The basic connection: where the aerial plugs in

Your TV has a socket labeled RF in, aerial in, or TV in on the back or side. This is where the aerial cable connects. The cable itself has a connector on each end — one screws onto your TV's socket, and the other connects to your aerial or wall socket.

Before you plug anything in, turn off your TV. Screw the aerial connector firmly onto the TV's RF socket — hand-tight is enough, you do not need tools. If the connection is loose, you will get poor signal or no picture at all.

If your TV is wall-mounted and the aerial socket is hard to reach, you can buy a longer coaxial cable (the cable that carries the signal) at any electronics shop. These come in standard lengths like 5 meters or 10 meters, and both ends screw on the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • The aerial cable screws onto the RF socket on the back or side of your TV — hand-tight is sufficient.
  • If you have a wall socket for aerial signal, connect the cable from that socket to your TV instead of running a cable from the aerial itself.
  • After connecting, run a channel scan in your TV's settings menu to find available broadcasts in your area.
  • A loose connection causes poor picture quality or no signal, so check that the connector is screwed on firmly.

Connecting from a wall socket versus directly from an aerial

Most homes have an aerial socket built into the wall — usually a round or rectangular outlet with the same connector as your TV. If you have one, plug the aerial cable into that socket instead of running a cable from the aerial on your roof or in your loft. This is cleaner, safer, and the signal is usually stronger because the cable run is shorter and protected inside your walls.

If you do not have a wall socket, or if it is not near your TV, you will need to run a cable from the aerial itself. This cable should be routed along the wall or through cable ducts to keep it tidy and protect it from damage. Do not run it under carpets or pinch it in doors — this damages the cable and weakens the signal.

If you are renting, check your tenancy agreement before drilling holes or running cables. Many landlords require you to use existing sockets and restore the property when you leave.

What to do after you have connected the aerial

Turn your TV back on and go to the settings menu. Look for Channels, Tuning, or Auto Tune — the exact name varies by TV brand. Select the option to scan for channels. Your TV will search for all available broadcasts in your area and add them to your channel list. This usually takes a few minutes.

If the scan finds no channels or very few, the connection may be loose, the aerial may be pointing the wrong way, or your area may have weak signal. Check that the cable is screwed on firmly first. If that does not help, you may need to adjust the aerial direction or consider a signal booster.

Some TVs let you choose between DVB-T2 (standard digital TV) and DVB-T (older digital TV). Most UK broadcasts use DVB-T2, so select that unless you have an older aerial or live in an area that still broadcasts on DVB-T.

Troubleshooting a weak or missing signal

If you have connected the aerial but the picture is pixelated, freezes, or disappears, the signal is weak. Start by checking the physical connection: unscrew the cable from your TV, look inside the socket for bent pins, and screw it back on firmly. A loose connection is the most common cause of poor signal.

Next, check the aerial itself. If it is on your roof, you cannot easily adjust it, but if it is in your loft or portable, try rotating it slightly. Aerials are directional — they work best when pointed toward the broadcast transmitter in your area. You can find your nearest transmitter and its direction on the Freeview website.

If the signal is still weak after checking the connection and direction, you may need a signal booster or amplifier. These plug into the wall socket between your aerial and TV and strengthen weak signals. They cost between £15 and £50 and are available at electronics shops or online.

Using a splitter if you have multiple TVs

If you want to connect the same aerial to more than one TV, you need a coaxial splitter. This device has one input socket and two or more output sockets. The cable from your aerial or wall socket plugs into the input, and separate cables run from each output to each TV.

Splitters weaken the signal slightly because they divide it between multiple TVs. If you have more than two TVs, or if your signal is already weak, add a signal booster between the splitter and your wall socket. The booster strengthens the signal before it is split, so each TV receives a stronger feed.

A two-way splitter costs around £5 to £10. Make sure you buy a coaxial splitter rated for TV signals, not a satellite splitter — they look similar but are not compatible.

Smart TV aerial connections and built-in tuners

Most smart TVs have a built-in aerial tuner, which means they can receive broadcast TV without any extra equipment. The RF socket works the same way as on any other TV — connect your aerial cable and run a channel scan.

Some smart TVs also let you watch live TV through apps like Freeview Play or ITVX, which stream channels over your internet connection instead of using the aerial. These apps are useful if your aerial signal is weak, but they use your broadband data and require a good internet connection. The aerial connection is still useful as a backup.

If your smart TV is connected to the internet, make sure your router is positioned well and your broadband speed is at least 10 Mbps for reliable streaming. Check your internet speed on a speed test website if you are not sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any aerial cable, or does it have to be a specific type?

Any standard coaxial cable rated for TV signals will work. The connector type is the same on all modern TVs and aerials. Longer cables (over 10 meters) may lose signal strength slightly, so if you need a very long run, consider a signal booster.

What if my TV does not have an RF socket?

Some older TVs or specialist displays do not have an aerial input. In that case, you would need a separate digital TV receiver box that plugs into your TV via HDMI. These cost around £30 to £60 and include their own tuner and channel list.

Do I need to do anything special if I move house?

When you move, disconnect the aerial cable from your old TV and reconnect it at your new home. Run a channel scan again — your new area may have different channels or a different transmitter direction. If the signal is weak, you may need to adjust the aerial direction or add a booster.

Can I connect an aerial to a TV that only has streaming apps?

No, if your TV has no RF socket, it has no built-in tuner and cannot receive broadcast signals. You would need a separate receiver box. However, most modern TVs sold in the UK include an aerial socket and tuner as standard.

What does the RF socket do exactly?

The RF socket receives radio frequency signals from your aerial and passes them to the TV's tuner, which decodes the signal into picture and sound. It is the same technology used for decades — the socket itself has not changed, which is why old and new cables are compatible.