Can You Connect an Antenna to a Samsung TV?
By Trae Jacobs,
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You can connect an antenna to any Samsung Smart TV that has an F-connector port. Here’s how to do it.
How to Connect an Antenna to a Samsung TV
There are plenty of reasons to connect an antenna to your TV. It’s simple, cheap, and gives you access to local channels. All you need is your Samsung TV, an antenna, and a coaxial cable.
Step 1: Locate the F-Connector on Your Samsung TV
Before connecting an antenna to your Samsung TV, you need to locate the F-connector on the back or side of your TV.
This is usually located near the HDMI port and may be labeled “ant/cable.” This is where you’ll connect your coaxial cable.
Step 2: Connect Your Coaxial Cable
Once you’ve found the F-connector, grab your coaxial cable and thread it into the port. Make sure it’s fully threaded before moving on.
Step 3: Place Your Antenna
Where you should place your antenna depends on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor antenna. If you’re using an outdoor antenna, place it on the roof for the strongest signal possible.
To get the best signal possible on your indoor antenna, place it near a window. Ideally, your antenna will be on the second story of your home, but it’s best to place it in the same room as the TV.
Wherever you place your antenna, make sure your coaxial cable can reach it.
Step 4: Connect the Coaxial Cable to Your Antenna
When you find a good spot for your antenna, securely connect the other end of the coaxial cable to it.
Step 5: Change Your Samsung TV’s Input
Turn your Samsung TV on and press the “Input” or “Source” button on your remote. Change the input to “Air.”
Step 6: Tune Your TV for OTA Channels
Now it’s time to find the over the air channels, or OTA channels, available in your area. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open your TV’s settings.
- Select “Source.”
- Press “Channel Scan.”
- Under Source, select “Air” or “Air and Cable” if you also want cable channels.
- Wait for the scan to finish, then add the channels to your TV.
Why Connect an Antenna to a Samsung TV?
It’s no secret that cable and streaming prices have skyrocketed in recent years. With an antenna, you can find your favorite shows, movies, sports, and news programs without paying monthly subscription fees. Here are some more benefits to enjoying your Samsung TV without cable:
Connecting an antenna is also a great choice for anyone who enjoys camping. It can be difficult to access the internet in remote areas, but with an antenna, you can easily watch local channels — no internet connection required.
Many modern antennas come with signal boosters, which can reach stations hundreds of miles away.
What Are the Best Antennas for Samsung TVs?
The first step in deciding which antenna is best for you is choosing between an indoor and outdoor antenna.
Outdoor antennas tend to have a stronger signal and pick up more channels. However, indoor antennas are less affected by rain and other weather conditions. They’re also easier to adjust, should you need to.
Some of the best antennas to connect to your Samsung TV include:
- Gesobyte Indoor Antenna: Range of up to 200 miles, includes 18-foot coaxial cable.
- Antier Indoor Antenna: 400+ mile range, supports 8k and 4k TVs. Includes 16-foot coaxial cable.
- Five Star Outdoor Antenna: 200-mile range, supports 4k TVs, and includes a mounting pole.
- Antennas Direct Outdoor Antenna: 70-mile range, includes all-weather mounting hardware.
Troubleshooting: Connecting an Antenna to a Samsung TV
Samsung TV Isn’t Recognizing an Antenna
If your Samsung TV doesn’t recognize your antenna, make sure the coaxial cables are completely connected to both devices.
Since a coaxial cable requires you to thread it onto the connector, it can be tough to tell when it’s completely connected. Make sure you’re tightening it as much as you can.
The Picture Isn’t Clear from the Antenna Source
If you can get local channels from your antenna, but the picture is fuzzy, you probably need to adjust your antenna. If it’s indoors, try moving it closer to a window or opening the window.
No Channels Were Found After the Channel Scan
If your Samsung smart TV doesn’t find channels after it scans, try moving your antenna to a better location.
It’s important to note that different locations have different local channels available. You can enter your zip code here to see what over the air channels are available in your area.
FAQ: Connecting an Antenna to a Samsung TV
Do Any Samsung TVs Have Built-in Antennas?
Most Samsung TVs do not have built-in antennas. However, there are a few models released in 2020 and 2021 that do.
| TV Models | Size |
| Q900 | All sizes |
| Q800 | All sizes |
| Q950TS | 65”, 75”, 85” |
| QN900A | 65”, 75”, 85” |
| QN800A | 65”, 75”, 85” |
| QN90A | 55”, 65”, 75”, 85” |
Can You Connect an Antenna to Your Samsung TV if It Doesn’t Have an F-Connector?
If your Samsung TV doesn’t have an F-Connector, or if you’re using it for another device, you can connect an antenna using a coaxial converter box. These connect to your TV’s RCA ports.
Can a One Connect Box Use an Antenna?
You can connect an antenna to a One Connect Box using the coaxial input. After connecting the cable to the One Connect Box and the antenna, connect the One Connect Box to your TV through the HDMI port.
Are There Other Ways to Get Local Channels on a Samsung TV?
Some streaming applications offer local channels, allowing you to watch free channels on your Samsung TV without connecting an antenna.
The best option for Samsung TV users is Samsung TV Plus. You can also watch local channels on a Samsung TV by connecting a Roku Ultra.
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