Do smart TVs have built-in digital antenna?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 09, 2026
Smart TVs have their own built-in antenna that can be used to watch local channels. You don't need to buy an external antenna. But if you want to watch more than one TV, you will need an external antenna for each TV. In most cases, it is a better idea to buy a single antenna that will work with multiple TVs.
Do new TVs have built-in digital antennas?
While pretty much every TV available can receive existing antenna broadcasts, only a handful of new 2020 and 2021 TVs have built-in NextGen TV tuners.
Do you still need an antenna with a Smart TV?
A Smart TV is a television that can be connected to the internet to access streaming media, such as Netflix. It can also run entertainment apps, internet music services, and web browsers. So, in this day and age many people ask, “Do I still need an antenna for my TV?” The short answer is: Yes!
Can a Smart TV get local channels without antenna?
Free local channels without a TV antenna
A number of local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations have their own apps available on Smart TVs and streaming devices. You can find these apps by doing a broad search for a station (e.g. NBC), or by searching for a station using its call sign.
Does a Samsung Smart TV have a built-in antenna?
As a general rule, no, Samsung TVs do not have built-in antennas. Though it's important to note that some of the newer models released in 2020 and 2021 are equipped with internal antennas.
22 related questions foundHow do I know if my TV has a built in antenna?
</p> <p>To find out if one of your TVs has a built-in digital tuner, check the owner's manual or the TV itself for one of these labels: </p> <ul> <li>integrated digital tuner</li> <li>digital receiver</li> <li>digital tuner</li> <li>DTV</li> <li>HDTV</li> <li>ATSC</li> </ul> <p>The following labels <strong><em>are not< ...
How can I watch local channels on my Samsung Smart TV without an antenna?
How Can I Get Local Channels If I Don't Have An Antenna?
- Get some cable.
- Online viewing.
- Install major network applications.
- Sign up for YouTube TV.
- View on YouTube.
How do I get over-the-air channels without an antenna?
If you don't want to use an antenna, there are several ways to stream your local network channels. The best options to stream local ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS are DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. They all offer a way to live stream major broadcast networks in nearly every market in the US.
How do you hook up an antenna to a smart TV?
Here's how to do it:
- Go to the Source menu. First, go to the Home menu, and navigate to the Source icon, on the far left. ...
- Connect your antenna. ...
- Select the source. ...
- Start scanning for channels. ...
- Complete the setup. ...
- Start watching live TV. ...
- Use the channel guide.
Do I need an antenna if my TV has a built in digital tuner?
Do I need an antenna if my TV has a built-in digital tuner? Yes, because the TV still needs something to receive the over-the-air signal. If you do not want to watch local over-the-air channels and only want to stream or watch something using a different device, you do not need an antenna.
How do I get free to air channels on my smart TV?
Set up the Live Channels app
- On your Android TV, go to the Home screen.
- Scroll down to the "Apps" row.
- Select the Live Channels app.
- If you can't find it, download it from the Play Store. ...
- Select the source you want to load channels from.
- After you load all the channels you want, select Done.
How can I get local channels on my LG smart TV without an antenna?
Sling TV, the US live streaming service, has added a feature that integrates free, local over-the-air (OTA) broadcast channels into the Sling TV guide on 2020 LG Smart televisions with webOS 5.0, without the need to switch inputs or applications.
Will a smart TV work without Internet connection?
Yes, your smart TV will work fine without an internet connection. You will be able to watch TV channels with a cable box or antenna, connect Blu-ray/DVD players, hook up speakers, etc – just like a regular TV. You will not, however, be able to use any of the video streaming apps that come with it.
Does my LG Smart TV have a built in antenna?
No, the TV does not have a built-in antenna. However, LG has a ton of free channels that are available to watch.
Which antenna is best for my Smart TV?
The best TV antennas you can buy today
- Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. Best TV antenna overall. ...
- Winegard Elite 7550 Outdoor HDTV Antenna. Best outdoor antenna. ...
- Mohu Leaf Metro. Best budget TV antenna. ...
- 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna. ...
- Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel Antenna. ...
- ClearStream MAX-V HDTV Antenna. ...
- Antop HD Smart Antenna SBS-301.
Where is the antenna on a Samsung Smart TV?
You can press Home, navigate to Source, and then select TV.
...
Connect a cable or antenna and scan for channels
- Select Air if you are using an antenna only.
- Select Cable if you are using a cable box only.
- Select Both if you are using an antenna and a cable box. You will get the most channels this way.
Why can't I get channels on my Samsung Smart TV?
If your Samsung TV is not getting all channels you wil need to go to the source menu and select 'TV' > then connect your antenna to the RF connector on the back of the TV and select 'Chanel Scan' > select either 'Air, Cable, or Both' and scan for all available channels that have a reliable signal.
How do I get analog channels on my Samsung Smart TV?
- 1 Click the Home button on your Samsung remote. Make sure the Antenna Cable is securely plugged into the TV or One Connect Box.
- 2 Select Settings.
- 3 Click on Expert Settings.
- 4 Choose Digital Channel Tuning.
- 5 Select the channel number you would like to search for and the frequency you would like to tune in, then Search.
Can I watch TV with just internet service?
Thanks to streaming, you don't need cable or satellite service anymore to watch all of the TV shows, movies, news and sporting events live or on-demand. And if you're used to your cable box's DVR, live TV streaming services offer cloud DVRs of their own that work in the same way, no box required.
How can you make a TV antenna?
The Paper Clip Antenna
If you live in an area with great over-the-air TV reception, a paper clip may be the first option you want to try. All you need to do is straighten out the paper clip and put it into the cable/antenna plug on your TV (that round connector you used to connect the cable outlet from your TV).
How can I get local channels on my Smart TV without cable?
How to watch local TV channels over the internet
- Purchase an HD antenna.
- Subscribe to the TV channel's app.
- Live TV streaming app subscription.
- Live stream local news online on their website.
- Watch the clips on Youtube.
Do smart TVs get local channels?
Can a smart TV get local channels? Smart TV services and features don't affect a TV's ability to get local stations. If you have cable or satellite service, you will continue to receive the same stations.
How do I know if my TV is digital or analog?
All DTV sets have such a labels or markings that may contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV" or "ATSC." If you can't find one of these logos, you have an analog television.
Do smart TVs need a digital converter box?
Do smart TVs need a converter box? Many modern Smart TVs do not require a digital converter box to receive a broadcast. However, it is best to read the fine print of the TV brand and model to find out whether or not you are going to need one.