Why Do You Need to Retune?

Freeview channels occasionally change their broadcast frequency or multiplex allocation. When this happens, your TV or set-top box won't automatically find the updated channel positions — channels may disappear, appear blank, or trigger a "not found" error. Retuning tells your device to scan all available frequencies again and rebuild its channel list from scratch.

Common reasons to retune include:

  • Channels have moved or been added to a multiplex
  • Your local transmitter has been upgraded
  • Channels are missing after a signal outage
  • You've moved to a new home
  • You've installed a new aerial or set-top box

Before You Start: Check Your Signal

Retuning won't help if your aerial signal is weak or absent. Before retuning, check the following:

  • Is your aerial cable securely connected to your TV or box?
  • Is your aerial correctly positioned and in good condition?
  • Are neighbouring properties receiving Freeview without issues?

If signal strength is the problem, retuning won't resolve it — you may need to reposition or replace your aerial.

Step-by-Step: Retuning a Freeview TV

The exact menu path varies by manufacturer, but the process is broadly the same across all Freeview TVs:

  1. Press the Menu button on your remote control.
  2. Navigate to Settings or Setup — sometimes found under "System" or "Installation".
  3. Look for an option labelled Channels, Tuning, or Aerial / Broadcast.
  4. Select Auto Tune, Auto Scan, or Full Channel Search.
  5. When prompted, choose to delete existing channels and start fresh — this prevents duplicate or ghost channels appearing.
  6. Allow the scan to complete. This typically takes 2–5 minutes.
  7. Confirm you want to save the results when prompted.

Your TV will restart its channel list and you should find all available channels in their correct positions.

Step-by-Step: Retuning a Freeview Set-Top Box

Standalone Freeview boxes follow a similar process:

  1. Press Menu on your box's remote (not the TV remote).
  2. Go to Settings or Installation.
  3. Select First Time Installation or Factory Reset — this performs the most thorough retune.
  4. Note: On recording boxes (PVRs), this may delete scheduled recordings. Check first.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. When asked about signal source, confirm Aerial / Terrestrial.
  6. Let the scan run to completion and save the channel list.

Retuning a Freeview Play Device

Freeview Play devices (including Humax, Manhattan, and Sony TVs with Freeview Play built in) work the same way as above. Some Freeview Play devices also perform automatic background retuning when updates are broadcast overnight — ensure your device is left on standby rather than fully powered off to benefit from this.

After Retuning: What to Check

  • Check that BBC One, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 appear in their standard positions (1–5).
  • Scroll through the channel list and look for any obvious gaps.
  • If HD channels are missing, ensure your TV or box supports DVB-T2 — older DVB-T only devices cannot receive HD multiplexes.
  • If certain channels still don't appear, they may not be available from your local transmitter.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Still missing channels? Try a second retune after checking your aerial connection.
  • Getting duplicate channels? Choose the "delete all and rescan" option rather than "add new channels".
  • No channels found at all? The issue is likely your aerial or signal, not the device.
  • Error messages? Note down the error code and check the manufacturer's support pages.

Retuning is a quick process that solves the majority of missing-channel issues on Freeview. If problems persist after a full retune, contact your aerial installer or device manufacturer for further support.