How to Get Local Channels on a Smart TV Without an Antenna (2024)

Table of Contents
Watch Live Local Channels on a Smart TV: Easy Options Free Local TV Apps Cable Replacement Services Indoor TV Antennas Expert Q&A Video Tips About This Article Is this article up to date? FAQs References

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Watch your favorite local stations without an antenna or cable

Written byNicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: July 8, 2024Fact Checked

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  • Free Local TV Apps
    • |
  • Cable Replacement Services
    • |
  • Indoor TV Antennas
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Tips

Even though you can watch almost anything on Netflix, MAX, and Hulu, your streaming subscriptions don't usually offer local TV channels. But what if you have a smart TV and want to catch some local, over-the-air programming? Even if you don't have an antenna, there are still easy ways to get local channels on your smart TV. Read on to learn about our favorite options.

Watch Live Local Channels on a Smart TV: Easy Options

Without an antenna, you can watch local news and weather channels free through NewsON, Local Now, The Roku Channel, Zeam, or the channel's own app. Subscribe to a cable replacement service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for even more local channels.

Section 1 of 3:

Free Local TV Apps

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  1. 1

    NewsON. Watch local news channels on nearly any smart TV or streaming device with the free NewsON app. You can check out the channel list at https://corporate.newson.us/newson-channel-list/. Search your TV app store for "NewsON" to get started.

  2. 2

    HaystackNews. This free news app is available in nearly all smart TV app stores, including on Fire TV, Roku, LG, Hisense, Android, and Sony TVs. Once you download the app, create an account and select Local News to discover what's happening in your area. You can also tune in using a web browser at https://www.haystack.tv/localnews.

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  3. 3

    Local Now. Watch local news and weather on your Fire TV, Roku TV, Apple TV, or Android/Google TV by installing the Local Now app from your app store.[1] In addition to local news, you can also watch free movies and TV shows from their large library.

  4. 4

    The Roku Channel. If you have a Roku TV or streaming device and live in a major metropolitan area, you can watch local news and weather from FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC without installing any apps. Just select the Live TV tile on your home screen, or open The Roku Channel, press the Left button on your remote, and select Live TV.[2]

  5. 5

    Zeam. The Zeam app, available on Android/Google TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV, offers local news channels from many areas, even small towns, and gives you the option to watch local news from regions other than your own.

  6. 6

    Channel-specific apps. Search your smart TV's app store for your favorite channel. Many channels offer smart TV apps that allow you to watch live programming without an antenna. You can download apps from major broadcasters like CBS, NBC, and PBS, as well as smaller local channels exclusive to your area.

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Section 2 of 3:

Cable Replacement Services

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  1. 1

    YouTube TV. This popular cable TV replacement service brings over 100 live TV channels to your smart TV without an antenna, including many local channels.[3] To see which local channels you can watch with YouTube TV, go to https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/ and search for your zip code.

  2. 2

    Hulu + Live TV. A subscription gets you access to everything in Hulu's library, Disney+, live local channels without an antenna, and almost 100 other live and on-demand channels.[4] Find out which local channels you get with Hulu + Live TV at https://www.hulu.com/live-tv.

  3. 3

    Fubo. You can watch your local ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, Telemundo, and Univision channels with any of Fubo's base plans.[5] You'll have access to more than 100 other live channels and a cloud-based DVR service.[6]

  4. 4

    Sling. Depending on where you live, you may be able to watch local channels with a Sling subscription without an antenna—to find out, go to https://www.sling.com/programming/local-channels and search for your zip code. If local channels aren't available, Sling will send you a free HD antenna when you sign up.[7] And with plans starting as low as $20/month, it's definitely the most affordable cable replacement service.

  5. 5

    DIRECTV Stream. If it's regional sports channels you're after, DIRECTV Stream carries 30+ regional sports networks, as well as your local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and other channels.[8] Visit https://streamtv.directv.com/channels/ to find out which local channels are available through DIRECTV Stream.

  6. 6

    Paramount+. Subscribe to Paramount+ with Showtime to watch your local CBS channel live, as well as live sports and CBS News without an antenna.[9]

  7. 7

    Peaco*ck Premium Plus. Peaco*ck's most advanced streaming plan offers 24/7 live streaming of your local NBC channel.[10] If you just want to watch NBC programming—including Saturday Night Live as it airs—Peaco*ck Premium Plus is a great option.

