Are you having issues with your Freeview channels? Are you not getting the channels you expect, or are certain ones disappearing altogether? Don’t worry – with a few simple steps, you can get your Freeview channels back up and running again.
In this guide, We’ll walk you through the process of restoring your Freeview channels so you can get back to enjoying all your favourite shows. We’ll cover retuning your channels, checking your TV aerial and connections, amplifying the signal, and troubleshooting other common issues. With just a bit of time and patience, you’ll have your entire lineup of Freeview channels again in no time.
Step 1: Retune Your Channels
The first step to restoring your Freeview channels is to retune all channels entirely. This refreshes the channel listings and finds any new channels that may be available.
To retune:
- Grab your TV remote and go to the menu settings.
- Look for an option such as “Set Up” or “Installation”.
- Go into these and find the retuning option.
- Select to perform a full retune of the channels, which will then scan for available Freeview channels.
This process can take up to 10 minutes. Once completed, you may find missing channels have returned or new ones added. However, if some are still missing, don’t worry; we need to try some additional steps.
Step 2: Check Your Aerial and Connections
Since Freeview is broadcast over the air, having a working aerial and solid connection is vital. Check that your rooftop aerial is still securely installed and not obstructed by trees or other buildings.
Examine the coaxial cable running from the aerial into your home and make sure it’s still intact with no loose connections or water damage. Follow the cable to where it connects to the back of your TV or set-top box. Disconnect and reconnect the cable and aerial connections to reseat them firmly.
Finally, inspect the Freeview box or DTV input on your TV for any issues as well. Clean the input and double-check that the cable connections are snug. Just reseating cables can help restore signal and channels.
Step 3: Amplify the Signal
If you have checked your cabling and connections but are located far from the TV transmitter or have a weak signal, installing a signal amplifier can boost channels back into range.
You’ll need an amplified splitter that can handle UHF signals. Disconnect the existing cable from the back of your TV and connect it to the input of the amplifier instead. Use a short cable to then connect the amplifier output to your TV. Install an additional amplifier inline on your roof aerial if the signal is still poor.
With the amplifier powered on, redo the channel scan from Step 1. This should allow you to receive channels previously out of range without an amplifier. Position the amplifier near an electrical outlet so it stays powered on.
Step 4: Troubleshoot Other Issues
If you’ve retuned your channels, checked your cabling, and added amplification but still have some missing channels, a few other fixes may help restore your Freeview lineup:
- Adjust the placement of your aerial to point it towards the closest TV transmitter tower. Improving the line of sight to the tower can significantly boost the signal. Use online transmitter locators if you need help with the best direction.
- Rescan and update the channel list if you changed locations recently—channel availability changes based on distance to local transmitter towers.
- Check if the broadcaster (BBC, ITV, etc.) has transmitter issues in your region, causing channel disruptions. Technical issues can temporarily knock out channels.
- Weather like heavy rain or wind can temporarily degrade the signal until it passes. Wait it out!
- Outages from nearby construction equipment or vehicles can also disrupt Freeview signals until moved away.
Call In the Experts if Needed
If you continue having Freeview channel problems without explanation, your last resort may be calling a TV aerial specialist to inspect your cabling and aerials. They can troubleshoot issues you can’t identify yourself and offer professional advice on the best ways to capture Freeview channels reliably in your location.
The extra cost of hiring an expert is often worth it to finally get your entire lineup of channels back for good.
Get Back to Watching Freeview
With so many ways to watch TV these days, Freeview remains a popular and accessible option for accessing entertainment and public broadcasting channels. But problems can occasionally arise that knock some of your favourite Freeview channels offline.
Hopefully, this step-by-step guide has given you the key steps needed to restore your complete offering of Freeview channels. Following these tips to retune, check connections, amplify the signal, and troubleshoot other issues will have you back happily watching Freeview in no time.
