In short: If your RCA TV keeps saying please run channel auto scan, change the input source to the correct HDMI input using the SOURCE button on the universal remote control.
Whenever your RCA TV keeps saying run channel auto scan, it’s telling you to look for local channels in your area using over-the-air (OTA) with a simple antenna (rabbit ears).
But what if you’re using a satellite box or streaming device?
Here’s what you should do if your RCA TV keeps saying please run channel auto scan. By the end of this article, your TV should be showing your favorite content on the screen.
If you’re using an antenna, make sure the setup is correct
If you’re looking to receive free channels on your RCA TV using over-the-air (OTA) with a simple antenna (rabbit ears), but it keeps saying run channel auto scan, it’s because:
- The antenna cable has not been attached correctly.
- Your antenna might have gotten disturbed or damaged
- Your antenna’s position has been changed due to wind.
- Your TV hasn’t scanned for all the channels completely.
It’s important to make sure that your antenna is not damaged and that is aimed at the broadcast towers in your area, but this is something you can always adjust later on.
To solve this issue, let’s run a channel auto scan and let your RCA TV complete its setup. First, connect your antenna cable to the coax plug on the back of your RCA TV.
Once the antenna cable is connected to the RCA TV, take the universal remote control and press the SOURCE button. On some remotes, you’ll need to press the INPUT button instead.
On the Input Source window, make sure that you select TV as the input source.
Next, press the MENU button on the remote, use the arrows to scroll down to the Channel menu, press the OK button, and make sure Air is selected as the Signal Type.
After you’ve selected the signal type, use the arrows on the remote to scroll down and select Auto Tuning, press the OK button, and select Yes to begin channel auto scan.
It might take your RCA TV about 5 minutes to run a complete channel auto scan. After it’s done, all the TV channels in your area will be visible to you on your RCA TV.
Now, your RCA TV should not tell you to run channel auto scan anymore.
If you’re using HDMI input, make sure the input source is correct
If you’re using either a satellite box or a streaming device hooked on the HDMI input, but your RCA TV keeps saying run channel auto scan, it means you’ve selected the wrong input source.
It sounds simple, but I’ve seen many people with RCA TVs drop their remote or try to change some settings (like brightness) only to accidentally change the input source.
If this is the case, you’ll need to change the input source back to the correct one.
Check the back of your RCA TV and locate where the satellite receiver or streaming device is plugged in. You should see that the device is plugged into HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3.
Next, take the universal remote control and press the SOURCE button. On some remotes, you’ll need to press the INPUT button instead.
On the Input Source window, make sure to choose the correct input source based on where your device is plugged in. Go through each input source until you find the one you’d like to use.
If your satellite receiver or streaming device is connected to HDMI 2, for example, you’ll need to change the input source to HDMI 2 (where the device is plugged in).
Press OK to confirm and start streaming your favorite content.
If you don’t have the universal remote, you can use the physical buttons on the TV. Generally, you’ll see buttons to control the RCA TV on the right or left side edges.
If not, the physical buttons will be located below the indicator light.
Once you’ve identified either the INPUT or SOURCE button, press on it, and you’ll get multiple options on the TV screen. Select the appropriate input that you want to change.
Unplug the RCA TV directly from the wall socket
After changing the input source to the correct HDMI input, there’s a chance your RCA TV will say no signal. You’ll need to reboot the TV, and also the satellite box or streaming device.
Unplugging your RCA TV directly from the wall socket will reset your TV. It’s different from switching the TV on and off using the universal remote control.
While it’s turned on, unplug your RCA TV directly from the wall socket. If you’re using an HDMI streaming device, unplug it from the TV while it’s rebooting.
If you’re using a satellite receiver, you’ll need to unplug the power cord from the back of the satellite box and wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging the device back in.
Give your RCA TV at least 60 seconds to start rebooting before plugging the power cord back into the wall socket and turning the TV back on.
Once it’s back on, set the input source of the RCA TV to the correct HDMI input using the SOURCE button on the remote control. Check to see if the problem has been solved or not.
Your RCA TV should now stop saying please run channel auto scan.
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