How to watch local channels on a Roku TV
There are two ways to watch local channels on a Roku: an over-the-air antenna (on Roku TVs with a tuner) or free live-TV streaming channels (on any Roku).
With an antenna (Roku TV only)
- Connect an HDTV antenna to the TV's Antenna/Cable input.
- From the home screen, open the Antenna TV / Live TV tile.
- Run a channel scan when prompted to find all the local broadcasts in your area.
- Note: some Roku TVs now ask you to complete a one-time online setup before antenna channels appear.
Without an antenna (any Roku)
Free channels like The Roku Channel's live TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, and the news apps from major networks carry live and local-style content at no cost. Add them from the Streaming Store and browse the live guide.
FAQ
- Do I need an antenna for local channels on Roku?
- For true over-the-air local broadcasts, yes — and a Roku TV with a built-in tuner. Otherwise, free streaming channels offer live news and local-affiliate content without any antenna.
Control your Roku from your phone
Roly is an ad-free Roku remote, free to download, with private listening and voice control.
Download on the App StoreRelated guides
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- How to add channels to your Roku
- How to use your phone as a Roku remote
- How to turn on a Roku TV without the remote
- How to restart a Roku TV (3 ways)
- How to update your Roku TV software
- How to factory reset a Roku TV
- How to use voice search on Roku
- Does a Roku work without internet?
- How to turn off or change the Roku screensaver