You can watch live TV on Samsung smart TV using three free methods: the built-in Samsung TV Plus service, an over-the-air antenna, or your existing cable or satellite box. Each option gives you access to live programming without needing to download extra apps or pay for a separate streaming subscription.
How to watch live TV on Samsung smart TV: 3 free methods
Your Samsung Smart TV comes with several ways to access live television without a paid streaming service. The primary free methods are the pre-installed Samsung TV Plus app, which offers dozens of ad-supported channels over your internet connection; a digital HDTV antenna, which pulls in local broadcast stations for free; and your existing cable or satellite box, which connects directly to the TV via HDMI. If you prefer a subscription-based option, you can also download paid live TV streaming apps from the Smart Hub. This article covers all three free methods first, then touches on the paid alternatives.
Method 1: Use the free Samsung TV Plus service
Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service that comes pre-installed on 2016 and newer Samsung Smart TVs, Smart Monitors, and projectors. It provides instant access to news, sports, and entertainment channels without requiring a subscription, additional device, or credit card. An internet connection is needed to stream content, and while a Samsung account is not strictly required for basic use, you will need one for network-based smart services or to sync viewing records across multiple devices.
- Press the Home button on your remote control.
- Select the Samsung TV Plus app from the app bar at the bottom of the screen.
- Browse the available channels using the on-screen guide. To view the full channel guide, press the CH button inward on a Samsung Smart Remote or the GUIDE button on a standard remote.
On some models, Samsung TV Plus may start automatically when you turn on the TV or when you exit another app. If you prefer to disable this behavior, go to Settings > General > Smart Features and turn off Autorun Samsung TV Plus. This is especially helpful if you mainly use an antenna or cable box and want to get back to regular TV without the app launching every time.
Method 2: Connect an HDTV antenna for local channels
If you want to watch local over-the-air channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS for free, you can connect a digital HDTV antenna to your Samsung TV. The type of antenna you need for a smart TV is the same as for any modern television: a standard digital HDTV antenna with a coaxial connector. No subscription or monthly fee is required, and you will receive channels in crystal-clear HD as long as you are within range of local broadcast towers.
- Connect the antenna's coaxial cable to the "ANT IN" or "Cable/Antenna" port on the back of your Samsung TV.
- Turn on the TV and press the Source button on your remote.
- Select "TV" as the input source.
- Navigate to Settings (All Settings) > Broadcasting > Auto Program.
- Select "Start" and choose "Air" as the signal type.
- Wait for the TV to scan for available channels. Once complete, you can browse them using the channel up/down buttons or the on-screen guide.
This method is ideal if you want to turn on broadcasting and watch live local news, sports, and network programming without any monthly cost.
Method 3: Connect a cable or satellite box
If you already have a cable or satellite subscription, you can connect the receiver directly to your Samsung Smart TV to watch live TV through your existing service. This method preserves your current channel lineup and DVR functionality while using the Samsung TV as the display.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the "HDMI out" port on your cable or satellite box to any available "HDMI IN" port on your Samsung TV.
- Turn on both the TV and the cable/satellite box.
- Press the Source button on your Samsung remote and select the corresponding HDMI input (for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI 2).
If you own a Samsung TV model that includes a One Connect Box (such as certain Neo QLED 8K/4K models or the Frame TV from 2024), you can connect the cable or satellite box to the One Connect Box instead. This consolidates all external device connections into a single cable running to the TV, reducing cable clutter. To switch to cable, simply select the correct HDMI source from the Source menu each time you want to watch.
Bonus: Watch live TV with streaming apps
In addition to the free methods above, your Samsung Smart TV supports a variety of third-party live TV streaming services that require a paid subscription. These apps are available for download from the Smart Hub and include popular options such as YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV. To use them, open the Smart Hub, search for the desired app, download and install it, then sign in with your subscription credentials. These services offer channel lineups that often include local networks, sports, and news, making them a flexible alternative to traditional cable. For many users, watching live TV on a smart TV through a streaming app is the most convenient way to access a wide range of channels without a physical antenna or cable box.
Adjust your live TV settings
No matter which method you use to watch live TV, you can fine-tune the picture and audio settings to match your preferences and the content you are watching. Press the Settings button on your remote, then navigate to the Picture or Sound menus. Adjust brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness for the best visual quality, and choose audio output options such as TV speakers or an external sound system. These settings apply globally to all live TV sources, so you only need to set them once. Taking a few minutes to optimize your settings will make every channel look and sound its best, whether you are watching through Samsung TV Plus, an antenna, a cable box, or a streaming app.
