The basic steps to connect a TV to an aerial

Connecting your TV to an aerial is straightforward: plug the aerial cable into the RF input socket on the back of your TV, then run a channel scan. The RF input is a round socket marked "RF In", "Aerial In", or "TV In" — usually on the rear panel. Once the cable is connected, go to your TV's settings menu, find the channel or tuner section, and select "Auto Tune" or "Scan Channels". The TV will search for available broadcasts and store them in order.

If your TV has no RF input socket, you will need a digital TV tuner box (also called a set-top box or Freeview box). Plug the aerial into the tuner box, then connect the box to your TV using an HDMI cable or composite cables. The tuner box handles the broadcast signal and sends video to your TV.

Most modern TVs built after 2012 have a built-in tuner and will work with an aerial straight away. Older TVs, computer monitors, and some smart TVs sold outside the UK may not have a tuner and will require a separate box.

Key Takeaways

  • The aerial cable plugs into the RF input socket on the back of your TV, which is usually round and marked "Aerial In" or "TV In".
  • After connecting the cable, go to your TV's settings menu and run an automatic channel scan to find and store available broadcasts.
  • If your TV has no RF input socket, you will need a digital tuner box between the aerial and the TV.
  • The channel scan usually takes two to five minutes and will find all available channels in your area automatically.

Finding the RF input socket on your TV

The RF input socket is almost always on the back of the TV, usually in the lower right corner or along the bottom edge. It is a round socket about the size of a pencil eraser, with a threaded metal ring around it. Look for labels nearby that say "RF In", "Aerial In", "TV In", or "Antenna In". Some TVs have two sockets — one for aerial and one for satellite — so check the label to make sure you are using the right one.

If you cannot find an RF socket on the back, check the side panel or the bottom edge. On very old TVs, the socket may be on the front. If your TV has no RF socket at all, it does not have a built-in tuner and you will need a tuner box.

Connecting the aerial cable

The aerial cable has a connector on each end. One end plugs into your aerial (or wall socket if the aerial is wired into your home), and the other end screws into the RF input socket on your TV. The connector is threaded, so turn it clockwise until it is hand-tight — do not force it.

If the cable is too short to reach from the aerial to the TV, you can buy an extension cable from an electronics shop. These are cheap and come in lengths from 2 metres to 10 metres. Make sure the extension cable has the same type of connector on both ends as your existing cable.

If the aerial is mounted on your roof or outside wall, the cable usually runs through the wall into your home. If you do not know where this cable enters the house, or if it is damaged, you may need to call an aerial installer to run a new cable.

Running the channel scan

Once the cable is connected, turn on your TV and go to the settings menu. The exact path depends on your TV brand, but it is usually Settings > Channels > Auto Tune, or Settings > Tuner > Scan Channels. Some TVs call it "Search for Channels" or "Find Channels". If you cannot find it, check your TV's manual or search the model number plus "channel scan" online.

Start the scan and let it run without interruption. It usually takes two to five minutes. The TV will display a progress bar and show the number of channels found. When it finishes, the TV will store all available channels in order and return to the home screen.

If the scan finds no channels, the aerial cable may not be connected properly, or the aerial itself may not be positioned correctly. Try unplugging the cable, checking that it is screwed in firmly, and running the scan again. If you still find no channels, see the troubleshooting section below.

Using a digital tuner box if your TV has no built-in tuner

If your TV has no RF input socket, you will need a digital tuner box. These are small devices that sit between your aerial and TV. Plug the aerial cable into the "RF In" socket on the tuner box, then connect the tuner box to your TV using an HDMI cable (the best option) or composite cables (red, white, and yellow plugs).

Once connected, plug in the tuner box and turn it on. It will either scan for channels automatically or prompt you to do so. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan. After that, use the tuner box remote to change channels — your TV remote will not control the tuner.

Tuner boxes are inexpensive and widely available from electronics retailers. Common brands include Freeview boxes, Now TV boxes, and generic digital tuners. Choose one that matches the broadcast standard in your country — in the UK, look for Freeview or DVB-T2 tuners.

What to do if the channel scan finds no channels

If the scan completes but finds zero channels, the problem is usually the aerial position or cable connection. First, check that the aerial cable is screwed firmly into both the TV (or tuner box) and the aerial. Unscrew it, inspect the connector for bent pins or damage, and screw it back in tightly.

Next, check the aerial direction. If it is an indoor aerial, try moving it to different positions in the room — near a window, higher up, or pointing in different directions. If it is an outdoor aerial, it may have been knocked out of alignment by wind or weather. You can try loosening the mounting bracket and rotating the aerial slightly, but if this does not help, an aerial installer can realign it.

If the cable runs through your walls and you cannot see it, or if it is visibly damaged, the cable itself may be faulty. In this case, you will need an aerial installer to run a new cable or repair the existing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any aerial cable, or does it have to match my TV?

Any standard aerial cable will work with any TV that has an RF input socket. The cable type is the same across all brands. The only thing that matters is that the connector fits the socket — most are standard threaded connectors, but some older TVs use different types. If you are buying a replacement cable, take a photo of the connector and show it to the shop assistant.

Do I need to do anything after the channel scan is finished?

No. Once the scan is complete and channels are stored, your TV is ready to use. You can change channels using your remote control. If you want to add or remove channels later, you can run the scan again — it will overwrite the old list with a new one.

What if I have both an aerial and a satellite dish?

Your TV may have two RF input sockets — one for aerial (marked "RF In" or "TV In") and one for satellite (marked "SAT In"). Plug the aerial cable into the aerial socket and the satellite cable into the satellite socket. Then run separate channel scans for each input. You can switch between aerial and satellite channels using your remote.

Can I connect multiple TVs to one aerial?

Yes, but you will need a cable splitter. Plug the aerial cable into the splitter, then run separate cables from the splitter to each TV. A two-way splitter costs a few pounds and is available from any electronics shop. Note that splitting the signal may reduce signal strength slightly, so if you have a weak signal, a splitter may cause problems on some channels.

Why does my TV say "No Signal" even though the cable is connected?

This usually means the TV is set to the wrong input. Press the "Input" or "Source" button on your remote and select the tuner input — it may be called "TV", "DTV", "Aerial", or "Tuner". If the TV is already on the correct input, the aerial cable may not be connected properly, or the aerial may not be receiving a signal. Try unplugging and replugging the cable, and check that the aerial is positioned correctly.