Start a Channel Scan from the Settings Menu
To scan for channels on a Samsung TV, go to Settings (the gear icon on your remote), then navigate to Broadcasting or Channels — the exact name depends on your model year. Look for an option labeled Auto Tuning, Channel Scan, or Tuning. Select it, and the TV will begin searching for all available channels in your area.
The scan takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on how many channels broadcast in your region. Your TV will display a progress bar showing how many channels it has found. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time — stopping the scan midway can leave your channel list incomplete or corrupted.
Once the scan finishes, your TV will show a summary of channels found and ask whether you want to save them. Select Yes to keep all channels, or No to cancel and try again if something went wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, find Broadcasting or Channels, and select Auto Tuning or Channel Scan to begin searching for channels.
- The scan process takes 5 to 15 minutes and should not be interrupted by turning off the TV or unplugging it.
- Your TV will ask you to confirm and save the channels once the scan is complete.
- If channels disappear after a scan, you can run the scan again without losing previously saved channels — the new scan will add to your list.
- Channel availability depends on your antenna connection and location; a weak or damaged antenna may result in fewer channels being found.
Check Your Antenna Connection Before Scanning
A channel scan only finds stations that your antenna can receive. Before you start, make sure the coaxial cable (the thick cable with a threaded connector) is plugged firmly into the ANT IN or RF IN port on the back of your TV. If the connection is loose, the scan will find few or no channels.
If you are using an indoor antenna, try moving it to a higher location or closer to a window — channel reception often improves with better positioning. Outdoor antennas generally pick up more channels than indoor ones, but they require installation on your roof or exterior wall.
Navigate the Settings Menu on Different Samsung Models
Newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later) use the same general path: Settings → Broadcasting → Auto Tuning. Older models may label this section Channels instead of Broadcasting, or the option might be called Channel Tuning or Tuning.
If you cannot find the option in Broadcasting, try looking under Picture and Sound or General — Samsung has reorganized these menus across different model years. Your TV's manual (available as a PDF on Samsung's website if you search your model number) will show the exact path for your specific television.
What to Do If the Scan Finds No Channels
If the scan completes but shows zero channels found, the problem is almost always the antenna connection. Unplug the coaxial cable from the back of the TV, inspect the connector for bent pins or corrosion, and plug it back in firmly. If the connector looks damaged, you may need a new cable.
Try the scan again after reconnecting. If it still finds nothing, test your antenna by connecting it to another TV or a different input on the same TV to rule out a problem with the TV itself. You can also check whether your address receives over-the-air broadcasts by visiting the FCC's TV station locator tool online — search "FCC TV station locator" to find it.
Organize and Delete Channels After Scanning
Once the scan is complete, you can remove channels you do not watch. Go to Settings → Broadcasting → Channel List (or Edit Channels), highlight a channel, and select Delete or press the red button on your remote. Deleting a channel does not affect future scans — if you run another scan later, deleted channels will reappear unless you delete them again.
Some Samsung TVs also let you reorder channels by dragging them in the Channel List menu. This is useful if you want your favorite stations to appear first when you flip through channels.
Rescan for Channels If You Move or Change Your Antenna
If you move to a new location or upgrade your antenna, run the channel scan again. Your TV will search for all available channels at your new address. The new scan will not erase your old channel list — instead, it will add any new channels it finds. If a channel you previously saved is no longer available in your new location, it will remain in your list but may show no signal when you try to watch it.
You can delete unavailable channels manually using the Channel List menu, or run a full rescan and then delete old channels afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cable box to scan for channels?
No. Channel scanning finds over-the-air broadcast channels that come through an antenna. If you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, those services use a separate box and do not require a channel scan — your cable or satellite box handles channel tuning automatically.
Will scanning for channels erase my recordings or settings?
A channel scan does not affect recordings, apps, or picture settings. It only updates your list of available broadcast channels. Your TV's other settings remain unchanged.
How often should I scan for channels?
You only need to scan once when you first set up your TV or move to a new location. Stations do not change often enough to require regular rescans. However, if you notice missing channels or want to pick up new local stations, rescanning takes just a few minutes and will not hurt anything.
What if my TV says "No Signal" after the scan?
This usually means the antenna is disconnected or the cable is loose. Check the coaxial cable at the back of the TV and make sure it is hand-tight. If the cable looks fine, try a different coaxial cable to rule out a damaged one. You can also try repositioning your antenna to improve reception.
Can I scan for cable channels without a cable box?
No. Cable channels require a cable subscription and a cable box provided by your cable company. A channel scan on your TV will only find free over-the-air broadcast channels. To watch cable channels, you need the cable box connected between your wall outlet and your TV.