Forum Discussion

Sparky45's avatar
Sparky45
Reel Rookie
7 months ago
Solved

Cannot See OTA channels from TV Guide

I was away for 8 weeks and when I returned, I was unable to see the OTA stations. I checked the Roku software and it is up to date. I have rescanned the OTA broadcast channels and selected the ones to make as favorites. I checked the box so that the streaming channels don’t show up in the TV Guide. When I go to the TV Guide, no OTA channels appear - just the streaming ones. it appears that something was done in an update that has turned off the ability to view over the broadcast channels from the TV Guide.  Help please

  • Sparky45's avatar
    Sparky45
    7 months ago

    I hooked up a Roku box externally to test that Roku box which was connected to a different TV in my house. Once I disconnected that external Roku box and turned off the TV, upon turning on the Roku TV it showed the OTA channels in the live guide as it should. So my problem is solved, but I don’t understand why connecting the external box fixed it.

9 Replies

  • Sparky45's avatar
    Sparky45
    Reel Rookie
    7 months ago

    I am hooked up directly from the coaxial cable to the TV. I have nothing else in between. The software version is 14.0.4 and the build is 12221.

  • GT-Dex's avatar
    GT-Dex
    Binge Watcher
    7 months ago

    Are you using a box for amplification? Perhaps it's using an a different input. I've seen coax to hdmi ota channel boxes. Just curious. If you are make sure you are on the right input. Please also provide the software version you are on. 

  • Sparky45's avatar
    Sparky45
    Reel Rookie
    7 months ago

    I hooked up a Roku box externally to test that Roku box which was connected to a different TV in my house. Once I disconnected that external Roku box and turned off the TV, upon turning on the Roku TV it showed the OTA channels in the live guide as it should. So my problem is solved, but I don’t understand why connecting the external box fixed it.

  • RokuArjiemar's avatar
    RokuArjiemar
    Retired Moderator
    7 months ago

    Sparky45,

    Thank you for participating in the Roku Community!

    We appreciate you contacting us about accessing OTA (Over-The-Air) channels through your TV guide. We understand how important it is to have easy access to a variety of channels, and we're excited to guide you through the process to ensure you can enjoy your favorite shows and programming.

    When you watch a movie or TV show that is broadcast to the antenna, your Roku TV may detect the content and determine that the same movie or show or related content, is available from one or more streaming channels. When you want to check for available streaming options for an "over-the-air" program, you need to access the Live TV Channel Guide by pressing Left on your Roku TV remote.

    Live TV Channel Guide is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is available anytime you watch an "over-the-air" movie or TV show on the Live TV input as well as 150+ live streaming TV channels from The Roku Channel. When launched, The live TV Channel Guide fills your screen with details about the current program, along with a grid showing available channels and the content airing on each channel.

    • If you wish to only see "over-the-air" channels, you can hide streaming TV channels from the Live TV Channel Guide by going to Settings > TV inputs > Live TV > Hide streaming TV channels and selecting Hide all.

    For more information, please visit How to Set up and Watch Cable or Satellite TV on your Roku TV system.

    Thanks again for reaching out. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

    Cheers,
    Arjiemar

    • Sparky45's avatar
      Sparky45
      Reel Rookie
      7 months ago

      clicking the box to hide the streaming channels doesn’t work. I still see all the streaming channels, and I don’t see the OTA channels. I think something was done in the software that is interfering as eight weeks ago I saw the OTA channels and now I don’t.

    • rctitus's avatar
      rctitus
      Reel Rookie
      5 months ago

      This is NOT an acceptable work atound. I've purchased more than 20 Roku TVs for home and my schools. We need access to live tv during storms. FIX THIS!

      • ChadR's avatar
        ChadR
        Reel Rookie
        3 months ago


        I have a brand new Roku TV 65R8BX.  I cannot find anyway to get both OTA and streaming channels to show up combined on a single channel guide.  I’ve seen old threads of this issue, and believe I’ve tried all remedies mentioned, but have had no luck.  Details are:

        Main Menu - Live TV -> Live TV Channel Guide – shows streaming channels only

        Home - Live TV app – shows ota channels only

        Home – Roku Channel app – Live TV Channel Guide – shows streaming channels only

        The Roku Channel app installed is v12.5.18 (Nov 19, 2024)

         

        I’ve tried

        - full system restart
        - reset network connection (remove wifi and re-try, and re-add wifi and re-try)
        - rescan ota
        - Selected and deselected “Hide streaming channels” option (under TV inputs – Live TV – Manage channels)


        Roku TV 65R8BX

        Hardware ID M302X – Roku TV

        Serial number: X03100524JT8 (S125T4C24JT8)

        Software version 14.1.4, build 7709-H1

        GC version 13.6.13

        Timestamp 2025-04-03T03:31:39Z

        Issue ID T8-132-691

         

        Thanks.

        Chad R.

         

  • carlenehutchins's avatar
    carlenehutchins
    Newbie
    3 months ago

    Can't see no channel connect to the tv Samsung and LG tv all I see is check out date April 6 at 11:00 am

    • Strega2's avatar
      Strega2
      Roku Guru
      3 months ago

      carlenehutchins, It sounds like you are using a Roku player (not a Roku TV) so it won't show OTA channels.  Also, it sounds like it is in guest mode.