Skip to Content

Samsung TV Stuck/Keeps Scanning/Scrolling Through Channels

You may love your Samsung TV, but when problems arise you may be feeling something quite different from this emotion. Are you having issues with your Samsung TV being stuck on, continually scanning and scrolling through channels?

To solve the problem of your Samsung TV being stuck on, incessantly scanning and scrolling through channels, there are a few ways to solve the issue. Many times a solution can be found through a reset of the TV itself by unplugging the unit from the power source or other internal reset methods.

Hand holding TV remote scrolling through channels

With such a large investment going into the TVs of the 21st century, it is less than ideal to be interrupted with problems. However, technology is bound to glitch from time to time and there are ways to reach a solution. Continue reading to figure out the different solutions to stop your Samsung TV from sticking on, scrolling without end, and scanning endlessly through different channels.

Samsung TV Does Not Change Channels

A frustrated couple looking at a TV screen

Technology affords the world so many advantages and even with something as seemingly simplistic as a TV, there is a great deal that they are capable of. Samsung TVs are known for their quality picture, their smart technology capabilities, and the variety of models available to the public. Even with being a preferred brand, Samsung TVs do experience glitches sometimes with one of those being their inability to change channels.

If you have a Samsung TV that does not change channels, the first, most obvious, and typically most common issue is the batteries within your remote. Remove the batteries from your remote and be sure to replace them with quality batteries rather than those that are designed to be budget friendly. The extra power high-quality batteries give will keep your remote from sticking on channels and will enable the change.

If your channels are still not changing, then you need to move on from the remote and turn the TV off for a few minutes by unplugging the power source directly. This will restart the hardware and potentially resolve the issue. If this does not work, make sure that the IR sensor is not covered by anything as this can block the signal from your remote causing the problem with your channel’s inability to change.

If the IR sensor is not blocked, the problem could potentially exist within the sensor itself. If it is a sensor issue, a technician will need to be called in order to replace the sensor and get your remote to reconnect with your Samsung TV properly. Once this has been done, you should no longer experience any problems concerning your Samsung TV not changing channels.

Samsung TV Stuck on One Channel

A girl with a TV remote changing channels while eating popcorn

Beyond not being able to change the channel on your Samsung TV, there are moments when a Samsung TV gets stuck on one individual channel. This means that when you turn on the TV the channel is left on the same channel in which you left it or once you select a channel from the menu and are directed to that exact channel, it is unable to move. For those of you that don’t want to watch the same show for the rest of eternity, this can be problematic.

If your Samsung TV is stuck on one channel, oftentimes, it simply needs to be reset which, as described previously, can be done very simply by powering off the TV through the unplugging of its power source. If this does not work, try to reset the TV through its own system by going to Home > Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset > Pin. This will revert it to factory settings.

Once you have tried unplugging and resetting your Samsung TV and the channel is still stuck, try one more added step. Complete the reset through the process within your TV listed above and once this is done, turn off the standby auto tuning. This should be the final step if all other processes have failed and will likely resolve your one-channel sticking issue.

Samsung TV Changing Channels By Itself

An annoyed girl with TV remote in hand

There are few things as eerie as sitting in front of your tv with your remote on the table while your tv begins to change channels by itself. This can certainly be alarming initially, but even more so, is quite interruptive to your own leisure time. If you are having problems with your Samsung TV changing on its own, let’s take a look at a few solutions that will help to keep your channels from flipping without your consent.

If your Samsung TV is changing channels by itself, it might be due to interference from other devices like remote controls or electronic signals. To resolve this, start by checking for any nearby electronic devices that might be emitting signals, such as fluorescent lights or cordless phones. Relocate or turn off these devices to see if the issue persists. Additionally, ensure that the TV’s remote control is not stuck or experiencing button issues, as this can also lead to unintended channel changes.

Additional Reasons and Fixes:

  1. Remote Signal Interference: Sometimes, nearby electronic devices or other remotes can emit signals that trigger your TV. To fix this, move potential interference sources away from the TV, or use the TV’s menu to disable remote control functions temporarily.
  2. Faulty Remote Control: A malfunctioning remote control can send random signals. Try replacing the batteries, cleaning the remote’s buttons, or purchasing a new remote if necessary.
  3. Software Glitches: Occasionally, software glitches can lead to channel changes. Check for available firmware updates and install them to address any software-related issues.

Samsung TV Keeps Scanning for Channels

The backs of a couple watching TV

With the initial setup for Samsung TVs, there is one step that will work to scan for different channels that are available to you. Once this process is complete, you will see a list of all the channels on various platforms that can be watched from the comfort of your own home. However, sometimes during this scan, the Samsung TV will get stuck scanning and the process will remain frozen rather than completed within a matter of minutes.

If your Samsung TV keeps scanning for channels with no end in sight, the TV may need some type of restart or reset. As mentioned with other problems, the quickest way to achieve this is to unplug your TV directly from the power source for a few minutes. You can also reset the TV by going to Home > Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset > Pin.

The constant scanning of channels can also mean that you may not have things properly attached to your Samsung TV. If during the channel scan there are no results within two to ten minutes, check to see if your antenna or cable is attached properly to the TV to either the port on the back of the TV or on the back of Samsung’s One Connect Box.

Some of the biggest problems with Samsung TVs can be solved through very simple means. Although it is never ideal to encounter an issue with your TV, there is typically always going to be a solution whether that is through your own efforts, through reaching out to Samsung Technical Support, or through the assistance of a technician that can come to your home, diagnose the problem, and have it resolved without your intervention.

Samsung TV Keeps Scrolling Through Channels

An old man watching TV with remote in hand

Samsung TVs can get stuck on one channel, can refuse to change channels, and can even change channels on their own. All of these are big problems for TV owners, but along with these issues, Samsung TVs can continually scroll through channels without any sign of stopping. This means that your TV will flip through dozens of channels before eventually landing on one through either you stopping it or it ceasing on its own.

If your Samsung TV keeps scrolling through channels, first try resetting the remote by pressing and holding the power button for 90 seconds with the batteries removed. If this does not work, find the Keyboard on the side of the TV and unplug it after unplugging your TV. Then, turn the TV back on and see if this fixed your problem.

The constant scrolling of channels can also be caused by a stuck button within the remote or on the keyboard itself, but this issue is typically few and far between as far as real problems go. However, be sure to check every option before calling someone to come and repair the issue. Always keep in mind that those Samsung TVs under warranty do receive free repairs during that warranty period and are a great option if you don’t feel qualified to do it yourself.

Related Articles

Samsung TV Web Browser Not Supported

Samsung TV Audio Not Working

Samsung TV Keeps Losing Channels/Won’t Tune/Not in Order/Etc

Samsung TV Input Not Working/Not Showing Up/Keep Switching/Stuck

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 15, 2021.

Samsung TV Keeps Turning Off or Won’t Turn Off