When and How to Rescan Your TV for Antenna Channels

When and how to rescan your TV for antenna channels

Rescan when a channel goes missing, when a network moves to a different station in your area, and every time you move or reconnect the antenna. A rescan makes the TV search every channel again and rebuild its list, so it finds stations in their new place. It takes a few minutes from the TV's settings menu.

Updated Nov 6, 2026 · 6 sources

Why do antenna channels move?

The channel number on your screen is a label. Behind it, each station broadcasts on a physical frequency, and stations sometimes change that frequency. Between 2017 and July 13, 2020, the FCC moved 987 full-power and Class A stations to new frequencies to free up airwaves for wireless service (TV Technology). Your TV saved the old frequencies, so it can't find a moved station until you scan again.

Networks also change stations. In Atlanta, CBS moved from WANF (46.1) to WUPA (69.1) on August 2, 2025 (AJC). In Birmingham, CBS programming moved to WVTM 13 on August 1, 2026 (Bham Now), one of several affiliation moves that took effect that day (The Desk). When a network moves, the shows you watch are on a different channel number, and a new station may not be in your saved list.

When should you rescan?

A channel you used to get has gone missing or shows no signal.
You hear that a network or station in your area is changing channels.
You moved, re-aimed or reconnected the antenna. Antennas Direct says to scan every time you move or reconnect it (Antennas Direct).
You added a splitter, amplifier or filter to the cable.

Each city page lists recent changes for that area under "Lost a channel?"

How do you rescan?

Make sure the antenna is connected and, if it has a power cable, plugged in.
Open the TV's settings and find the channel scan. Brands name it differently: Samsung calls it Auto Program, LG calls it Auto Tuning, and Roku TV calls it Scan for channels.
Choose Antenna (or Air), start the scan, and leave the TV alone until it finishes.

Menu paths for six brands are in our antenna setup guide.

Does a rescan erase your channel list?

On many TVs, yes. Samsung says Auto Program deletes the existing channel list and saves the newly scanned channels (Samsung Support). Any channel you can still receive comes back. Favorites or hidden channels you set up may need to be set again.

What if the channel is still missing after a rescan?

The station may be in a different direction or farther away than your other channels, or it may broadcast on VHF, which some indoor antennas receive poorly. Check the station's direction and band on your city page, adjust the antenna, and scan again. The signal guide covers the next steps.

Questions

Why did a channel disappear from my antenna TV?

Usually because the station changed frequency or a network moved to a different station in your area. Rescan your TV so it finds the new channel. If the channel is still missing, the signal may be weak where you are.

Will rescanning delete my channels?

On some TVs, yes. Samsung says Auto Program deletes the existing channel list and saves the newly scanned channels. Any channel you can still receive comes back in the new list.

Do I need to rescan if I have cable or satellite?

This guide is about TVs connected to an antenna. A cable or satellite box gets its channel lineup from the provider.

How often should I rescan?

Whenever a channel goes missing, when you hear that a station or network is changing channels in your area, and every time you move or reconnect your antenna.