cable").
- Start Auto Scan & wait 3–5 minutes: Let the progress bar reach 100%. Your TV will lock in both main HD networks (like
5.1,11.1) and free bonus subchannels (like5.2,5.3,11.4).
Quick Menu Paths by TV Brand
| TV Brand | Exact Remote Menu Path |
|---|---|
| Samsung Smart TV | Settings → Broadcasting → Auto Program → Start → Air (or Connected Devices → TV / Antenna) |
| LG Smart TV (webOS) | Settings (Gear) → All Settings → General → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning → Start |
| Roku TV (TCL, Hisense, Onn) | Home → Live TV (or Antenna TV tile) → Press * (Star) → Scan again for channels |
| Sony Bravia / Google TV | Settings → Channels & Inputs → Channels → Channel Setup → Auto Tuning → Digital (Antenna) |
| Vizio SmartCast TV | Menu / Gear → All Settings → Channels → Find Channels (Auto Channel Scan) |
| Amazon Fire TV Edition | Settings → Live TV → Channel Sources → Live TV (Antenna) → Scan for Channels |
Official FCC consumer resource: FCC Guide to Rescanning Your TV.