Channels not working or only displaying the ‘not programmed‘ message is a common issue with LG TVs. In fact, this problem is also prevalent in other TV brands.
Recently, one of my readers contacted me and informed me that his TV shows the ‘Not-Programmed’ message despite his cable connections being okay.
Thus, I have written this guide to assist those who are facing the same problem. If you’re one of them, continue reading, and hopefully, you’ll find a solution to get your TV working again
Why does the “Not Programmed” issue occur on LG TVs?
If you’re seeing the ‘Not Programmed’ message on your LG TV, it means that the device isn’t set up to receive any channels. Several factors can cause this issue, including incorrect settings, a faulty antenna, choosing the wrong input, or attempting to access a feature with no signal.
Besides these, issues with the input source or channel information can also be the culprit. For your help, I have listed some possible causes below:
- The TV is not on the correct input.
- The TV is not connected to an antenna or cable box.
- The TV settings are incorrect.
- The TV is not receiving a strong enough signal.
- The TV is experiencing technical difficulties.
How to fix LG TV Not Programmed issue?
To troubleshoot the ‘not programmed’ issue on your LG TV, check your TV settings. Go into the Menu, select “Settings,” and then go to “TV Inputs.” Make sure that the “Antenna” setting is selected. If it’s not, select it and then scan for channels.
Before diving into step-by-step instructions, look at the below table.
| Reasons for ‘not programmed’ issue | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Wrong input selected | Chose the correct input |
| Malfunctioning antenna | Replace it |
| Loose connection | Tighten the connection |
Step 1: Press the “input” button on your Remote 
This is the most effective method that you can try to fix the “not programmed” issue. This requires pressing the “Input” button on the remote and then selecting the “Input” option.
In 95% of cases, just doing this simple step fixes the problem. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the “input” button on your remote. The menu button is located in a circular symbol at the center of your remote. (If the remote not working, see this guide)
- After you press the “input” button, you will see two options. Among them, select the “input” option.
As soon as you tap the “input” option, your TV will run again. Congratulations! your TV is running.
Step 2: Check the connection
If the first method doesn’t work for you, check the antenna connection.
Most modern LG TVs are shipped with an antenna that has a coaxial connector for connecting to an input source, including cable, satellite, and broadband.
Make sure that the antenna is plugged in and connected correctly. Try disconnecting and then reconnecting it again. The input should be set up automatically once you turn on your antenna.
Step 3: Check the antenna
If you have a digital antenna, make sure it’s connected and functioning properly. If you have an indoor antenna, ensure it is positioned correctly.
Additionally, try removing any objects obstructing the signal between you and your TV, such as lamps or chairs, to ensure a clear HDTV signal is being received.
LG channels not working
To troubleshoot this issue, first, try a cold reboot. This typically fixes the issue. But if it doesn’t work in your case, here are some other steps to follow:
♦ Check the internet: Make sure your TV is connected to a reliable internet connection. Reset the internet connection if needed!
♦ Clear cache and cookies: This is especially helpful if you are experiencing issues with a specific channel. You may find the option to clear the cache in the settings menu.
♦ Update the firmware: Go to the settings and check if there is any system update available. If there is, install it right away.
F.A.Q.s
Q. LG TV is not programmed, just blinking!
If your LG TV is continuously showing a “not programmed” message and just blinking/flashing, here’s what you have to do:
- Unplug the TV.
- Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds.
- let it sit for an hour, and plug it back in.
If it does not work, the problem might be with the cable sending the television a picture. In this case, switch the HDMI cable connection and check if it works. If nothing works, you may need to hard reset your TV.
Q. My TV not showing program information!
It may be because the TV no longer has the current time and zone. To fix this, simply re-input the time. You can do this by going into the menu and selecting Settings. Then, select Time and input the current time.
If you’re unsure of the current time, you can always check online or on a news channel. Once you’ve inputted the correct time, your TV should start showing program information again.
Q. Why is my LG TV not finding channels?
Several reasons exist why your LG TV might not be finding channels when you scan for them. Among them, the most common one is that the TV is not set to the correct source or input.
In addition to this, you may experience this issue if the channel scan is not set up correctly, or if the TV’s antenna or cable connection is loose or damaged.
Abdul Kader is the CEO and founder of Homespoiler.com. With his expertise in electronics repair, he provides in-depth information on how to fix appliances, wiring, and other electrical-related issues. More about us