Freeview has announced big changes to its channel lineup, so millions of people in the UK should check their TVs this week. Several channels have new names or have moved to different numbers.
If you do not update your TV box, you might see a blank screen or lose access to your favorite movies, lifestyle shows, and shopping channels.
These changes happened because TV networks decided to rearrange their channels to make them easier to find. Freeview has officially warned viewers that broadcasters are updating their channels starting this month.
So, many families will need to use their remotes to scan for channels again to keep everything working as usual.
Which channels have changed in the Freeview update?
Some channels are just getting new names. For example, if you enjoy crafting, Hobbycraft TV (Channel 97) is now replaced by a new shopping channel called Shop Unlimited. Also, Great! Romance Mix (Channel 61) has changed its name and look to become Great! TV +1.
The biggest change is for movie fans. Two channels are swapping places on your TV guide. Great! Movies has moved from Channel 61 to Channel 62. To keep things tidy, the new Great! TV +1 is moving from Channel 62 to the now-empty Channel 61.
How to find the new Freeview channels
Most modern smart TVs update themselves automatically, but older TVs and Freeview boxes can get confused by these changes. They might show the wrong show names or display a “No Signal” error.
Freeview says if your guide looks broken or empty, you just need to do a quick manual restart, called a “retune,” to find the new channels.
If channels are missing, follow these simple steps with your remote to fix your TV guide:
- Press the Menu or Home button on your TV or Freeview box remote.
- Scroll through the options on your screen and select Set-up, Installation, Channels, or Update.
- If a password box appears, try entering 0000 or 1234. These are the standard factory codes for most UK TVs.
- Select Full Retune, Automatic Search, or First-Time Installation.
- Press OK to let your TV remove the old channel numbers and find the new ones.
If channels are still missing or blank after a full Freeview retune, check your aerial cables or run a signal diagnostics check from your settings menu.