Smart TV channels, apps and safe sign-in

Tune free-to-air channels

1. Connect the antenna lead from the wall outlet to the TV’s antenna input. Select Live TV or TV as the source.
2. Find Channels, Broadcasting or Channel setup in Settings, then Auto tuning or Auto scan. Select Antenna/Terrestrial/Digital as appropriate for Australian broadcast TV.
3. Let the scan finish and save. Check several channels; rescanning can change channel order or favourites.

Official details: Samsung Australia: free-to-air tuning ↗ · Sony Australia: digital tuning ↗

Common menu examples

Samsung’s recent guide uses Settings → All Settings → General & Privacy → Broadcasting → Auto Tuning; Broadcasting may be unavailable until Live TV is selected. Sony Google TV’s guide uses Settings → Channel & Inputs → Channels → Channel setup → Auto tuning → Digital. Your model’s manual takes priority. If a channel is pixelated or absent, check the antenna and signal rather than repeatedly reinstalling apps.

Official details: Samsung Australia: free-to-air tuning ↗ · Sony Australia: digital tuning ↗

Install an official app

First connect the TV to the internet. Open the built-in Apps menu or store, search for the service and check its publisher before installing. Samsung uses Apps/Search; LG webOS uses Apps or LG Content Store; Google TV uses the Apps tab or Search. Some stores require a manufacturer or Google account. An app being free to download does not mean its content is free.

Official details: Samsung Australia: download and manage apps ↗ · LG Australia: webOS and app installation ↗ · Google TV: install apps ↗

Sign in using the TV’s own instructions

1. Open the genuine TV app and choose Sign in. It may offer a QR code, activation code or on-screen keyboard.
2. On your own phone, use the service’s official app or type the exact address shown by the genuine TV app. Check the domain before entering credentials; avoid sponsored “TV activation” search results.
3. Enter only the code currently shown on your TV, complete the account provider’s sign-in and return to the TV. Codes may expire; generate a fresh code if needed.
4. Do not pay a third-party “activation technician” or share a verification code with someone who calls you. If it is a subscription service, check the price and billing terms before accepting.

Fix one app without resetting everything

If other apps play, check the affected service’s status and your subscription, update the app and restart the TV. Reinstall only when you know your sign-in details; clearing app data signs you out and removes local settings. If the app is absent from the store, it may not support that model or region. Use an officially supported streaming device rather than an unknown app package.

Official details: Samsung Australia: download and manage apps ↗ · Google TV: install apps ↗ · Google TV: troubleshoot apps and operation ↗

Before selling the TV or leaving a holiday rental

Sign out of personal streaming and store accounts. For your own TV that you are selling, follow the manufacturer’s reset instructions after saving what you need. Do not factory-reset a hotel or host’s TV. Our casting guide offers another way to watch where supported.

Confirm channels and apps separately

If free-to-air channels work but an app does not, the antenna is not the first thing to change. If apps work but channels are missing, check the TV source and antenna path. For a TV that is offline, start with network setup.

1. After tuning, open several broadcast channels from Live TV.
2. After installing an app, open it, confirm the intended account and try content included in that service.
3. Return to Live TV or another app to confirm you know how to change source.