How to Connect an Antenna to an LG Smart TV & Auto Tune

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Connecting an over-the-air antenna to your LG Smart TV lets you watch local broadcast channels in high definition for free, without a cable or satellite subscription. This guide walks you through physically connecting the antenna, selecting the correct input, and running the auto-tuning (channel scan) so your TV finds every available channel in your area.

What You’ll Need

An over-the-air (OTA) antenna (indoor or outdoor) with a coaxial cable attached.
Your LG Smart TV with a coaxial RF input (usually labeled “ANT IN” or “CABLE/ANT”).
Your LG remote control.
Optional: a coaxial cable splitter or amplifier if you have multiple TVs or a weak signal.

Step-by-Step

Position the antenna. Place your antenna near a window or as high as possible, ideally facing the direction of local broadcast towers. For indoor antennas, a wall or window position usually works best. If you have an outdoor antenna, ensure it is securely mounted and pointed toward the towers.
Connect the coaxial cable. Take the coaxial cable from the antenna and screw it onto the RF connector on the back of your LG TV. The connector is typically labeled “ANT IN” or “CABLE/ANT.” Tighten it finger-tight—do not overtighten.
Turn on the TV. Press the power button on your LG remote or the TV itself. Wait for the TV to fully boot up.
Press the “Home” or “Smart” button. On most LG Smart TVs, this is a button with a house icon or the LG logo. It opens the home dashboard.
Select the “Live TV” or “Antenna” input. Navigate to the “Live TV” tile (or “Antenna TV” depending on your model) and press OK. If you don’t see it, go to the input/source list (usually by pressing the “Input” button on the remote) and choose “Antenna” or “TV.”
Open the settings menu. Once the antenna input is active, press the “Settings” gear icon on the remote (or the “⋮” more button) and select “All Settings” or “Channel” from the menu.
Navigate to channel tuning. In the settings, look for “Channels,” “Channel Tuning,” or “Programme Tuning.” On newer LG webOS models, it’s under “All Settings > Channels > Channel Tuning.”
Select “Auto Tuning” (or “Auto Scan”). Choose “Auto Tuning” from the list. If prompted, select “Antenna” as the source (not cable).
Start the scan. Press “Start” or “OK” to begin. The TV will scan all available frequencies. This can take 2–10 minutes depending on your area and the number of channels.
Wait for completion. When the scan finishes, the TV will display the number of channels found. Press “OK” or “Done” to exit. Your channels are now saved and accessible from the Live TV input.

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong input. Make sure you select “Antenna” and not “Cable” during the auto-tuning setup. If you choose cable, the TV will search for cable channels and find none.
Not positioning the antenna well. Indoor antennas placed behind the TV or near metal objects often get poor reception. Move it to a window or higher location.
Loose or damaged coaxial connection. A loose connection can cause intermittent signal loss. Ensure the cable is screwed on securely and the cable itself is not damaged.
Skipping the rescan after moving the antenna. If you reposition the antenna, you must rerun auto-tuning to find channels that may have become available or lost.
Ignoring the need for a preamp. If you live far from broadcast towers, a simple indoor antenna may not be enough. A powered amplifier can boost the signal.

Tips

Find your local towers. Use a website like AntennaWeb or the FCC’s DTV reception maps to see which direction your broadcast towers are and what channels you should expect.
Rescan periodically. Broadcasters occasionally change frequencies or add new channels. Rescanning every few months ensures you get all available channels.
Use a signal meter. Some LG TVs have a built-in signal strength meter in the channel settings. Use it to fine-tune your antenna’s position for the strongest signal.
Consider a distribution amplifier. If you have multiple TVs, a distribution amplifier can split the signal without significant loss.
Keep the antenna away from other electronics. Interference from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or other devices can degrade reception.

Troubleshooting

No channels found. If the scan finds zero channels, first check the antenna connection. Then try repositioning the antenna—move it to a window, higher up, or closer to the direction of the towers. If you have an outdoor antenna, check for damage or a loose connection.
Some channels missing or pixelated. This usually indicates a weak signal. Adjust the antenna direction slightly, or consider a more powerful antenna or a preamplifier. Rescan after any adjustment.
TV says “No Signal” on the antenna input. Ensure you have selected the correct input (Antenna/TV) and that the antenna is connected. Also, make sure the TV is not on a different input like HDMI.
Auto-tuning option is grayed out. This can happen if you are not on the antenna input. Switch to the Live TV input first, then access the channel settings.
Channels disappear after a power outage. Some TVs lose stored channels. Simply rerun auto-tuning after the power is restored.
Signal drops during bad weather. This is common with outdoor antennas. Wait for the weather to improve, or consider a weather-resistant antenna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special antenna for an LG Smart TV?

No. Any standard over-the-air antenna with a coaxial connection will work. LG TVs have a built-in tuner, so you don’t need a separate box.

Why is my LG TV not finding channels?

Most likely the antenna is not positioned well or the signal in your area is weak. Try moving the antenna to a window, higher up, or closer to the broadcast towers. Also, make sure you selected “Antenna” (not cable) during the scan.

How often should I rescan for channels?

It’s a good idea to rescan every few months, as broadcasters sometimes change frequencies or add new channels. Also rescan after moving the antenna.

Can I watch both antenna and streaming channels on my LG TV?

Yes. Antenna channels appear in the Live TV input, while streaming apps are accessible from the home dashboard. You can switch between them anytime.

Does the LG Magic Remote work for channel tuning?

Yes, the Magic Remote can navigate the menu and control the tuning process. You can also use the number buttons to directly enter a channel number.

Will I get 4K channels over the antenna?

Some broadcasters are testing ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) which supports 4K. If your LG TV supports ATSC 3.0 and you have a compatible antenna, you may receive 4K channels. Check your TV’s specifications.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.