Short answer: first check the Freeview Channel Checker for engineering work or faults at your transmitter. If there is no outage, do an automatic retune (often called first-time installation). If channels are still missing – or you are getting another region’s news – do a manual retune using the channel numbers for your transmitter from Freeview’s detailed transmitter information page.
Why Freeview channels go missing
- Engineering work or a transmitter fault – often temporary and affecting a whole area.
- Channel changes – broadcasters periodically move channels or change frequencies, and your TV needs a retune to find them.
- Tuned to the wrong transmitter – your TV picked up a different transmitter, giving you missing channels or the wrong regional programmes.
- Aerial or cable problems – a damaged lead, loose connector, weather-damaged or misaligned aerial.
- Too much or too little signal – unnecessary amplifiers or splitters can overload the tuner or weaken the signal.
- Interference – including from 4G mobile broadband in some areas.
Step 1: check for an outage
Enter your postcode and house number into the Freeview Channel Checker on the Freeview website. It shows which channels you should receive and flags planned maintenance, transmitter faults and live issues. If there is work going on, waiting is often the only fix. Retuning during an outage may not find the affected channels, so wait until the work is finished before retuning.
Step 2: do an automatic retune
- Press Menu or Settings on your remote.
- Look for Set-up, Installation, Channels or Broadcasting.
- Choose Auto Tuning, First-time installation or a similar full retune (not “update channels” or “add channels”).
- If asked for a PIN, Freeview says the default is usually 0000 or 1234.
- Confirm that existing channels will be deleted and let the scan finish.
Freeview warns that a retune can delete channel favourites and scheduled recordings, so make a note of them. Existing recordings should be kept.
Step 3: do a manual retune
A manual retune makes your TV tune to a specific transmitter. It is the fix Freeview recommends when an automatic retune does not restore channels, or when you are getting the wrong regional programmes.
- Open Freeview’s Detailed transmitter information page and enter your postcode and house number. Your most likely transmitter is shown at the top.
- In the Coverage Prediction table, find the channel numbers in the “Now” row, under the columns marked “N”.
- On your TV, open the installation menu and choose Manual tuning or Manual search.
- Enter each channel number in turn, from the first group (BBC A) through to the last, and scan after each one.
- Press Menu or Exit when you have entered them all.
The exact menu names vary by manufacturer. Manual tuning is usually next to the automatic option – check your TV’s manual if you cannot find it.
Getting another region’s news?
If you see BBC One from the wrong region, check the 800s in your programme guide first – Freeview says your preferred regional channels may already be there, and you can save them to favourites. If not, a manual retune to your local transmitter is the fix.
Step 4: check the aerial and cables
- Make sure the aerial lead is undamaged and pushed firmly into the TV’s RF In or Antenna socket.
- Remove amplifiers and splitters you do not need, then retune.
- Look at your outdoor aerial – if it has moved, compare its direction with neighbours’ aerials.
- If you share an aerial in a flat, ask neighbours whether their reception is fine and contact your landlord or management company if not.
Safety: do not climb onto a roof or use a ladder near overhead power lines to adjust an aerial. Use a qualified aerial installer for anything outside the home.
Step 5: reset the TV’s tuner or the TV
If channels are still missing, Freeview suggests clearing the device’s memory or resetting it. Some TVs let you reset only the channel list; a full factory reset will also remove apps and settings.
Still missing? Your options
- Call the Freeview Advice Line on 03456 505050 (Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm, according to Freeview’s website).
- Get a qualified aerial installer to check your set-up.
- Watch the same channels over the internet. Newer smart TVs with Freely can stream live channels over broadband, and catch-up apps cover most programmes after they air. Our Freeview vs Freesat vs streaming guide compares the ways to watch.
FAQ
Why have I suddenly lost Freeview channels?
Most often because of engineering work, a channel change that needs a retune, or a problem with the aerial or cable. Check the Freeview Channel Checker first.
Why are channels missing after a retune?
The TV may have tuned to a different transmitter, or the retune happened during an outage. Do a manual retune using your local transmitter’s channel numbers once any outage is over.
How often should I retune my TV?
Whenever your TV prompts you, when channels go missing, or after Freeview announces channel changes.
Sources and further help
- Freeview: Reception, picture and channels troubleshooting guide
- Freeview: How to do a manual retune
- Freeview: I’m receiving programming for a different region