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Apple TV 4K device

You know how to use your Apple TV to watch movies and TV shows through on-demand services like Netflix. But do you know how to watch local channels on Apple TV? As it turns out, Apple's popular streaming box is just as good at showing you local news broadcasts and regional sports networks (RSNs) as it is at streaming movies on demand. All you have to do is decide how you're going to get local channels on your Apple TV — and we're going to make that easy by showing you your options below.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to stream local channels on Apple TV:
  Price Channels Free Trial  
$7.99 - $82.99 85+ 30 days Watch Now
$69.99 - $159.99 140+ 5 days Watch Now
$74.99 - $94.99 220+ 7 days Watch Now
$40 - $60 30+ - 130+ 3 days Watch Now
$4.99 - $99.99 N/A 7 days Watch Now

How to Watch Local Channels on Apple TV

One of the best ways to get local channels for free is to use an over-the-air antenna. But those plug right into your TV, right? So they're not compatible with Apple TV — or are they?

Actually, you can use an antenna to get local channels on Apple TV, though you will also need the help of some other devices. But there are also ways to stream local channels online with your Apple TV.

The streaming services that help you get local channels on Apple TV have a few things in common. The first few items on our list of ways to watch local channels on Apple TV are what we call “live TV streaming services” or “skinny bundles.” They're subscription TV services that work similarly to cable and satellite, except that they're more affordable and, in many cases, offer slimmed-down channel bundles. And they stream over the internet, which means you can watch them on your computer, your phone, and — yes — your Apple TV.

Most major skinny bundles offer live local feeds of some or all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC). Keep in mind, however, that such feeds are available in select markets only. You're likely to be covered, but double-check to make sure. Another option is to sign up for a free trial to be sure that you're getting all of the channels that you want.

Here is a full list of the best ways to watch local channels on Apple TV:

Watch Local Channels on Every Type of Device

24 thoughts on “How to Watch Local Channels on Apple TV in 2024

  1. Nathan says:

    AirTV (black box 2018) allows you to mount an indoor antenna where it can receive best possible reception, then transmit the OTA broadcast over your home network. Their free app for Apple TV displays the OTA broadcasts at home, as well as an app for IOS that allows iPad or iPhone to receive on the go. An update to Sling TV is due soon that will integrate the OTA signals from AirTV into the EPG guide in the paid service.

  2. DAG says:

    Use the free Locast app and watch for free!

    1. Roll-Tide says:

      Dude thank you so much!!!

    2. pw says:

      Unfortunately, my home state of Mississippi, is tan option

    3. Betty says:

      The only issue with locast is the commercials and it has to be restarted (hit play again after a little while unless you donate $5/month.

      1. SG says:

        Locast has shut down operations.

    4. Anita Parker says:

      Thank you!! Live streaming free local channels. Happy camper

    5. Danny says:

      Keeps showing wrong location when I try to stream

      1. Kmmatney says:

        I use an HD Homerun and the Channels app to watch Antenna TV. It’s much better than Locast (60 FPS for Sports) and the Channels App has a great guide. The HD Homerun has a free App for iPads and phones.

        1. Wayne says:

          Do you need an antenna and what does this cost?

    6. Anonymous says:

      How do you you create an account? Keep trying but can’t get it to work???

    7. Eric VanDerEyken says:

      Is there way to use Locast if its not available in my area?

    8. Anonymous says:

      I got the Locast app, but I can’t get into the channel I want, it keeps asking me to donate

    9. Kim says:

      Thanks

    10. Anonymous says:

      It is good but is not available everywhere in all the states

    11. Sharma says:

      It is good but is not available everywhere in all the states

  3. Paul says:

    I have a Vizio tv that has no way for a antenna hookup, so will I need to buy Hulu or will a Apple TV work?

    1. Danny says:

      Your Vizio don’t have a coax input on the back or side? Like for connecting cable to. That’s what you plug an antenna to as well.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Locast is the worst. It won’t let you watch anything unless you donate. Unbelievable! To tell you the truth I prefer to pay for comcast, at least they ask for your money and they don’t advertise free local channels only to find out that you can’t watch anything after like 3 or 4 days.

  5. Milo Stot says:

    Doesn’t a simple OTA indoor antenna plug in directly to an Apple TV?

    1. Stephen Lovely says:

      Unfortunately, no

  6. Jeremy says:

    Locast is great. The app is lacking and buggy, for for a small $5/mo you get no ads and all the local channels (without the need for mounting an antenna on the house).

    1. Teresa says:

      Locast doesn’t give me all the channels I can receive with an antenna. it doesn’t give CW and subchannels nor does it give ION and subchannels.

  7. Amina says:

    Not available in Southern Oregon 😢

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