Overview

Use this article if an antenna or other coaxial device is connected directly to your VIZIO or onn. powered by VIZIO TV and:

• You are setting up channels for the first time.
• No channels were found during a scan.
• Some antenna channels are missing.
• Channels disappeared after moving or changing the antenna.
• You need to rescan for newly available channels.

Note: If you use a cable or satellite box, connect the box to your TV with an HDMI cable when possible. Channel scanning is primarily used for over-the-air antenna channels. If cable or satellite service is connected directly to the TV with a coaxial cable, the TV may find only a limited number of channels.

Before You Begin

1. Make sure the coaxial cable is connected to the TV’s ANTENNA/CABLE input.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the cable to confirm that it is secure.
3. Select the Antenna, TV, or WatchFree+ input on the TV.
4. Confirm that the antenna is connected to the other end of the coaxial cable.
5. Keep the antenna in a location where it can receive a strong signal.

Scan for Channels

Menu names may vary by TV model and software version. Use one of the options below.

Option 1: Scan from WatchFree+

1. Open WatchFree+ or select the Antenna input.
2. Press the Left Arrow button to open the side menu.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Antenna Settings.
5. Choose one of the following options:
   • Find Channels for a standard scan
   • Find New Channels or Find More Channels for a more thorough scan
6. Allow the scan to finish completely.

Option 2: Scan from the TV Settings Menu

1. Press the Menu or Settings button on your VIZIO remote.
2. Select Channels, Tuner, TV Channels, or Antenna Channels.
3. If needed, select All Settings first.
4. Select Find Channels, Find More Channels, or Auto Channel Scan.
5. Allow the scan to finish completely.

Some channels may not appear until the scan is complete.

Finish the Channel Setup

After the scan:

1. Enter your ZIP code if prompted.
2. Select Done.
3. Review the channel list.
4. Hide any channels you do not want displayed.

Entering your ZIP code helps provide more accurate program-guide information. It does not improve the antenna signal or add channels that are unavailable in your area.

If No Channels Were Found

If the TV does not find any channels:

1. Confirm that the coaxial cable is securely connected to both the TV and antenna.
2. Make sure the TV is using the Antenna, TV, or WatchFree+ input.
3. Run the channel scan again.
4. If no channels are found after a second scan, test the TV with another compatible antenna or coaxial device, if available

Important: Do not move the TV to another cable outlet for testing. For safety, test with another antenna or coaxial device instead.

If the TV still does not find channels with a second antenna or coaxial device, contact us for assistance.

If Some Channels Are Missing

If the TV finds some channels but not all the channels you expect:

1. Confirm that the coaxial cable is secure.
2. Run Find New Channels, Find More Channels, or a full channel scan.
3. Check whether the missing channels are hidden in the channel list.
4. Reposition the antenna.
5. Run the channel scan again.

Missing over-the-air channels are usually related to signal strength or interference. Signal quality can be affected by:

• Distance from the broadcast tower
• Hills, buildings, walls, or trees
• Weather conditions
• Indoor antenna placement
• An antenna that is not strong enough for your location
• Electronic interference near the antenna

Try moving the antenna:

• Closer to a window
• To a higher location
• Away from walls, large appliances, and other obstructions

After repositioning the antenna, scan for channels again.

If channels are still missing after testing another antenna and repositioning the current antenna, the TV tuner is likely working correctly. The missing stations may have weak or unavailable signal coverage in your area.

Check Whether Channels Are Hidden

If the TV found a channel but it does not appear when changing channels, check the channel list.

1. Open the channel settings or channel list.
2. Review the hidden-channel settings.
3. Make sure the missing channel is not marked as hidden.
4. Rescan for channels if the channel is not listed.

Menu names vary by TV model.

Using Cable or Satellite Service

If you receive programming from a cable or satellite provider:

• Use the provider’s remote to change channels.
• Connect the cable or satellite box to the TV with an HDMI cable when possible.
• Select the HDMI input connected to the box.
• Do not rely on a channel scan when using a cable or satellite box.

If the cable or satellite service is connected directly to the TV with a coaxial cable, the TV may find only one or two analog channels, or a limited number of channels. For the best experience, connect the provider’s box to the TV using HDMI.

Still Cannot Find Channels?

If channels are missing after repeated scans:

1. Confirm the antenna and coaxial cable work with another compatible TV or device, if available.
2. Try a different antenna appropriate for your location.
3. Reposition the antenna and run another scan.
4. Check local broadcast coverage for the missing stations.
5. Contact us if the TV cannot find channels using multiple known-working antennas or coaxial devices.

 

 

Need more help?

• For support with onn powered by VIZIO products: Click here to reach out to our Customer Support Team.
• For support with all other VIZIO products: Click here to connect with us.