Roku TV antenna channels missing? Here’s a way to bring them back! The majority of factors causing this problem can be easily identified through inspection of your Roku TV setup.
Remain invested in our guide to understand everything about the problem!
When Roku TV antenna channels aren’t appearing, it’s probably because the antenna’ signal is getting interrupted by bad weather conditions.
On the other hand, improper Roku TV settings management and issues with the hardware could also be the culprit.
Why Did My TV Antenna Lost Channels?
Let’s unwrap the reasons why a TV antenna loses its channels:
- The antenna’ signal is weak or non-existent
- The orientation of your antenna is improper
- Bad weather is greatly impacting the signal
- Large proximity from the broadcast tower
- Outdated Roku TV firmware version (OS)
- Unplanned changes in the channel package
- There are active signal regional restrictions
How to Add Antenna Channels On Roku?
Connect your antenna to a Roku TV and press the Home button on your Roku remote, then simply select “Antenna TV” and choose “Setup Input”.
The scanning process takes time based on the signal of your Roku TV antenna so avoid interrupting the tune.
Info: Roku users reported that simply re-scanning for channels through their Roku TV managed to solve the issue and restore the missing channels.
Roku TV Antenna Channels Missing – The Solution!
Follow the steps in order to identify the culprit and prevent its occurrence in the future!
Wait Out Bad Weather!
The main protagonist of this problem is a weakened antenna signal. What primarily weakens the signal reaching your antenna are bad weather conditions in your area.
Those include severe wind, a loud thunderstorm, and heavy rain.
Though satellite signal is not easily interfered with, inclemencies in the climate surely impact the signal so you would need to wait, in case of bad weather.
Note: Receive info about the weather from your local weather program readings!
Power Cycle the Roku TV
Perhaps, your Roku TV antenna failed to complete the scanning the first time and some of the channels got lost in the process.
This is why our next step would be to power cycle the Roku TV and, respectively the antenna.
Here’s how to reboot your Roku TV:
- Use the remote to turn off the TV.
- Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the Roku TV to power.
- Turn on Roku and scan for channels.
Reminder: Check the correct steps for adding antenna channels to Roku above!
Check the Antenna’s Connection
The next very important thing we should check is the connection between your Roku TV and satellite antenna.
A coaxial cable is used to connect an antenna with display devices, such as Roku, hence this is the point of interest.
Here’s how to inspect your antenna’s cable connecting to Roku:
- Unplug the coaxial cable from the port on your Roku TV.
- Also, disconnect the other cable end from the antenna.
- Thoroughly inspect the cable and ports for damages.
- Watch out for:
- Rips, cuts, live wires, bent connectors, burnt pieces, and obstructed ports!
Note: Avoid using damaged coaxial cable, and acquire a replacement as soon as possible.
Update your Roku Firmware
If the firmware of your Roku is outdated, some of the channels may not be compatible with your device.
That’s why we must upgrade the firmware of your Roku if a newer version is available, which will bring back the channels and improve the device’s compatibility.
- Your Roku must be connected to the internet in order to download an update!
Here’s how to update the firmware of your Roku TV:
- Enter the “Settings” tab using your Roku TV remote.
- Highlight “System” and select “System Update”.
- Press on “Check for Update” and remain patient.
Info: Once the checker concludes, you’ll be granted the option to update your Roku TV.
Adjust the Antenna Orientation
Your antenna may be pointing toward an incorrect destination, making the signal weak, which surely impacts the Roku channel scan.
It’s mandatory for the TV antenna to point towards a source signal, in most cases, a broadcast tower.
Some digital antennas have the option to display signal strength while in “Test Mode”. Less innovative models do not have such an indicator and cannot tell you which direction is correct.
Here’s how to adjust your antenna correctly:
- Tip: Use Google to find information for your local area.
- Find where the location of the closest broadcast tower.
- Note the coordinates of the tower or the true direction.
- Point your antenna towards the following coordinates.
- Optional: Place your antenna near a window or terrace!
Reminder: When the orientation of your Roku TV antenna is corrected, scan for channels!
Use or Remove Antenna Amplifiers!
Third-party appliances, such as antenna amplifiers are designed to boost the signal strength but can sometimes impact the functionality in a negative way.
It’s essential to perform a raw test on the Roku TV antenna by removing implemented third-party devices and then scanning.
In contrast, the signal of your raw Roku TV antenna might be too weak to discover all channels, hence with an antenna amplifier, you’ll overcome this hurdle.
Top Recommendation: We strongly recommend purchasing a reliable amplifier for the antenna on your Roku TV such as GE Digital Antenna Amplifier for optimal performance!
Comply with Regional Restrictions
The regional restrictions may apply in certain areas, where content viewing is limited.
Well, for some channels that are missing after the scan, this might be the reason why.
The limitations are formed due to inappropriate content that does not comply with the country’s restrictions.
- The regional channel restrictions are shown in the broadcast’s info!
Easy Way To Test:
All you need to do is connect the Roku TV antenna to your old TV and tune for channels. In case the same lineup of channels is missing on the old TV as well, then the query is cleared.
Tip: Try to recall and implement the same tunning settings as during the Roku TV scanning!
Inspect Changes in your TV Subscription!
If recent changes have been made to your TV subscription, the missing channels may have been actually “locked”.
Satellite TV providers typically limit the user’s content when there are stacked unpaid dues.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to get in touch with your provider and discuss the changes in your subscription. They might help you solve the issue in no time!
System Reset the Roku TV
One of the most powerful ways to solve antenna issues in your Roku TV is to perform a Factory Reset, which will cleanly reinstall the TV’s operating system.
This method is most-convenient when the channel scan (tunning) process is failing, keeps interrupting, or not working at all.
Alert: All content, settings, features, and apps will be erased from your Roku TV
Here are the simple steps to perform a system reset on Roku TV:
- Press “Home” on your Roku remote.
- Go to Settings and select “System”.
- Choose “Advanced System Settings”.
- Press the “Factory Reset” option.
- Select “Factory Reset Everything”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: Upon the reset’s completion, you’ll be sent back to the initial setup of your Roku TV.
Roku TV Antenna – Available (Free) Channels!
When you connect an antenna to your Roku TV, in the US you should receive free “over the air” channels from all major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, and FOX).
To learn more, check the table with a rough determination of all US states, which are furthest away from a radio tower.
| CBS | ABC | NBC | PBS | FOX | |
| Alaska | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Montana | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| New Mexico | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nevada | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Arizona | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wyoming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
As you can see, even though these states are furthest from a radio (broadcast) tower, all major networks are supported throughout the entirety of the US.
Hence, using an antenna with a Roku TV is a great alternative when you don’t have an internet connection to enjoy the inbuilt apps.
Quick Recap:
Here we’ve learned that Roku TV antenna channels missing could be due to regional restrictions or issues in the settings of your Roku.
Alongside that, the issue can be fixed by checking the antenna’s connection, rebooting your Roku, and doing a system reset.
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.