Have you ever experienced the Virgin Media channels not available error and you can’t be too sure what’s causing it?
If you’re constantly knackered about this and you can’t get to an ultimate solution, don’t worry, because that’s what we’ll be focusing on.
We’re sure that our tutorial will be your go-to if you encounter this again in the future!
In fact, you wouldn’t be able to find another guide that’ll teach you the fix to this dilemma in a comprehensive manner.
To get back the channels that aren’t available or missing, check your existing subscription first and make sure that your package is equipped with the channels you’re looking for. Then, ensure that the problem isn’t with Virgin Media’s end (outage or network interruption).
Double-check if all connections are plugged in tightly and perform a reboot of the TV box. Lastly, retune the channels on your Virgin Media box.
Whether you’re using a TiVo box, a 360 box, or a standard Virgin Media box, you’ll find our guide beneficial to your dilemma.
In anticipation of the fix process, it’s important to get to an understanding of what’s causing this problem.
Why Are Some Virgin Media Channels Not Working/Available?
This particular problem may come in many forms. You could suddenly just not see channels available, they might not load, or they might skip when you perform a scan.
In other instances, you could see “Virgin Media channels coming soon” instead of the network you’re trying to access, and many more.
The point is simple – you’re missing channels and the goal here is to access the channels that are part of your package.
But what’s making this error in the first place? Where could the problem come from?
- Your subscription doesn’t include the channels you’re looking for
- There’s a network outage
- Loose or improperly plugged cables
- Unpleasant weather conditions
- The box needs a retune
- Hardware issues/concerns
These points and instances are among the most common reasons why you’re unable to see and access programmes and channels on your Virgin TV service.
So, before concluding that the telly is the one causing all this, let’s now tackle the troubleshooting steps you can do to fix this particular problem!
Complete Steps in Fixing “Virgin Media Channels Not Available”
Follow this guide accurately and we can guarantee that the missing or unavailable channels on your service will be restored!
Step #1: Take a Look at Your Subscription
Are you sure that the programmes and channels you’re looking for are a part of your package?
Many VM clients had this issue without them being aware that the package they had previously expired or they accidentally modified it.
So, the first thing you want to do is to check what subscription you’re under. Doing this will give you the knowledge of the channels available that you can watch on your telly!
There are various ways of figuring this out, but the best and most recommended would be to check it online (for real-time results).
- Open a browser and access My Virgin Media.
- Log into your profile/account and navigate to My Virgin Media TV Package.
- From there, you’ll be able to see what package you’re subscribed to.
- Then, access the TV channels list bysearching Virgin TV Channels on the same site.
NOTE: You can also use the My Virgin app to find and figure out what package you’re on.
From there, you can use the Search function on the browser or the app to locate the channels in question.
You’ll be able to see what specific channels are available and identify whether it’s in the package or not.
Step #2: Check Your Virgin Media Service Status
After that, you want to check the status of your service and see if there’s an ongoing issue or outage.
You can contact VM’s customer support team to inquire, but, if you don’t want to wait long queues, you can use Virgin Media’s Service Status facility instead.
Here’s the process of how you can run a test to identify the status of your service:
- On your browser, access Virgin Service Status Page.
- This will redirect you to the service status facility.
- You’ll be given the option to sign in or just check the status in your area.
- When you’re done filling out the necessary information, choose the service you want to test.
- Wait for the tests to finish to find out if you’re under an outage-stricken area or not.
NOTE: It’s advised to do the test twice to avoid misinformation or positive/negative results.
Step #3: Plug All Wires and Cables Properly
Should there be no problem with the service itself, the next step to perform is to ensure that all wires, cables, or any other type of connection are plugged properly.
Yes, these cables aren’t touched, moved, or manipulated. However, they’re part of technology, and therefore, loosening is a common feat.
What you want to do in this step is to check all cables connected to and from the box. In most cases, they would just be the coaxial cable, HDMI cable, power cord/cable.
To further this step, you can detach the wires and cables completely, and then reattach them again.
NOTE: When you plug them back in again or reconnect them, make sure that you hear the “click”. Moreover, the wires shouldn’t be loose when you reconnect them.
Step #4: Power Cycle Your Box
After that, perform a reboot or a power cycle of your Virgin Media box. Now, the process of which will depend on the type of box you’re using.
However, the generally accepted way to do so would be:
- If your box has a [PWR] button, toggle it/turn it off.
- Otherwise, go to step 3, which is…
- Unplug the box from power completely.
- Wait it out for two (2) to three (3) minutes.
- Power the box on again.
NOTE: If your box can be controlled via remote, you can turn it off via remote, but make sure that you unplug it from electricity.
Step #5: Retune the Channels Manually
Lastly, you want to perform a manual retuning of the channels.
There could just have been a problem with the tuning of the channels and performing the rescan manually could be the solution.
To do the manual retune, follow these steps:
- On your clicker, press [HOME].
- Then, scroll left or right (or up and down) until you see Help/Help & Settings.
- From there, select Virgin TV.
- Atop the screen, you will see TV Care, select OK.
- Highlight Missing Channels, and then click on Refresh My Channels List.
This process could take anywhere between five (5) to ten (10) minutes, so be patient.
NOTE: DO NOT turn the box off when you’re retuning. Doing so could tamper with the reception, which could worsen the scenario.
Some Channels Are Still Missing, What Should I Do?
Did you follow the troubleshooting steps but, to no avail, there are still channels missing? This could already be a hardware issue, and sadly, we wouldn’t be able to troubleshoot it alone.
So, you’d have to contact Virgin Media’s TV department. Help them understand what the situation is by informing them of the initial troubleshooting steps you’ve done.
They’ll be the ones to determine whether the solution is a replacement for the box or not.
Read Next: How To Downgrade Virgin Media Package?
Conclusion
When you find that some Virgin Media channels are not available, don’t panic! Normally, you wouldn’t be required to seek technical help for it, because it can be solved and fixed from your end!
If some Virgin Media channels are not working, check your package to see if what you’re accessing is part of it. Then, check the service status and perform a reboot or a restart of the box. After that, ensure that there are no loose cables and perform a retune to realign your package.
With this tutorial, you can comprehensively skim through the possible causes without the need to identify them completely!
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.
