How to Make a TV Antenna Work Better

Last Updated: December 28, 2021

Have you installed a TV antenna and wonder why it's not working as well as you thought? There are a few different tricks you can use to improve your antenna reception. This wikiHow article will teach you how to make a TV antenna work better.

Method 1

Method 1 of 9:
Your external antenna may have fallen down or shifted.

1
Since even a slight change in position or angle can have a big impact on your reception, make sure your external antenna (if you have any) has not been re-oriented by wind, rain, or storms.
- A directional antenna will most likely have bigger effects if it's fallen or shifted to another direction than a multi-directional antenna.

Method 2

Method 2 of 9:
Your antenna may not be high enough.

1
If things like trees, hills, or buildings are between you and the broadcasting tower, then the signal might be interrupted and unable to reach your antenna, which would cause you not to see any stations or get spotty reception.

Method 3

Method 3 of 9:
Your flat (internal) antenna is in a bad location.

1
Certain areas like skylights or on outside-facing walls seem to be the best places to put these antennae so they aren't covered up with dust or knickknacks.
- You can also use the FCC's website (https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps) to figure out which direction to point your antenna.

Method 4

Method 4 of 9:
There are too many splitters set up.

1
If you have a splitter or multiple connections to your antenna cable, you could be weakening the signal too much. Disconnect the splitter and run the cable directly to your TV or converter box.
- If you have more than one TV in your house, you may want multiple antennas.

Method 5

Method 5 of 9:
Your TV's digital tuner could be broken, faulty, or going bad.

1
This is a little more uncommon, but your TV's digital tuner could be faulty, even if it's new. Try using your antenna with another TV; if it works on that TV, then your other TV's digital tuner is probably broken.

Method 6

Method 6 of 9:
The station's frequency may have changed.

1
Go to https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps and enter your address to find the stations broadcasting near you. Click the station's callsign (like WJKT or WBBJ-TV) and more information will expand down to reveal the station's RF channel and repacked channel (if there is one).
- Older TVs (like the 2008 Sony Bravia) need to tune to the station's RF channel while newer TVs will get the signal when you tune to the repacked channel.
- TV stations move locations, channels, and sometimes change their transmitter power, so it's a good idea to re-scan every once in a while.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- You can rescan from your remote by pressing Menu > Settings > Channel Setup > Antenna/Air > Channel Search/Channel Scan. Not every TV will have the exact same menu, but it should be similar.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Federal Communications Commission
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications
  Go to source}

Method 7

Method 7 of 9:
The station's transmitter tower is using lower power.

1
Sometimes a station might use lower power while they upgrade their equipment. Go to https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/tv-query and enter the station's callsign (call letters, like "WJKT") and hit the Enter or Return key on your keyboard.
- If you see "Special Temporary Authority" in red, the station is temporarily operating at reduced power.

Method 8

Method 8 of 9:
The amplifier on your antenna is bad.

1
A bad amplifier can cause choppy or glitchy reception on your TV. Try removing the amplifier from your antenna and use the antenna directly with your TV without the amplifier. If you get better reception, then you know your amplifier is bad.
- You'll know your antenna uses an amplifier if it requires power. If it doesn't, your antenna does not have an amplifier.

Method 9

Method 9 of 9:
Your cables are loose.

1
If you have loose cables, you'll most likely get no signal or a spotty signal. So make sure your connections are tight at your TV and your antenna.
- While you're checking your connections, also take a look at your cables to make sure they aren't bent, looped, or otherwise broken.