You’ve probably used your Android device to watch streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, but what about local channels? Whether you want to catch live sports, stay updated with local news and weather, or watch prime-time network programming, there are several ways to tune in without a cable subscription. In this guide, we’ll break down each option so you can find the best way to stay connected to your local channels on Android.
How to Watch Local Channels on Android
Local networks are still the best place to get local news, weather, sports, and public service announcements for your area. It may seem more challenging to access local TV channels if you watch on an Android device, but your phone or tablet offer most of the same options to pick up these broadcasts as a smart TV or dedicated streaming device do.
There are three main ways to watch local channels on Android: live TV streaming services, over-the-air TV using a mobile-compatible TV antenna, and free apps that provide direct access to local channels.
Skinny Bundle Streaming Services
All Android programs use the app system, and there really is an app for everything. Streaming services like Netflix offer apps that let you watch on your Android device, and so does every major “skinny bundle” streaming service. Streamers like DIRECTV or FuboTV offer a library of on-demand content as well as live TV channels that can be added to your subscription. The live TV channel listings on platforms like Hulu and YouTube TV include local channels. This is one of the easiest ways to get access to local broadcasts on a mobile device without any additional accessories. Streaming services work over the internet, making it easy to switch between screens and pick up exactly where you left off if you watch on multiple devices. They’re also more affordable and flexible than traditional cable.
Many skinny bundles include live local feeds of major networks like ABC and CBS, but availability depends on your location. You can check the full list of channels available in your area on your streaming service of choice by going to the streamer’s website. You can access the streaming service on your Android device by downloading its app from the Google Play store and logging into your account.
Here are live TV streaming services that offer local channels and have an Android app:
Over-the-Air TV
Free over-the-air TV on a phone or tablet? Yes, it’s possible — if you have the right tuner and antenna. You can find USB-C digital TV tuners and compatible HD TV antennas that turn your phone into a television.
To use a USB-C TV tuner with an antenna on your mobile device, connect the OTA antenna to the tuner, plug the tuner into your device’s USB-C port, and install a compatible app like PadTV HD or Air DTV from the Google Play Store. Open the app, allow it to detect the tuner, select your region, and perform a channel scan to access local broadcasts.
Brands such as MyGica, Hauppauge, Geniatech, AVerMedia, PCTV Systems, and DVBLogic manufacture USB-C tuners, with MyGica being the most recognized for Android compatibility. Check the manual to ensure your device supports external tuners, as some may lack driver support. Use a USB-C OTG adapter with power passthrough if extra power is needed. The reception quality depends on your antenna and location.
Free Apps
Local TV is technically free, and there are many apps that help you take advantage of this public service. Channels like ABC, NBC, and CBS, which have local affiliate stations across the country, offer Android apps that let you watch your local station’s live broadcast. Apps like FOX Weather offer live 24/7 weather feeds, and apps like Local Now and NewsON aggregate available local broadcasts to offer access to select programming.
Here are the free streaming services that offer local channels via Android apps:
If you have a cable subscription, providers like Spectrum and Xfinity also let you access your cable lineup from your Android device with apps like the Spectrum TV app and Xfinity Stream. Search the name of your cable provider to see if they have an Android app, log in with your credentials, and access all of your cable channels, including local channels, from your mobile device.
Watch Local Channels on Every Type of Device
If you’ve enjoyed this page, our series on how to watch local channels without cable includes more than just this article:
Free-to-air satellite (FTA) work just like OTA. From what I understand, it is legal in some places, but not in all.
I currently have Direct Tv. I want to get Netflix and I was told that I had to have an android tv to get it. will Direct tv still work on my android tv?
Yes. You would need a smart TV to be able to install Netflix. A smart TV is a TV with special-use computer (that’s running android) that can connect to the internet. The computer allows you to install viewing apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and countless free TV program providers. You control what to watch by the TV’s remote control. What is great about these apps like Netflix and the others is that you can have the same app on your android phone and watch there too.
i watch netflix with snow chromecast…. must have contract with netflux.
I just want to simply download antenna tv to my android phone and when I try to do it it keeps sending me to a site called antenatv.and it has antennas for sale I mean I don’t want to buy one for crying out loud I just want to download that channel.
Try the app locast
Bad article. You can watch over the air television if you have a tuner that will work with your device and a supporting application that either will play the station or tell you what stations are available in your area.
Locast, if you live in or near a metropolitan area that they serve.
There are also digital tuners that plug into the USB ports of Android phones or tablets, but their tiny antennas need strong OTA signals. Or you can get adapters that let you connect the tuner to a full-sized antenna.
This shouldn’t be this hard to do but I guess somebody has been paid a handsome kick back for it to be so.
Due to licensing agreements these apps will have same issues. We want to watch local stations on our phone not get an app with restrictions for live content not connected to your wifi! Help?
Last count was like 200+ options for streaming services and subscriptions available to much (not all) of America. The are still 2 million subscribers to AOL dial up (56K max) as the only access to email, let alone video at any resolution. What works for one person or household will probably not work for another. Each of us needs to identify what channels or shows we must have and what we can live without. As long as I stay clear of exclusive programming, I can always find something somewhere. Actually, we all can.