Freeview is digital TV channels that are subscription free. Freeview channels are available on BT TV through your TV aerial (on the TV Box Pro), you can also watch a selection of subscription free channels via your broadband internet connection (on the TV Box Pro and TV Box Mini).
What channels are on Freeview and which ones can I receive?
There are more than 94 standard channels and 16 HD channels, with new channels regularly added.
Check available Freeview channels >
Please note that some Freeview channels, including Dave, are not available on BT TV via broadband. To view these channels on your BT TV box you will need to have the BT TV Box Pro connected to your TV aerial.
To check the channels available via your broadband internet connection – visit bt.com/ip-guide.
Suddenly missing Freeview channels you used to have?
To get back any missing channels, you can retune your BT TV box by performing a channel scan:
Tips on getting the best Freeview reception via your TV aerial
- 90% of Freeview problems are down to a poor quality aerial or wiring. So make sure you've got a good external (or loft) aerial that can receive a digital Freeview signal (a TV set-top aerial is unlikely to be good enough, even with a booster).
- Check your aerial is pointing in the same direction as your neighbours'.
- Weather - low pressure or windy conditions - can affect your Freeview signal, especially if the aerial isn't securely mounted. Weather can disrupt picture quality, cause pixelation, picture freezes and missing channels.
- Transmitter changes and maintenance can change the channels you can receive, and their quality.
- Make sure you're using good quality cables, so the signal reaches you with minimum picture loss and interference.
If you're having issues and your aerial was installed within the last 12 months by TSG (Total Support Group), please contact them on 03331210024.
If you continue to have Freeview problems or just want to find out more, visit www.freeview.co.uk or call the Freeview advice line on 03456 505050.
Tips on getting the best reception via broadband internet
The TV Box Pro and the TV Box Mini are both Wi-Fi enabled so Complete Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi extenders will certainly help if there are Wi-Fi black spots or dead spots (weak, or no signal). If you’re using an ethernet cable, you will be able to use powerline adapters and mini-connectors with the TV Box Pro and TV Box Mini. We recommend the use of Ethernet cable for the best experience. There is an Ethernet cable included in your box for the TV Box Pro and TV Box Mini.
For the best possible connection, you should place your BT TV Box Pro or BT TV Box Mini within 5m of your Smart Hub. Try to make sure there's only one wall, floor or ceiling separating it from your Smart Hub at most.
If your home set-up/circumstances mean you cannot have the TV Box and the Hub (or your Internet Access Point) within 5 m of each other, consider our Complete Wi-fi solution as that would improve your viewing experience.
If you experience pixelation, failed recordings, or and IPC 6023 error message, it may be because your broadband isn't fast enough to support the content you are watching or recording.
There are some steps you can take to fix this issue:
- If you're watching an HD version of a channel, switch to the standard version - for example, BT Sport 1 instead of BT Sport 1 HD
- Make sure you're set up correctly and your BT Hub is connected to your TV box via an ethernet cable
- If you receive error IPC 6023, get more help for IPC errors >
To get the best possible picture quality, please use the HDMI cable we sent you with your TV Box.
Is BT responsible for my Freeview service via an aerial?
No, BT TV and Freeview are independent of each other.
Freeview is the brand name of the free Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) channels that are broadcast throughout the UK. How many Freeview channels you'll get also depends on the quality of your aerial.
In the terms of your BT TV service it says:
"The quality of digital terrestrial TV content, the Freeview picture and the number of channels, if any, that you can receive is dependent on the quality of the broadcast and your television aerial and the availability of Freeview in your area. We (BT) are not responsible for this."
See the full BT TV Terms and Conditions (opens in new window).