Symptoms
- Channel scan finds few or no channels
- Some channels work but pixelate or drop out
- Channels that worked before are now missing
- "No signal" or "weak signal" message appears
Likely causes
- CommonAntenna not scanned or positioned correctlyAntennas need a clear line of sight-ish path to broadcast towers, and even small position changes affect reception.
- CommonLoose or damaged coaxial cable connectionA loose connector at the antenna or TV can cause partial or total signal loss.
- PossibleBroadcast towers changed frequencies (repack)Stations occasionally change frequencies, requiring a fresh channel rescan to find them again.
- PossibleAntenna is underpowered or damaged for your distance from towersA basic indoor antenna may not reach towers that are far away or blocked by terrain and buildings.
What to do
- Check that the coaxial cable is firmly connected at both the antenna and the TV.
- Run a new channel scan from the TV's tuner settings menu, since stations change frequencies periodically.
- Reposition the antenna near a window, higher up, or away from other electronics, then rescan.
- Use a free online tool to check which broadcast towers are near your address and their direction.
- If reception is inconsistent, try a higher-gain or outdoor antenna suited to your distance from towers.
- Rule out cable damage by trying a different coaxial cable.
- If nearby buildings or terrain block signal, an outdoor or attic-mounted antenna will perform better than an indoor one.
Tools and parts
Indoor or outdoor TV antennaSearch: “digital TV antenna for over the air channels”
When to call a pro
For a permanent outdoor or attic antenna installation, a professional installer can ensure proper mounting and grounding.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.