Here’s a concise guide to watching Freeview on a smart TV, with options that work whether you have an aerial or not. Direct answer
- If your TV supports Freeview Play (the Freeview app) and you have an internet connection, you can watch Freeview channels and on-demand content by launching the Freeview Play app on your smart TV.
- If your TV has a built-in Freeview Play app, you typically don’t need an aerial to access on-demand content; for live channels you may still need an aerial or a compatible tuner, depending on the model.
- If your TV does not have Freeview Play pre-installed, you can usually add Freeview by downloading the Freeview app from the TV’s app store and signing in or following on-screen setup instructions.
- If you have an aerial, you can use Freeview with live broadcasts via the Freeview app or by using a Freeview-capable set-top box or your TV’s built-in tuner, then tune the channels using the aerial.
Common setup steps
- Check compatibility: Confirm your TV supports Freeview Play or Freeview Streaming TV in the model’s specifications or user manual.
- Connect to the internet: Ensure the TV is connected to Wi-Fi or an Ethernet network to access the Freeview app and on-demand content.
- Install the Freeview app: If not pre-installed, open the TV’s app store and install Freeview Play or Freeview Streaming TV.
- Aerial setup (if needed): If you’re using live Freeview channels via an aerial, connect the TV to an aerial coaxial input and run the automatic channel scan in the Freeview app or TV tuner settings.
- Navigate Freeview: Use the Freeview app’s guide to browse live channels and on-demand content; for some content you may be redirected to partner apps (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, etc.) to stream.
If you don’t have an aerial or your TV lacks Freeview Play
- Use Freeview Streaming TV: Some TVs support Freeview Streaming TV as an app, which streams channels over the internet without an aerial. Look for Freeview Streaming TV in your TV’s app store and install it.
- Screen mirroring or casting: If you can’t install Freeview natively, you can mirror or cast content from a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has the Freeview app to your TV.
- External devices: Consider a Freeview-branded box or a streaming device that includes Freeview Play/Streaming TV support, then connect it to your TV via HDMI.
Notes
- Freeview availability and app names may vary by country and model; terms like Freeview Play and Freeview Streaming TV are commonly used in the UK and some other regions.
- Some content requires a broadband connection and may be subject to app-specific account requirements or regional licensing.
- If any step is unclear, refer to the TV’s manual for the exact path to install apps and run a channel scan, or contact the manufacturer’s support for model-specific guidance.
