A channel scan allows your TCL Android TV to find and save free over-the-air channels available through a connected antenna.

Note: Menu names and remote buttons may vary slightly by TV model and software version.

Before You Start

• Connect the antenna cable firmly to the TV’s coaxial port, usually labeled CABLE/ANT.
• If you use an amplifier or splitter, temporarily connect the antenna directly to the TV.
• Place an indoor antenna near a window or as high as practical.

Why this matters: A secure, direct connection and good antenna placement give the TV the strongest available signal during the scan.

If you use a cable or satellite box connected through HDMI, you do not need to scan for channels. Select the HDMI input connected to the box instead.

Run the Channel Scan

• Using your TCL Android TV remote, select the Inputs icon.
• Select Antenna TV, then press OK.

Why this matters: Selecting Antenna TV tells the television to use its built-in tuner instead of an HDMI device or streaming app.

• If you see “No channel found, please press OK on your remote to scan,” press OK.
• If another confirmation message appears, press OK again.

Why this matters: These prompts open the channel-scanning settings when no antenna channels are currently saved.

When the Channel Scan settings appear, select:

• Country/Region: United States
• Automatic Search: On or Start
• Tuner Mode: Antenna
• Channel Type: Digital

Why this matters: These settings tell the TV to search automatically for digital over-the-air broadcasts available in your region.

The TV will display the scan percentage and number of channels found. Do not turn off the TV or disconnect the antenna during the scan.

When the scan reaches 100%, select Finish.

Why this matters: Allowing the scan to finish ensures the TV checks the complete broadcast range and saves every channel it can detect.

The TV will return to Antenna TV, where you can begin watching the channels found.

If No Channels Are Found

Check the Antenna Connection

Make sure the coaxial cable is securely connected to the TV’s CABLE/ANT port.

Why this matters: A loose connection can prevent the tuner from receiving a broadcast signal.

Reposition the Antenna

Move an indoor antenna higher, closer to a window, or in a different direction.

Why this matters: Walls, nearby electronics, building materials, and distance from local broadcast towers can weaken reception.

Scan Again

Run another channel scan after changing the antenna’s location or direction.

Why this matters: The TV only saves channels detected during the current scan. A stronger signal may allow it to find additional channels.

Confirm the Scan Settings

Verify that you selected:

• Tuner Mode: Antenna
• Channel Type: Digital

Why this matters: Selecting the wrong tuner mode may cause the TV to search for a signal type that is not connected.

If channels appear but freeze, break up, or disappear, the antenna signal may be weak. Try another antenna location or, if necessary, an antenna designed for stronger reception.

Channel availability depends on your location, antenna type, antenna placement, signal strength, and local broadcast coverage.

View the Antenna TV Program Guide

While watching Antenna TV:

• Press the Menu or Options button on the remote.
• Select Channel.
• Select EPG.

Use the directional buttons to browse programs. Highlight a channel and press OK to watch it.

Why this matters: The Electronic Program Guide, or EPG, displays available scheduling information provided by local broadcasters.

Button names and menu options may vary by model.

Set Up Live TV Pause

Live TV Pause allows you to pause and resume a digital program received through the antenna. It does not pause streaming apps or programming from HDMI devices.

You will need:

• An antenna with digital channels already scanned
• A USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 flash drive with at least 16 GB of storage

To set it up:

• Connect the flash drive to the TV’s USB port.
• Open the Antenna TV input.
• Press the Options button on the remote.
• Select Live TV Pause.
• Follow the USB Drive Setup wizard.
• Select Auto, then select Next or press the Right arrow.
• Wait for setup to finish, then select Finish.

Why this matters: The TV uses the USB drive to temporarily record the broadcast, allowing you to pause and resume playback.

If Live TV Pause does not appear, the feature or menu option may not be available on your TV model.

You’re Ready to Watch

Once the channel scan is complete, use the Antenna TV input to watch available local broadcasts. If channels are missing or unreliable, adjust the antenna and scan again. Contact TCL Support if the TV cannot detect any channels after you have confirmed the connection, antenna placement, and scan settings.