TV cannot find broadcast channels after a retune

Check that the coax cable from the antenna or direct cable feed is attached to the TV’s ANT IN/RF input, not an HDMI port or satellite box output. Set the source to TV/Broadcast so tuner settings are available. If a cable or satellite receiver supplies channels over HDMI, tune channels on that box; rescanning the TV’s internal tuner will not scan the box’s lineup.

1. Select the internal TV/Broadcast source and inspect the antenna/RF connection at both ends.

   A correct tuner source and coax connection make a terrestrial/cable scan possible.

   If that does not help: If channels arrive from an HDMI box, use the box’s guide and channel scan instead.

2. Check antenna power/injector requirements and cable damage where applicable.

   Antenna systems that require power can produce no reception when it is disconnected.

   If that does not help: Do not connect power injectors to equipment unless its manual calls for them.

A tuner may ask for antenna/Air or Cable and, in some regions, broadcast-standard or provider options. Select the source that matches the connected signal. Samsung warns that Auto Program can replace the saved channel list and should not be used for an HDMI cable/satellite box; other makes have their own scan behavior. Wait for the scan to complete before changing inputs or interrupting the TV.

1. Read the tuner setup prompts and select antenna/Air or Cable as appropriate for your feed.

   The tuner searches the signal type actually connected.

   If that does not help: If the screen labels do not match the signal provider, stop and check the provider or manual.

2. Allow the full scan to finish, then review the saved channel list.

   A completed scan reports the tuner’s current reception result.

   If that does not help: If it still finds none, do not repeat the scan until signal and source are checked.

For an antenna, reception depends on location, orientation, obstructions, cable, and local broadcast availability. Check the antenna connection, move or rotate it gradually, and use the broadcaster’s coverage information to confirm stations are available in your area. Rescan after a deliberate antenna change because some tuners update channel lists only during a scan. A channel can disappear because its broadcast frequency changed, not because the TV failed.

A scan returning zero channels is different from a scan finding some stations but missing a few. Zero can point to no RF signal reaching the tuner, a wrong source/scan type, or a regional tuner mismatch; partial reception more often justifies checking antenna position, splitters, and station coverage. If reception changed after moving the TV, restore the previous antenna position before making several new changes. Channel numbers and broadcast standards vary by country, so follow local transmitter information and the TV’s region-specific tuner instructions.

If possible, test the antenna feed on another TV or test the TV at another known-working antenna outlet. If the same feed yields no channels on multiple sets, investigate antenna, splitter, amplifier, or provider. If another TV scans successfully from the same feed but this TV does not, check region/tuner settings and the TV’s supported broadcast standard, then contact its manufacturer. Avoid buying an amplifier without evidence of a weak signal; amplification cannot fix every antenna or interference problem.

Record TV model and region, signal source, antenna/cable provider, scan type and result, connection path, and whether another receiver finds channels. Include whether zero channels were found or only particular stations disappeared. If a rescan removed previously saved channels, note that before repeating it. The distinction helps a technician identify a tuner setup, reception, provider, or possible tuner hardware issue.

• Samsung scan channels from an antenna or cable box — checked 2026-10-24
• Samsung Auto Program conditions and cautions — checked 2026-10-24

Why did my TV find no channels after rescanning?

The TV may be on the wrong source, connected to HDMI instead of antenna input, using the wrong scan type, or receiving too weak a signal.

Should I rescan when I use a cable box?

Usually the box manages its own channels; check the box/provider instructions. A TV tuner scan does not scan HDMI channels.

Will rescanning delete saved channels?

Some TVs replace their existing tuner list during an auto scan. Check the model instructions before starting.