What a channel scan does and when you need one
A channel scan is the process that makes your Samsung TV search for and store all the broadcast channels available in your area. When you run a scan, the TV tunes through the entire frequency range, finds every station it can receive, and saves them to your channel list. You need to do this when you first set up the TV, when you move to a new location, or when local stations change their broadcast frequencies.
The scan takes between five and fifteen minutes depending on your TV model and how many channels are in your area. During the scan, your TV will display a progress bar and show you how many channels it has found so far. You do not need any special equipment—just your TV and an antenna connected to the antenna input on the back.
Key Takeaways
- Channel scan is found in the Settings menu under Broadcasting or Channels, and the exact path depends on your Samsung TV model year.
- You must have an antenna connected to the TV's antenna port before starting the scan, or the TV will find no channels.
- The scan will overwrite your existing channel list, so if you have custom arrangements or hidden channels, they will be reset.
- If the scan finds no channels, check that the antenna is plugged in firmly and positioned toward your nearest broadcast tower.
How to access the channel scan menu on Samsung TVs
The path to the channel scan varies slightly by model year, but the general route is the same. Press the Menu button on your remote (or the button marked with three horizontal lines). Navigate to Settings, then look for Broadcasting, Channels, or Tuning—the exact name depends on whether your TV is a 2020 model or newer, or an older set.
On newer Samsung TVs (2020 and later), go to Settings > Broadcasting > Auto Tuning. On older models, the path is usually Settings > Channels > Tuning. If you cannot find these options, check your TV's manual by searching "Samsung [your model number] manual" online—the model number is on a sticker on the back of the TV or inside the battery compartment of the remote.
Running the automatic channel scan
Once you have found the Auto Tuning or Channel Tuning option, select it and the TV will ask you to confirm. Make sure your antenna is plugged into the antenna input (the port marked ANT or RF IN on the back of the TV) before you proceed. The connection should be snug—a loose antenna cable is the most common reason a scan finds few or no channels.
Select Start or Scan to begin. The TV will display a progress bar and a count of channels found. Do not unplug the TV or press buttons during the scan. When the scan finishes, the TV will show you the total number of channels it found and ask whether you want to save them. Select Yes to keep the new channel list.
What to do if the scan finds no channels or very few
If your scan finds zero channels or only a handful, the problem is almost always the antenna connection or antenna position. First, unplug the antenna cable from the back of the TV and plug it back in firmly—sometimes a loose connection looks fine but does not work. If the cable is already tight, try moving the antenna to a different location in the room, especially closer to a window or higher up on a shelf, and run the scan again.
If you are using a small indoor antenna, try pointing it in different directions. Broadcast towers are not always in the same direction, and antenna orientation matters. If you have access to an outdoor antenna or a longer cable, test with that to rule out the antenna itself as the problem. If an outdoor antenna finds many channels but your indoor antenna finds none, the indoor antenna may be too weak for your location.
Choosing between digital and analog channels during scan
Some older Samsung TV models will ask you during the scan whether you want to search for digital channels, analog channels, or both. Digital channels are what all broadcast stations use now—analog broadcasts ended in the United States in 2009. Select Digital or Digital and Analog (if that option is available). Choosing analog-only will find almost nothing on a modern TV.
If your TV asks about cable or antenna, select Antenna unless you have a cable box connected to the TV. The scan will not work correctly if you choose the wrong source type.
Saving and organizing your channels after the scan
After the scan finishes and you save the channel list, all the channels the TV found will appear in your channel guide in numerical order. You can now hide channels you do not watch, rearrange the order, or create custom favorites lists. These options are usually in Settings > Channels > Edit Channels or a similar path—check your remote for a Channels button that may take you directly there.
If you run another scan in the future, it will replace your current channel list and erase any custom arrangements you made. If you want to keep your custom list and just add new channels, some Samsung models have an option to add new channels only rather than scan all channels again—look for this option before starting the scan.
When to call Samsung support or a technician
If you have confirmed that the antenna is plugged in firmly, tried moving it to different locations, and the scan still finds no channels, the problem may be that your location is too far from broadcast towers or there are obstacles blocking the signal. In this case, a technician can assess your location and recommend a stronger antenna or a different antenna type.
If the TV will not let you access the Settings menu or the scan option, or if the TV freezes during a scan, try unplugging the TV for thirty seconds and plugging it back in. If that does not work, contact Samsung support with your model number. Do not attempt to open the TV yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a channel scan erase my recordings or saved shows?
No. A channel scan only updates the list of available broadcast channels. It does not affect recordings, saved shows, apps, or any other content on the TV. Your recordings will still be there after the scan finishes.
Do I need to do a channel scan if I have a cable box?
No. If you have a cable box (from your cable provider), the box handles all channel tuning. You only need to scan channels on the TV itself if you are using an antenna to receive broadcast stations directly.
How often should I run a channel scan?
Run a scan when you first set up the TV, when you move to a new location, or if you notice channels are missing or not working. You do not need to scan regularly unless your local stations change their frequencies, which is rare.
Can I scan for cable channels without a cable box?
No. Cable channels require a cable box or a cable card, which your TV does not have built in. The channel scan on your TV only finds broadcast (antenna) channels. To watch cable channels, you need a box from your cable provider.
What if I accidentally started a scan and want to stop it?
Press the Menu button or the back button on your remote to exit the scan. The TV will ask if you want to save the channels it found so far. If you select No, the scan will stop and your old channel list will remain unchanged.