How to Check If TV Aerial is Working
There’s nothing quite like settling down in front of the TV with loved ones after a long day at work.
While it’s fair to say that viewing habits have shifted dramatically in recent years, mostly due to the advent and growth of streaming services, the TV still acts as a way for us to share precious quality time with those we love.
So, whether you want to enjoy the latest crime drama or binge that reality show everyone is talking about, losing access to your TV can be extremely frustrating.
Sometimes, your TV may not be working properly due to a fault with the aerial, and in this article, we’ll outline some of the ways to check if your TV aerial is not working.
Read on for more information…

How Does a TV Aerial Work?
TV aerials, or antenna as they are also referred to, are metal devices that capture electromagnetic waves that carry television signals. These waves are transmitted from broadcasting stations and once they reach your aerial, they provide the picture you see on your TV screens and allow you to watch your favourite shows.
The aerials are made from metal rods or elements that are designed to resonate the necessary frequencies. These rods pick up the signals, including both the picture and sound components, and the aerial’s structure is optimised to receive certain frequency bands – such as – VHF or UHF.
The signals the aerial’s capture are then converted into electrical currents and transmitted to the TV via a cable. The TV’s built-in tuner will decode the signals and transform them into the video and audio you see on screen. To achieve the best picture possible, the aerial’s placement and orientation are crucial as this helps to maximise the signal’s reception and minimise any interference.
How To Check If TV Aerial Is Working
There are several reasons why a TV aerial might stop working including:
Bad weather: One of the main reasons a TV aerial might stop working is bad weather. Extreme rain, wind or snow can interfere with the signal and potentially move the aerial out of its position if it is located outside.
Interference: Sometimes, other devices may interfere with your TV signal. If you’ve recently had something installed in your home that also emits signals, it could cause the aerial to stop working properly.
Location: The location of the aerial itself will play a part in the signal strength. This will depend on the distance from the transmission tower to your property and if you’re located in a very rural area or in a valley or behind a hill, the quality of the TV’s picture may be affected.
The aerial quality: The quality and position of the aerial and the cables play a part too. Over time, general wear and tear can cause them to become damaged or faulty and replacing them may help solve any problems.
Check If The Issue Is With The TV or Cable
Typically there are two methods to check if the problem you are struggling with is a problem with the aerial or your TV.
The first and easiest thing to try is simply plugging the aerial into another TV in the house. Connect the aerial point to an alternative TV and scan for channels. If you are able to pick up channels without any issues on a second TV, then this suggests that the problem is with your TV rather than the aerial.
Alternatively, you can purchase an aerial tester which will test the strength of your TV antenna. A typical aerial tester will come with LED lights that demonstrate the strength of the signal when it has been attached. If the lights indicate a low signal, then the problem is likely with your aerial and not the TV.
How To Check Your TV Aerial Is Working After A Storm
People most commonly suffer problems with their TV aerial during or after a storm. Adverse weather can play havoc with aerials, especially those that are located outside and there are a few ways you can check if your aerial has suffered from any damage after a storm has hit.
This includes:
Check For Physical Damage
First, take some time visually inspecting the aerial to see if you notice any physical damage like cracks or corrosion. This may indicate that problems have occurred. Secondly, look at the cables that are connected to the aerial to ensure they have not become loose or frayed. If you do spot damage then you might need to spend some time repairing or replacing it.
Check Connections
Make sure all cables remain securely connected to the TV aerial and your TV. Windy weather may have caused cables to become loose which will create problems with your TV signal.
Check every cable and see if they are inserted tightly and securely into their respective ports. You can do this at the same time you are checking for damage.
If you are using a coaxial cable that is connected from the TV aerial to the TV, make sure the head of the cable is firmly connected to both elements.
Check The Power
The storm may have impacted the power that is running from the aerial and TV so check this too.
You can use a multimeter device to do this.
It’s important that the electric current is correctly running through all cables so turn off the power at the mains and locate the cable that is connected to the antenna. Use the multimeter to test the voltage. If no reading appears, then a power supply problem has occurred.
Check The Picture Quality
Once all of the above have been checked, flick on the TV and check the picture quality. If you notice that your channels are not appearing or the picture quality is not of a good standard, then the aerial may have moved position or become damaged during the storm. Signal boosters can also be purchased if necessary to help improve the signal coming from the aerial.