How to scan for channels on your Samsung TV

To scan for channels on a Samsung TV, go to Settings, select Broadcasting, then choose Auto Tuning (or Channel Scan depending on your model year). The TV will then search for all available channels in your area and add them to your channel list. The scan usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how many channels are available where you live.

During the scan, your TV is looking for both over-the-air broadcast channels (the ones you receive with an antenna) and cable channels (if you have a cable box connected). The TV stores whatever it finds in its internal memory, organized by channel number. Once the scan finishes, you can watch those channels using your remote's channel up and down buttons, or by typing a channel number directly.

If you've already scanned once and want to scan again—because you moved, got a new antenna, or added cable service—you can run the same scan a second time. The new scan will replace your old channel list, so any custom arrangements you made will be lost. Some Samsung models let you do a partial scan to add channels without erasing what you already have; check your TV's menu to see if that option appears.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Broadcasting, and select Auto Tuning or Channel Scan to begin searching for channels.
  • The scan finds both broadcast channels (antenna) and cable channels, and stores them in channel number order.
  • A full scan takes 5 to 15 minutes and replaces your previous channel list, so custom arrangements will be erased.
  • If your TV has a partial scan option, you can add new channels without losing your existing list.
  • After scanning, use your remote's number pad to jump directly to a channel, or use channel up and down to browse.

Where to find the channel scan menu on different Samsung models

The path to channel scan varies slightly depending on your TV's age and software version. On newer Samsung TVs (2019 and later), press the Menu button on your remote, navigate to Settings, then Broadcasting, and look for Auto Tuning. On some 2018 and earlier models, the same menu may be labeled Channel Scan instead of Auto Tuning.

If you cannot find Broadcasting in your Settings menu, your TV may use a different structure. Try pressing Menu, then looking for Picture and Sound or General—Broadcasting is sometimes nested under one of those sections. If you still cannot locate it, check your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in Settings under About This TV) and search the Samsung support website for your specific model's manual.

Some Samsung TVs also have a Quick Settings menu accessible by pressing a dedicated button on the remote (often labeled with a gear icon or marked as Settings). This shortcut sometimes includes a direct link to channel scan, though it varies by remote design.

What happens during and after a channel scan

When you start the scan, your TV displays a progress bar and may show the channel numbers it is finding in real time. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this process—interrupting the scan can leave your channel list incomplete or corrupted. Let the scan run to completion, even if it seems to be taking longer than expected.

Once the scan finishes, your TV will display a summary showing how many channels were found. You can then press OK or Confirm to save the results. Your new channel list is now active, and you can begin watching when ready. The channels are usually arranged in numerical order, starting with broadcast channels (2–51 in most areas) followed by cable channels (52 and up, though this varies by provider).

If the scan found very few channels or none at all, check that your antenna is connected firmly to the TV's antenna input (the port labeled ANT IN or RF IN). If you are using cable, make sure your cable box is connected to the TV via HDMI or the older coaxial cable. Loose connections are the most common reason a scan returns poor results.

Rescanning after moving or changing your setup

If you move to a new location, the channels available in your new area may be different from your old ones. Running a new channel scan will replace your old list with channels from your new location. Before you scan, make sure your antenna is positioned and aimed correctly—channel availability depends heavily on antenna placement and direction.

If you add cable service, a new antenna, or a different cable provider, you should rescan to pick up the new channels. A rescan will erase any custom channel arrangements you made (such as hiding channels you do not watch or reordering favorites), so take note of any changes you want to keep before you start. Some cable providers also send channel updates automatically, so check with your provider before rescanning to see if they handle updates on their end.

After rescanning, if you notice channels are missing or in the wrong order, you may be able to manually hide unwanted channels or create a favorites list instead of rescanning again. Most Samsung TVs let you do this through the Channel List menu, accessible by pressing the Channel List button on your remote (if your remote has one) or through Settings.

Troubleshooting a channel scan that finds no channels or too few

If your scan finds zero channels, the most likely cause is a loose or unplugged antenna cable. Check the connection at both the TV and the antenna itself. The cable should be hand-tight; if it is loose, tighten it and run the scan again. If you are using an indoor antenna, try moving it to a higher location or closer to a window, as this often improves reception.

If the scan finds some channels but not all the ones you expect, your antenna may not be aimed correctly. Broadcast towers in your area transmit from specific directions, and antennas are directional—they pick up signals better from some angles than others. Try rotating your antenna slowly while watching the scan progress, or consult a local TV station's website to find the direction of the nearest broadcast tower.

Cable users who find few or no channels should verify that the cable line is connected to the TV (not just to a cable box) and that the cable is not damaged. If you have a cable box, you may not need to scan the TV itself—the cable box handles channel tuning instead. In that case, use the cable box remote to change channels, not the TV remote.

Manual channel editing after a scan

After a scan completes, you can manually hide channels you do not want to watch or rearrange your channel list. To do this, open your Channel List (usually accessible via a dedicated button on your remote or through Settings > Broadcasting > Channel List). Highlight a channel and look for options to Delete, Hide, or Skip it. Hidden channels will not appear when you use channel up and down, but you can still access them by typing the channel number directly.

Some Samsung TVs also let you create a Favorites list or Custom Channel List, which shows only the channels you watch most often. This is useful if the scan found 100+ channels and you want to browse only your preferred ones. To add a channel to favorites, highlight it in the channel list and select Add to Favorites or a similar option.

If you make a mistake while editing and want to start over, you can always run the channel scan again—it will restore the full list of channels found during the scan and erase any manual changes you made. This is a safe way to reset your channel list if you accidentally hide too many channels or get confused about the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to scan for channels every time I turn on my TV?

No. Once you scan for channels, your TV remembers them and stores them in memory. You only need to scan again if you move, change your antenna, add or remove cable service, or want to pick up new channels that have been added to your area.

Will scanning for channels erase my apps or settings?

No. A channel scan only affects your channel list. Your apps, picture settings, sound settings, and all other TV configurations remain unchanged. Only the list of channels you can watch is replaced.

What is the difference between Auto Tuning and Channel Scan?

These are the same function with different names used on different Samsung TV models. Both search for available channels and build your channel list. Use whichever term appears in your TV's menu.

Can I scan for only cable channels or only broadcast channels?

Most Samsung TVs scan for both at the same time and do not offer a way to scan for only one type. If you want to use only broadcast channels, you can hide the cable channels after the scan finishes using your channel list menu.

How long does a channel scan usually take?

A typical scan takes 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on how many channels are available in your area and how strong the signals are. Weak signals may cause the scan to take longer as the TV searches more thoroughly.