Vizio Channel Scan Not Finding Channels? (Fix it Fast!)

Vizio channel scan not finding channels, and you’re wondering why? Well, keep reading!

The channel scan can be influenced by many factors, primarily by the connection of external streaming devices, such as a receiver, cable box, or antenna.

By default, all Vizio TVs come with an in-built automatic digital tuner that sorts all free OVA broadcasts of Vizio’s lineup in the WatchFree+ section.

So, try the following steps to fix the unsuccessful Vizio TV channel scan:

Let’s review each of these steps in detail!

Vizio Channel Scan Not Finding Channels – Try These Steps!

Tip: Have you tried re-running the channel scan after the Vizio TV has been rebooted?

1. Correct the Vizio TV’s “Tune Mode”

Your Vizio TV can access channels in three different ways;

• Cable TV – Traditional TV service 
• Antenna – Over-the-Air channels
• Satellite – Satellite communication

When tuning for channels, you must set the Vizio TV to the correct “Tuner Mode,” so the device can search for the right type of channels.

If your TV is connected over a cable box, for example, an “Antenna” scan will not add any channels to your master list.

Here’s how to correct the “Tuner Mode” on your Vizio TV:

1. Go to “Menu” and select “Channels” or “Tuner” from the list.
2. Press the “Find Channels” button or “Auto Channel Scan.”
3. Alternative: Go to “All Settings” → “Tuner” → “Auto Scan.”

Note: If the instructions above do not apply, check if there’s a “Watchfree” option or “Antenna Input” in the general menu of the Vizio TV.

2. Check the External Device Connection

The next thing you must check is if the antenna, cable box, or satellite dish is connected to the Vizio TV.

A false or loose connection of the TV cable will prevent the channel scan from adding any channels, regardless of whether there’s an antenna or a TV cable box connected.

2.1 How to Inspect Vizio TV Cable Connection?

The cable connection (satellite) provides the Vizio TV with a defined lineup of channels, based on the provider and the subscription you’ve paid for. 

If the receiver’s wire is plugged in securely, your Vizio TV must either add the provider channels instantaneously or the channel scan will be immediate.

To inspect the TV’s cable connection, ensure the following:

• The TV cable is securely connected to your service outlet.
• The service cable is connected to the right input on the TV.
• The service cable is not damaged or worn out on either end.

When a set-top box or a receiver is connected to your Vizio TV, all the available channels will be automatically administered to the box’s interface.

You won’t have to scan for channels through the Vizio TV, as the guide of the satellite/cable TV box already has all of the channels you have.

2.2 How to Inspect Vizio TV Antenna Connection?

Similar to cable box TVs, antennas connect with the coaxial input on your Vizio TV and scan OVA channels available for your region. 

If the TV fails to complete the antenna channel scan, check the following:

• Your antenna’s cable is securely connected on both ends.
• The antenna is positioned in a wide space, near a window. 
• No other wireless devices are interfering with the antenna.

If you’re using an indoor antenna, the positioning is crucial.

As mentioned, it’s recommended to position the device in an open or central space, preferably near a window or high to the ceiling.

2.3 How to Inspect Vizio TV Satellite Connection?

Your Vizio TV does not make a difference between satellite and cable TV, as the only options for the channel scan are “Cable” and “Antenna.”

If you’re using a satellite dish with the set-top box, you will be forced to use the “Cable” channel scan type to validate and add your channels.

Still no channels? Keep reading!

3. Reset the TV’s Channel Guide Filters

The channel scan may be failing to validate broadcasts because a large portion of the channels may already be available in the TV’s guide.

So, filtering your TV guide by accident could show particular broadcasts from premade channel sections, such as “Favorites” or “Free Channels.”

Here’s how to reset the channel guide filters on most Vizio TVs:

1. Access the Vizio TV’s menu or press the “Guide” remote button.
2. Navigate to the cogwheel (Settings) icon on the left sidebar tab.
3. Search for the “Filtering” or “Sorting” options from the menu list.
4. Clear the filters to display all available channels in the TV’s guide.

Does Vizio WatchFree+ Has Filters?

WatchFree+ is Vizio TV’s Free Streaming Service available for customers right out of the box, without any additional subscriptions or add-ons.

All the broadcasts found under WatchFree+ are OVA (Over-the-Air) scanned and registered by the Vizio TV’s built-in tuner, (no extra filtering).

4. Try to Perform a “Partial Channel Search”

If the automatic channel scan does not bring up any channels, you should attempt searching for broadcasts manually.

The Vizio TV has a separate configuration tab for discovering broadcasts manually, allowing you to specify which type of channels to search for without automatization.

Follow these steps to conduct a partial channel search on Vizio:

1. Head to “Menu” and press “Channels” or “Tuner” from the list.
2. Press the “Find Channels” button or “Partial Channel Search.”
3. Specify the type of channels to search for:

• Option #1: Search for “Digital” channels.
• Option #2: Search for “Analog” channels.
• Option #3: Search for “Digital/Analog” channels.

Once the manual channel search begins, stop all interactions with the Vizio TV.

Note: We recommend testing each option, regardless of your equipment’s type.

5. Hard Reset the Vizio TV’s Power Supply

Still, your Vizio TV is not finding cable channels? Well, it could be because of a problem with the internal tuner or the motherboard.

The easiest way to address non-lasting issues with the Vizio TV is to perform a hard reset or “power cycle.”

Here’s how to drain the Vizio TV’s power supply in easy steps:

1. Press the “Power” button on the Vizio TV’s remote.
2. Once the TV powers off, unplug the power adapter.
3. Wait for 60 seconds while the TV is disconnected.
4. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the Vizio TV.

Wait for 10–15 seconds and re-run the channel scan after setting the correct “Tune Mode” in the TV’s menu.

Additionally, it’s recommended to unplug all third-party devices, besides the streaming/set-top box and the power-supplying cable.

6. Restore the Vizio TV to Factory Defaults

In case the issue persists, we strongly recommend restoring the Vizio TV’s settings to factory defaults.

A potential issue with the system or the built-in tuner could prevent the channel scan from validating and adding any broadcasts to your master guide.

Follow these steps to factory reset the Vizio TV:

1. First, press the “Menu” button on the Vizio TV’s remote control.
2. Navigate to “Admin & Privacy” → “Reset to Factory Settings.”
3. Next, enter your TV’s PIN code (by default, the value is “0000.”)
4. Confirm the restoration and wait until the Vizio TV has rebooted.

If the steps above do not apply to your TV’s menu, try navigating to “System” → “Admin & Privacy” → “Reset to Factory Settings.”

Alternatively, check if there’s an “All Settings” tab and search for the “Admin & Privacy” section there.

Warning: This method will permanently erase ALL Vizio TV settings!

Still No Channels on Vizio TV?

If you still can’t discover and add channels to your Vizio TV master list, perhaps the problem is in your provider or with your antenna/cable.

So, to wrap things up, you should contact your TV service provider and check for any potential problems on their side that can be fixed remotely.

Read Next: Learn how to fix Vizio TV Sound Distortion Issue?