A digital antenna uses broadcast signals, not the internet. When channels disappear or show No Signal, the fix is usually a fresh scan, better antenna placement, or a cable/power issue.
Does this affect you?
Use this for indoor or outdoor digital ATSC antennas connected to the TV’s antenna, coaxial, ANT/Air, or RF In port. It does not apply to HDMI streaming devices.
Run a fresh channel scan
TVs do not always update channel lists automatically after broadcast changes.
- Make sure the coaxial cable is firmly connected to ANT/Air or RF In, not HDMI.
- Open the TV channel or broadcast settings. On Samsung, look under Channel. On LG, look under All Inputs > Channel Tuning. Other brands use similar Antenna or Broadcast menus.
- Choose Auto Program, Antenna Scan, Channel Scan, or Auto Tuning.
- Select Air or Antenna as the source, not Cable.
- Let the scan finish completely, even if it takes several minutes.
- Check the new channel list when the scan is done.
Reposition and re-aim the antenna
A few feet can change reception more than expected.
- For indoor antennas, place it near a window and as high as practical.
- Keep it away from routers, microwaves, large TVs, appliances, metal objects, and cabinets.
- Use an online TV antenna map for your ZIP code or city to find the direction of nearby broadcast towers.
- Point directional antennas toward the tower cluster.
- Run another channel scan after moving the antenna.
Check cable, connections, and power
Weak or intermittent signal can come from the hardware path.
- Inspect the coaxial cable for kinks, damage, or loose connectors.
- Disconnect and reconnect both ends, screwing them in snugly.
- If the antenna is amplified, confirm its power adapter is connected and its indicator light is on if it has one.
- Try another coaxial cable if you have one.
- Run another scan after changing cables or power.
More control
Weather can affect signal
Heavy rain, wind, storms, and atmospheric conditions can make normally stable channels break up temporarily.
Some stations are simply weaker
Different stations broadcast from different distances and power levels. It is normal for some channels to work while others pixelate.
Indoor antennas have limits
If you are more than about 20 to 25 miles from towers or inside a dense building, an attic or outdoor antenna may work much better. Also confirm the TV is on its antenna input, not an HDMI input.
Sources
- FCC – Digital TV reception DTV.gov (2025)
- Samsung Support – TV Shows No Signal Message (2025)
- LG Support – Antenna and channel scan troubleshooting (2025)