The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If TV channels disappeared after an antenna scan, first clear the receiver’s saved channel data: scan once with the antenna disconnected, unplug the TV or converter for at least one minute, reconnect everything, then scan again. If a channel is still missing, check whether its station changed frequencies and try improving antenna placement before buying new equipment.
How to clear old channel data with a double rescan
The FCC describes a “double rescan” for cases where a receiver may have retained channel information from an earlier scan. Its consumer alert dates to June 15, 2009; menu names and scan steps can vary by TV or converter, so follow the on-screen prompts or the device manual.
- Disconnect the antenna. Unplug the antenna cable from the TV or converter.
- Run a scan without the antenna attached. Use the device’s channel-scan instructions. The receiver should find no antenna channels.
- Power-cycle the receiver. Unplug the TV or converter from power for at least one minute.
- Reconnect and scan again. Attach the antenna, restore power, and run another channel scan.
This sequence can remove saved information that no longer matches a station’s broadcast frequency; it is not a guarantee that every missing channel will return. FCC double-rescan guidance
Why a station can disappear while its channel number stays the same
A station’s displayed channel number does not necessarily reveal the frequency it broadcasts on. A station can move to a different frequency while keeping the same number on screen. An antenna viewer may need to rescan so the TV recognizes the new frequency. The FCC’s February 4, 2019 announcement described station moves during a particular transition; its historical notice schedule does not establish that a station near you is moving now.
#1 Best Overall
- UNIVERSAL TV ANTENNA COMPATIBILITY — Works with all TV and antenna brands and supports HDTV, VHF and UHF broadcasts as well as 1080p HD, 4K Ultra HD and NEXTGEN TV (ATSC 3.0) technologies
- PUREAMP SIGNAL BOOSTING — Integrated amplifier with built-in 4G/5G LTE filter helps reduce cell phone interference and improve reception quality for available HDTV, VHF and UHF channels
- LOW-NOISE SIGNAL AMPLIFIER — Helps offset cable loss, minimize reception dropouts and strengthen signals already being received by compatible over-the-air TV antennas
- QUICK, TOOL-FREE INSTALLATION — Connects easily between your antenna and TV using standard coaxial connections; includes AC power adapter for convenient indoor use
- NEXTGEN TV READY — Compatible with ATSC 3.0 technology to support current and future over-the-air television standards where available
If the rescan did not help, check the affected station’s own current announcements or local station information for a frequency change or broadcast-status update. Without your location and the station name, it is not possible to identify a specific change.
Improve reception before replacing the antenna
Try a different position
Move the antenna higher if possible and farther from nearby objects or structures, then scan again. The FCC says repositioning can improve reception in some cases. A reception map can help you understand predicted signal availability, but it is only an estimate: the FCC map assumes an outdoor antenna 30 feet above ground, and actual reception can differ because of terrain, buildings, trees, weather, and receiving equipment. Indoor reception can vary substantially. FCC DTV reception map
Rank #2
- Enhanced Replacement for Ulta-Mini Model CM-3414
- 4 Output Ports - Splits TV Antenna Signals to Four Rooms While Boosting Signals. (Replaces standard four-way splitters and improves signal)
- Works With All Indoor or Outdoor TV Antennas - Can Be Installed Indoor, Outdoor or in Attic Due to its Compact Size and Heavy-Duty Weatherproof Housing.
- Designed and Optimized Exclusively for TV Antennas (Not Compatible with Cable and Satellite TV Signals)
- Improves Signal Strength, Decreases Pixelation and May Increase Number of Channels
Check VHF and UHF capability if a channel remains missing
If you are considering different equipment, check whether your existing antenna can receive the relevant broadcast band before replacing it. FCC guidance says an antenna should support both VHF and UHF when stations in both bands are relevant. The FCC’s 2009 letter used channels 2–13 for VHF and 14–51 for UHF in its historical context; those labels should not be treated as a current station-by-station assignment list. FCC antenna guidance
A VHF/UHF antenna is a conditional option if your current antenna lacks the band needed for the missing station. No antenna type can guarantee reception at every home, and the FCC guidance does not establish that buying a new antenna will fix a channel lost because of stale scan data or a station change.
Rank #3
- FILTER 4G 5G LTE SIGNAL NOISE – This filter's TruAmp Technology blocks unwanted 4G/5G LTE cell phone and transmitter frequencies that can cause intermittent channel loss, pixilation and overall reception disruption while allowing lower 5-608MHz frequencies to pass through.
- COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR DEVICES – Designed to work with any TV, amplified TV antenna, coax cable or coax cable splitter, this LTE filter may be especially helpful in metropolitan and suburban areas with a high number of cell towers and mobile device users.
- NO HARDWARE OR POWER SUPPLY NEEDED - An F-type coax cable jack and port allow for easy in-line installation with your existing antenna setup – no hardware or external power supply is needed.
- WEATHERPROOF DESIGN – This compact filter is built to withstand the elements and can be used with indoor or outdoor antenna installations.
- U.S.-BASED TECHNICAL SUPPORT – Backed by a limited-lifetime replacement pledge and free U.S.-based technical support that is available Monday – Friday, 7AM-8AM, Central Time to assist with any questions or issues.
When another scan is unlikely to help
If you have completed the double rescan and the channel remains absent, repeated scans without changing anything are unlikely to address the underlying cause. Focus next on the station’s broadcast status or frequency and on reception conditions, including antenna position and band capability.
Pinpointing the cause in a particular home depends on the location, antenna setup, TV or converter model, and affected station. The FCC map’s prediction is not a guarantee of indoor reception at that address.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