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Section 3 of 3:

Indoor TV Antennas

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  1. Antennas aren't as big or expensive as they used to be. All TVs manufactured after 2007 have built-in digital tuners, which means all you'll need to do is connect a small indoor antenna to the TV to watch all your area's local programming.[11] While you may picture having to mount a giant antenna or dish outside your home to receive local channels over the air, modern digital antennas can easily be connected to your smart TV, and some can even pick up TV stations from nearly 1000 miles away.

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      Tips

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      About This Article

      How to Get Local Channels on a Smart TV Without an Antenna (21)

      Written by:

      Nicole Levine, MFA

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.

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      Co-authors: 3

      Updated: July 8, 2024

      Views:606

      Categories: Smart TV

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      How to Get Local Channels on a Smart TV Without an Antenna (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Get Local Channels on a Smart TV Without an Antenna? ›

      How do you get local channels on a smart TV without an antenna? Subscribe to one of the cable replacement streaming services such as Youtube TV, Hulu of Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, or Directv Stream. They all offer some or all local channels in most tv markets.

      Read On ›
      Why can't I get local channels on my smart TV? ›

      One of the most common reasons is that the TV is not properly configured to receive local channels. Please check your antenna. Ensure that your antenna is properly connected to your TV and is pointing in the right direction. You can also try moving your antenna to a different location to see if that helps.

      Know More ›
      Is there a free app to watch local TV channels? ›

      With AirTV, you can get over 100 FREE local channels.

      Explore More ›
      How to get channel 11 on smart TV without antenna? ›

      Sling. Depending on where you live, you may be able to watch local channels with a Sling subscription without an antenna—to find out, go to https://www.sling.com/programming/local-channels and search for your zip code. If local channels aren't available, Sling will send you a free HD antenna when you sign up.

      Know More ›
      What channels can you watch on a smart TV without an aerial? ›

      How do I get Freeview on my smart TV without an aerial? If you have a smart TV, you can download the Freeview Play app to watch live and catch-up content without an aerial. You can browse shows from iPlayer, All 4, ITV hub, UKTV Play and STV player all in one place.

      Discover More ›
      Can a smart TV pick up local channels without an antenna? ›

      While connecting a digital antenna is the most reliable way to tune into over-the-air channels, there are also free apps to stream local programming on demand. Major networks now provide access to both live and previous shows from local affiliates through dedicated smart TV apps.

      View More ›
      Does a smart TV have a built-in antenna? ›

      Alternatively you, may be able to download a free app or two from your TV's app store. While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free over-the-air channels.

      Continue Reading ›
      How to watch all channels for free on smart TV? ›

      The best way to watch free live TV on Android TV is by using a streaming device. The Chromecast, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick all have apps that allow you to easily stream free over-the-air TV with just a few taps. However, these devices aren't the only option for streaming free broadcast channels.

      See More ›
      How to watch free to air TV without an antenna? ›

      Setting up free-to-air apps and channels. How can we help? You can access live and on-demand free-to-air content on a Hubbl device with or without an aerial by signing in to free-to-air apps such as 7plus, 9Now, 10 Play, ABC iview and SBS On Demand. The channels will be available via the TV Guide.

      Show Me More ›
      Do I need an antenna for local channels? ›

      Watching local channels requires an HD antenna.

      Discover More Details ›

      What can I use instead of a TV antenna? ›

      You could try a wire coat hanger or electrical cord.

      Plug a coaxial cable into your TV's antenna port. Grab an insulated electrical cord (do not plug it in) or an unpainted wire coat hanger and set it on the ground next to the TV.

      Get More Info ›
      Can a smart TV work without internet? ›

      The short and simple answer is yes. One can use a smart TV without an internet connection, but there is a catch. It is inherently smart not just because it has internal processing power and a sophisticated UI, but because it uses internet to expand its capabilities.

      View Details ›
      Why is my smart TV not picking up channels? ›

      If you are experiencing picture break up or missing channels, your problem might be a reception problem and not due to interference. Therefore, you may just need to manually re-tune your television, this can often solve a number of common problems.

      Show Me More ›
      Why did my TV lose the local channels? ›

      Local channels are missing or have no signal when tuned to. Why is it Happening? This problem is typically caused by wiring or antenna signal issues.

      Read More ›
      Why is my TV not picking up free-to-air channels? ›

      Check your antenna connection and make sure it is securely plugged into the RF interface of your RF Receiver, and that the cables are in good condition. Check your TV settings and make sure the broadcast mode is set to digital, not analogue. Run the tuning function on your TV to scan for available channels.

      Get More Info Here ›

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