The reason why your Insignia TV keeps saying “Please run Auto Channel Search” is because the TV hasn’t completed the channel scan, or you’ve selected the wrong input source.
You should also check the antenna. It might be damaged due to lightning or the wind changing its position. There might be something wrong with the antenna cable too.
Whatever the case might be, here’s how to solve the issue if your Insignia TV keeps saying “Please run Auto Channel Search” and get it up and running in no time.
Perform the Auto Channel Search
If you’re looking to get your Insignia TV up and running, this quick guide will show you how to run the “Auto Channel Search” so it can display channels in your area.
If this is your first time hooking up a new TV, don’t worry. It’s easier than you might think. If your television is using an external antenna, all you need is a coaxial cable, also known as “coax.”
Whether you have an older model of Insignia TV or a newer one, the process of setting up the auto channel search is generally the same.
First, make sure the antenna is positioned correctly (aimed in the direction of the broadcast towers in your area). You can always adjust this later but I recommend doing this first.
Simply connect the antenna to the coax cable, and then screw it into the back of the set. The port located on the back of your television is often labeled ANT/CABLE.
Be sure the connection is secure. Once you’ve done that, the hardest part is over.
If you need more information on where to connect the antenna to your particular television, take a look at the diagram that came with your new television set.
Next, you need to perform a Channel Scan so your TV can display the channels in your area.
First, go ahead and turn your Insignia TV on. Many new models will guide you through a series of prompts when they’re turned on for the first time.
If your Insignia TV does this, please follow those prompts to keep your setup process simple. When you’re ready to perform the Channel Search, find the INPUT button on the remote control.
Press this button to view your current input source, which may be under the TV or Tuner Options. Of course, depending on your Insignia TV, your menu options may look a little different.
However, if you’re using an antenna signal to pick up an over-the-air broadcast, the correct option will appear as “Ant” or “AIR” in most cases.
When that option is selected, locate and press the MENU button on your remote.
With the menu open, use your remote to navigate to the Channel menu. Next, find the Auto Channel Search function. Select “Antenna,” and then select the option to begin the scan.
Your Insignia TV will scan for available channels and will automatically store them. The process will probably take 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll be notified when the search is finished.
You can then use your channel up and down buttons to cycle through your channels.
Change the input source if you’re using the HDMI port
If you’re like me, chances are you use a streaming device to watch the best content available today. To do this, however, you’ll need to choose the correct input source.
An Insignia TV will keep saying “Please run Auto Channel Search” even when the user doesn’t want to watch an over-the-air broadcast because the wrong input source has been selected.
You’ll need to change the input source to HDMI.
First, insert your streaming device (a Roku Streaming Stick, for example) into an unused HDMI port on the back of your Insignia television.
Once the device has been inserted, simply navigate to INPUT and you’ll see the different options. Choose the correct HDMI input source based on where the device is inserted.
If the device is on HDMI1, then select HDMI1.
Alternatively, you can change the input source without the remote control. To do this, first, locate the input button on the side or bottom of the Insignia TV.
Once selected, press the input button and use the channel or volume buttons to navigate between the desired input source from the menu that appears.
On some Insignia TVs with limited physical buttons, you may need to press the input button a few times until you get to the desired option and leave it set.
Keep in mind that this button can also be labeled as SOURCE.
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