Apple TV has over 1,500 video apps, so it’s impossible not to find something to watch. Apps like FuboTV make it easy to add major cable channels without any additional equipment or tech experience, but the availability of local channels can vary. If you (or an aging parent) are still overpaying for cable just to get local TV, there’s a solution. There are several ways to get local TV through your Apple TV, and this guide will walk you through all of them. Here’s how to access local channels on your Apple TV.
How to Watch Local Channels on Apple TV
Local channels are the best place to go for local news, regional sports, weather, and closures. They also bring viewers public access broadcasting of live town halls and local government hearings and votes. Watching local TV helps you stay tuned in to your community. It’s easy to feel disconnected in the modern world, so local TV is more important than ever to keep us connected.
If you’re a cord-cutter, you may think you can’t access local TV channels without a cable subscription, but that’s not the case. There are several ways to pick up local channels through Apple TV, with or without a cable subscription.
Skinny Bundle Streaming Services
The easiest way to access local channels with no additional equipment is live TV streaming services or skinny bundles. Perfect for the less tech-savvy, setting these up is as easy as clicking a button on your Apple TV. These streaming platforms offer a library of on-demand content, as well as a list of cable channels you can add to your subscription for a small additional fee. They’re cheaper and more flexible than cable, and most cord-cutters end up saving money while still getting all their favorite channels. Skinny bundle streaming services stream over the internet, which means you can watch them on your computer, your phone, and your Apple TV.
Most major skinny bundles offer live local feeds of some or all of the major networks like ABC, CBS and NBC. However, availability of specific local channels will depend on your location and which streaming service you choose. Some streaming services, such as DIRECTV, Youtube TV, and Hulu + Live TV, have more local channel options than others.
Apple TV makes it easy to find the channel you’re looking for with their search function. Just type the name of the local channel (e.g., “WCBS-TV”) in the search bar, and Apple TV will list the streaming services that offer that channel.
Here are the streaming services that offer local channels on Apple TV:
Over-the-Air TV
Watching free over-the-air TV on your Apple TV is possible with the help of a digital tuner and an app that supports live TV streaming. Devices like the HDHomeRun or Tablo connect to an HD TV antenna and stream local broadcast channels over your home network. This allows you to watch them on your Apple TV through apps, giving you access to free channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS. Many of these apps include features such as DVR recording, channel guides, and pause and rewind functionality to enhance the traditional live TV experience.
Here are the device and app combinations you can use to watch over-the-air TV on Apple TV:
- HDHomeRun + Channels app
- Tablo + Tablo app
- AirTV + Sling TV app
Cable TV
If you still have a cable subscription but want all of your cable channels and streaming apps in one place, Apple TV can do that! Cable providers like Spectrum TV® offer Apple TV apps that you can use to log in to your cable account and access your entire cable guide. So, if you already get local channels through a cable subscription, you can watch them on your Apple TV by searching the name of your cable provider to see if they have an Apple TV app.
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!
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.
Use the free Locast app and watch for free!
Dude thank you so much!!!
Unfortunately, my home state of Mississippi, is tan option
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.
Locast has shut down operations.
Thank you!! Live streaming free local channels. Happy camper
Keeps showing wrong location when I try to stream
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.
Do you need an antenna and what does this cost?
How do you you create an account? Keep trying but can’t get it to work???
Is there way to use Locast if its not available in my area?
I got the Locast app, but I can’t get into the channel I want, it keeps asking me to donate
Thanks
It is good but is not available everywhere in all the states
It is good but is not available everywhere in all the states
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?
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.
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.
Doesn’t a simple OTA indoor antenna plug in directly to an Apple TV?
Unfortunately, no
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).
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.
Not available in Southern Oregon 😢