Connect the antenna cable to the TV's tuner input
The antenna connects to a single port on the back or side of your Samsung TV labeled ANT/CABLE IN or sometimes just ANT IN. This is a round threaded connector, usually about the size of a pencil eraser. Unscrew the cap if one is covering it, then screw the antenna cable connector clockwise until it is snug — do not force it, as the threads are delicate.
If your antenna cable has a bare wire end instead of a connector, you cannot use it directly. You will need to buy a coaxial cable adapter (sold at any electronics store for a few dollars) that converts the bare wire to a standard connector. Alternatively, some antennas come with both connector types in the box.
Once the cable is connected, you do not need to do anything else to the port. Samsung TVs do not require you to switch an input or set up the antenna port — it works as soon as the cable is seated.
Key Takeaways
- The antenna port is labeled ANT/CABLE IN or ANT IN and is located on the back or side of your Samsung TV.
- Screw the antenna connector clockwise into the port until snug; do not use force.
- If your antenna has a bare wire end, you will need a coaxial adapter to connect it.
- After connecting the cable, run a channel scan in the TV menu to find available broadcast channels.
- The antenna port works independently of your internet connection and does not require any account or subscription.
Run a channel scan to find broadcast stations
After the antenna is physically connected, your Samsung TV needs to search for available channels in your area. This process is called a channel scan or auto-tune. On most Samsung models, you access this through the Settings menu. Press the Menu button on your remote, navigate to Broadcasting or Channels, then select Auto Tuning or Channel Scan.
The scan takes a few minutes and will display a progress bar. Your TV will find all the free broadcast channels available at your location — typically local news, network affiliates, and public television. The number of channels varies by your distance from broadcast towers and the direction your antenna points.
If the scan finds no channels or very few, the antenna may not be positioned correctly or may be too far from broadcast towers. Try moving the antenna to a higher location, closer to a window, or rotating it 90 degrees. Then run the scan again.
Understand what you can watch with an antenna
An antenna receives free over-the-air broadcast signals. On a Samsung TV, this means you can watch local network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), public television (PBS), and any independent stations your area broadcasts. You do not need a cable subscription, satellite service, or internet connection to watch these channels.
Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, or Samsung TV Plus are separate and require either an internet connection or a paid subscription. The antenna port and the smart TV features operate independently — you can use both at the same time, or either one alone.
The picture quality of antenna broadcasts is typically very good on modern TVs because the signal is digital. However, reception depends on your distance from broadcast towers, obstacles like buildings or trees, and the antenna type you are using.
Troubleshoot if channels disappear or reception is poor
If you had channels working but they disappeared, or if you are getting pixelation or dropouts, the antenna may have shifted. Check that the cable is still screwed firmly into the ANT IN port — vibration or accidental bumping can loosen it. Also verify that nothing is blocking the antenna or that it has not been moved away from the window or high point where it was working.
Weather can also affect reception temporarily. Heavy rain or storms may cause signal loss, which usually clears once the weather passes. If reception is consistently poor, try repositioning the antenna incrementally — move it a few inches at a time and rescan channels to find the best position.
If you have moved the antenna or made any physical changes, always run the channel scan again. The TV does not automatically update its channel list; you must trigger a new scan manually through the Settings menu.
Know the difference between antenna and cable inputs
Samsung TVs have two separate inputs for broadcast signals: the ANT/CABLE IN port (for antennas and cable boxes) and sometimes a separate CABLE port on older models. If your TV has both, the ANT/CABLE IN port is the one you use for an antenna. The labels are usually printed directly on the TV near the ports, so check your specific model if you are unsure.
Do not confuse the antenna port with HDMI ports, which are used for streaming devices, game consoles, and Blu-ray players. HDMI ports are flat and rectangular; the antenna port is round and threaded. If you connect the antenna to the wrong port, it will not work.
If you are also using a cable box or satellite receiver, that device connects to an HDMI port, and you select it as an input on your TV. The antenna connects directly to the ANT IN port and does not require you to change inputs — it is always available on the TV's tuner.
Check your Samsung TV model if you cannot find the antenna port
Older Samsung TV models and some very compact newer models may have the antenna port on the side rather than the back. Look along both the back and sides of your TV, usually near the bottom. The port will be labeled ANT, ANT IN, or ANT/CABLE IN.
If you have a very recent Samsung TV, check the manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number (usually printed on the back of the TV or in the Settings menu under About TV). The manual will show you exactly where the antenna port is located and confirm that your model has one.
Some Samsung TV models sold outside North America may use different labeling or port configurations. If you cannot locate the port after checking the manual, contact Samsung support with your model number — they can confirm whether your TV is designed to receive antenna signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for channels I receive through an antenna?
No. Broadcast channels received through an antenna are free. You do not need a cable subscription, satellite service, or any paid account. The only cost is the antenna itself, which is a one-time purchase.
Can I use the antenna and a streaming service at the same time?
Yes. The antenna port and the smart TV features are completely separate. You can watch antenna channels on one input and stream Netflix or other services on another, or switch between them as you choose. Both work independently.
What should I do if the antenna cable does not fit the port?
The most common reason is that the cable has a bare wire end instead of a connector. Buy a coaxial cable adapter (a few dollars at any electronics store) that converts the bare wire to a threaded connector. Screw the adapter onto the port, then connect your antenna cable to the adapter.
Will the antenna work if my TV is not connected to the internet?
Yes. The antenna port is completely independent of your internet connection. You can receive broadcast channels even if your TV is not connected to WiFi or ethernet. Internet is only needed for streaming services.
How often do I need to run a channel scan?
Run a scan once when you first set up the antenna, then only if channels disappear, you move to a new location, or you reposition the antenna. You do not need to scan regularly — the TV remembers the channels it found until you manually run a new scan.