Connect your antenna to the HDMI input or the coaxial port, depending on your setup
A Roku TV has two ways to receive broadcast channels. The simplest is plugging an antenna directly into the coaxial port on the back of the TV — the round threaded connector that looks like a cable TV jack. If your antenna has a coaxial connector, screw it in firmly until it stops. The TV will then scan for channels automatically the next time you turn it on or navigate to the antenna input.
If your antenna has only a USB or HDMI connector, you will need a separate streaming device or converter box. Some antennas sold for streaming come with an HDMI adapter that plugs into one of the HDMI ports on your Roku TV. Once plugged in, select that HDMI input from your remote and the antenna app or interface will appear on screen.
The coaxial method is more common and requires no extra equipment. Most over-the-air antennas sold at electronics stores have a coaxial connector built in, so check your antenna's cable before buying adapters.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs with a coaxial port can connect an antenna directly — no extra equipment needed.
- After connecting the antenna, go to the TV's input menu and select the antenna or tuner option to scan for channels.
- Some Roku TV models lack a coaxial port and require an HDMI-based streaming antenna or external tuner instead.
- Channel scanning usually takes two to five minutes and happens automatically once you select the antenna input.
- A poor signal or no channels found usually means repositioning the antenna higher, closer to a window, or rotating it 90 degrees.
Locate the coaxial port on the back of your TV
Turn off your Roku TV and look at the back panel. The coaxial port is a round connector about the size of a dime with a threaded ring around it. It is usually labeled "ANT IN" or "TV IN" and sits near other ports like HDMI and power. On some models it is on the side panel instead of the back. If you see only HDMI ports and no round connector, your TV does not have a built-in tuner and will need an external antenna device.
Write down the exact location or take a photo so you know where to plug the antenna cable. This matters if your TV is wall-mounted or sits in a tight space, because you may need to reach behind it or use an extension cable.
Screw the antenna connector into the coaxial port
Take the coaxial cable from your antenna and align the connector with the port. The connector has a threaded ring that screws onto the port's threaded ring. Turn it clockwise by hand until it is snug — do not force it or use pliers, as that can strip the threads and damage the port.
The connection should feel tight but not require muscle. If the cable is too short to reach the port comfortably, buy a coaxial extension cable from an electronics store. These are inexpensive and come in lengths from 6 feet to 50 feet. Screw the extension onto the port first, then screw the antenna cable onto the extension.
Turn on the TV and navigate to the antenna input
Power on your Roku TV using the remote. Press the Home button to open the main menu. Look for an option called "Live TV," "Antenna," "Tuner," or "TV Tuner" — the exact name varies by Roku model and year. Select it with the remote.
If you do not see a tuner option in the main menu, go to Settings, then look for "TV Inputs" or "Antenna Setup." Some Roku TVs hide the antenna feature in the settings rather than the home screen. Once you find it, select it and the TV will begin scanning for channels automatically.
Let the TV scan for channels and wait for the process to finish
After you select the antenna input, the TV will display a progress bar and begin searching for broadcast channels in your area. This scan usually takes between two and five minutes. Do not turn off the TV or unplug the antenna during this time.
When the scan finishes, the TV will display a list of channels it found. The number depends on your location, antenna type, and signal strength. Urban areas typically receive 20 to 50 channels, while rural areas may receive fewer. Write down the channel numbers or take a photo so you know what is available.
The TV will save these channels automatically. You can now use the remote to change channels just as you would with cable or satellite TV. If you want to scan again later — for example, after moving the antenna — go back to the antenna input menu and select "Rescan" or "Scan Again."
Reposition the antenna if the signal is weak or no channels appear
If the scan found very few channels or none at all, the antenna is not receiving a strong signal. Try moving it to a higher location, such as on top of a bookshelf or mounted on a wall. Broadcast signals travel in straight lines, so height helps the antenna reach the transmitter towers.
Next, move the antenna closer to a window or outside wall. Walls, metal objects, and electrical devices can block the signal, so placing the antenna near an exterior wall or window often improves reception. Rotate the antenna 90 degrees and run another scan — sometimes a different angle picks up more channels.
If you still receive a weak signal, try moving the antenna to a different room or even outside. Some people place antennas in attics or on roofs for the best reception. Once you find a position that works, you can leave the antenna there or mount it permanently with brackets.
Use an HDMI antenna if your TV has no coaxial port
Newer Roku TV models sometimes omit the coaxial port to save space and cost. If your TV has no antenna port, you will need an external antenna device that connects via HDMI. These are sold as "streaming antennas" or "HDMI antennas" and include their own tuner and app.
Plug the HDMI cable from the antenna device into any available HDMI port on your TV. Turn on the device and use its remote or app to scan for channels. The antenna app will appear as a tile on your Roku home screen, and you can launch it just like any other app. These devices work the same way as a built-in tuner but require a separate box and power outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for channels I receive over the antenna?
No. Broadcast channels received over an antenna are free. You do not need a subscription or cable service. The channels you receive depend on which stations transmit in your area, not on any payment or account.
Can I use the antenna and streaming apps at the same time?
Yes. You can switch between the antenna input and streaming apps like Netflix or Roku Channel using your remote. Press the Input button to switch between antenna and HDMI inputs, or press Home to go back to the app menu.
What if I move to a new house — do I need to rescan?
Yes. Different areas receive different broadcast stations, so you will need to rescan for channels at your new location. Go back to the antenna input menu and select Rescan. The TV will find whatever channels are available in your new area.
Can I connect the antenna to a Roku device instead of a Roku TV?
No. Roku streaming devices like the Roku Stick or Roku Box do not have antenna ports or built-in tuners. They only work with streaming apps. If you want to watch broadcast channels, you need a Roku TV with a coaxial port or an external HDMI antenna device.
Why does my antenna work better at night than during the day?
Broadcast signals can bounce off the atmosphere at night, allowing them to travel farther. During the day, the sun's heat disrupts this bounce. This is normal and happens with all antennas. If reception is too weak during the day, try repositioning the antenna or upgrading to a larger model.