It’s frustrating to have your TV antenna not working. Perhaps you’re receiving absolutely no signal, or it’s only one channel you’re not receiving.
Or maybe the signal keeps breaking up or disappears at night or when it’s raining.
All these issues can be frustrating, and no doubt you’d like to get to the bottom of them.
Read on to learn why your TV antenna is not working and how to troubleshoot the problem.
Table of Contents
- Common TV Antenna Issues
- 13 Reasons for TV Antenna Not Working and How to Troubleshoot
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Common TV Antenna Issues
The following are issues you may face when your TV antenna is not working:
- Receiving No Signal: Your TV may display a “no signal” notification despite frequent channel searches. In such a case, the issue is often that the antenna is not facing the transmission tower. Therefore it experiences reception interferences.
- Receiving all channels except one: Usually, when you can view all channels except one, it indicates that the channel is on a different frequency from the one you’re using.
- Signal breaking up: What this means is that the signal gets interrupted, causing the on and off visibility.
- A back-and-forth loss of signal: Sometimes, you may experience a signal that goes and returns randomly.
- Signal issues when it’s raining: Your television has no contact with rainwater. However, rain droplets can affect the signal.
- Sudden loss or decline in signal quality: Unfortunately, there are several reasons you may experience a sudden drop in signal strength, as we’ll get into below.
- Loss of signal at night: What’s interesting about this loss of signal is that it occurs at a specific time at night. Often, it’s due to electrical interference.
13 Reasons for TV Antenna Not Working and How to Troubleshoot
Shifted or Fallen Antenna
If you recently experienced strong winds or a storm, your antenna might have fallen. And, of course, when that happens, there’ll be no signal.
(Caption: Fallen antenna)
Also, changing the location of your antenna can compromise signal reception. And so can turning the antenna toward a wall as that would block the signal.
To improve the signal quality, aim the antenna in the direction of the transmission tower.
But also ensure there are no objects like buildings or walls preventing a clear line-of-sight between your local broadcast tower and your antenna.
Bad Antenna Placement
If your outdoor antenna is not high enough, it likely won’t receive signals properly from the broadcast tower.
That’s because likely there’ll be mountains or valleys, trees, and buildings blocking the line of sight.
(Caption: Valleys and trees that can block a clear line of sight)
Similarly, if you place the flat indoor antenna at inappropriate spots, such as the basement garage or window with metal security bars or mesh, it will affect the signal.
The signals are much like cellphone signals and often cannot penetrate concrete walls.
Too Many Splitters
When you have many splitters, it weakens the signal to your TV. So you want to disconnect some of the splitters or all of them? Instead of the splitters, use the antenna directly with the TV.
And if you find that the signal is not strong enough, you can install a distribution amplifier to boost the signal.
Faulty Digital Tuner
If your digital tuner is faulty, it will affect the signal. To test if the tuner is the problem, try using the antenna with another TV tuner. If it works, then it means the issue lies with your tuner.
Interestingly, although this is rare, it’s possible to find your brand-new tuner faulty. So ensure you test it.
Faulty Splitter
Yes, the way manufacturers design splitters makes them last long (at least 20 years). But a faulty splitter could cause bad picture or sound quality and poor signal.
So have it tested by measuring the insertion loss between the input port and each output port. For a two-way splitter, for example, it should be 3 dB.
Also, we recommend buying a quality splitter, preferably one with the back soldered, not glued, in place.
Faulty Antenna
It may be that your antenna is faulty. So inspect it for signs of damage, especially if you’ve experienced stormy weather. Check if it’s broken or bent.
Besides checking for visual signs, check the input. Test if the antenna connector works by plugging it into a different TV.
Note, too, that if your antenna’s design receives only UHF, channels on VHF will not be visible.
Therefore, your antenna must support both UHF and VHF.
Loose Cables
See, loose cables can cause a spotty signal or complete signal loss.
So check the connection on your TV and antenna to ensure the cables and cords are tight enough.
Also, you may want to check the cables for any loops, bends, or breaks. For example, a damaged coaxial cable would mean the signal doesn’t reach your TV receiver.
Long Cables
Like with most equipment, an extra-long cable connecting to your TV will cause a significant loss of signal quality.
To be safe, go for a cable that doesn’t exceed 50 feet.
But if you must use a long cable, you must install a preamplifier to improve the signal quality.
Signal interference
Interestingly, there are several possible sources of signal interference, the most common being loose connections, electrical equipment, and LED light bulbs in your house.
So first, check for loose connections. If the problem persists, plug all electrical devices to determine if they arcausehe interfering.
Also, check external interference sources such as overhead power lines and LTE cell phone towers.
Temporary Service Outage
Changes in weather or reprogramming of broadcast channels can cause a temporary service outage.
Therefore, before you nick, double-scan to wipe out all the saved channels.
Next, perform a fresh scan. By doing this, you’ll obtain the new channels, including recently changed ones.
Transmitter Tower Using Lower Power
Sometimes, you may experience a poor signal or the antenna not working during maintenance or upgrading of transmission tower stations.
Often during such times, the station will work on low power. Thus, it will not transmit the signal as needed. In this case, all you can do is wait until service resumes.
Using the Wrong Station Frequencies
Usually, TV channels will from time to time change their frequency. As a result, your TV may lose such channels.
One common reason a TV channel might change frequency is when the channel relocates.
Note, too, that if the design of your antenna supports receiving only UHF channels, then those on VHF will not be visible.
Thus, your antenna must support both UHF and VHF.
Further, if the channel’s transmission is at a higher elevation, your antenna will likely not detect it.
Therefore, you may need to adjust the antenna to capture all the signals from the local transmission tower.
FAQs
Why Does Wind and Rain Break Up a TV Signal?
Typically, raindrops absorb some of the power from the satellite’s signal.
And what happens is the rain dissipates the signal, causing signal interference.
Also, strong winds cause the trees to sway, causing the signal from the transmission tower to overlap.
As a result, it creates an interference that distorts the signal.
How do I check my TV antenna connection?
Simply carry out a scan for TV channels. But ensure you aim your antenna in different directions until you receive the channels.
Why Does My TV Always Lose Signal at Night?
LED light bulbs can cause signal interference. You’ll know they’re the culprit if the signal loss occurs simultaneously every night around when your lights go on.
Conclusion
Now you know why the TV antenna is not working and how to fix the issue.
As we’ve seen, some fixes are pretty simple, like correcting antenna placement, ensuring it’s elevated well and there are no obstructions.
For some, equipment such as splitters, the tuner, or the antenna needs replacing.
After reading this article, you can confidently troubleshoot TV antenna issues and enjoy better viewing.
