Why am i missing channels on spectrum app

When we signed up this time around I let my wife do it. Rather than the normal box, she chose the AppleTV.

This requires using the Spectrum app for watching TV. Some of the few I care about such as the Science channel are missing. The same applies when I log-in via a browser.

I am able to however download the Science channel app and it lets me login and watch it with my Spectrum credentials.

Is there any fix/setting for Spectrum I'm missing? Any update to be announced? Searching has yielded nothing. I don't want to have a separate app for multiple channels. With that I may as well not be paying for TV as it would be cheaper to just pay for the bundles of channels I actually watch.

These missing channels DO show up when I use the search function in the browser but when I select them, it simply goes back to the previously viewed channel.

I guess it's not a big deal. It's just more about the clutter and the fact that I'm paying for basically nothing.

Most Americans still prefer the comfort and structure of live TV programming. And a diverse list of channels to choose from at will is a big part of that comfort. That is why Spectrum continues to be one of the largest cable TV providers in the United States. However, some subscribers may notice that your Spectrum cable is losing channels. If this is happening or has happened to you don’t panic. This blog will try to explain why this problem can happen. You can also check out a few helpful fixes that can have you back on your favorite programming in no time. 

Why Is My Spectrum Cable Losing Channels

Providers like Spectrum are at the top of their industry due to heavy infrastructural investment. They have worked hard to expand their coverage to most of the United States. Spectrum has, in fact, one of the largest service coverage footprints in the industry. Thanks to the strength and diversity of all Spectrum channels lineup, it is easy to see why the provider’s cable plans are so popular. Subscriber’s all over the country continue to enjoy American cable entertainment, sports, news, and regional networks. Modern-day streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have indeed seen considerable success over the years. But cable continues to thrive, 

But of course, technology cannot always be 100% reliable. Spectrum’s advanced cable TV infrastructure continues to deliver quality HD cable TV to millions of Americans. However, on rare occasions, cable networks can also get congested or hardware can develop problems. This may not always result in service downtime. However, you may notice that a few channels have dropped out of your lineup. But before you place an angry call to customer care, understand that you can likely fix the problem yourself. If your Spectrum cable is losing channels, here’s what to do:

Reboot Your Cable Box

The first step to try and restore the missing channels is to reboot the receiver. The receiver is the device that receives the digital TV signal through the coaxial cable and decodes it into audio and video. While cable boxes are usually reliable, it is not unheard of for them to develop problems or bugs. The fix is very simple. Simply reset the device, or better yet, unplug it for 60 seconds. After it restarts, you should generally have access to the full lineup again. 

Inspect The Connections on The Cable Box

If rebooting the cable box didn’t work, the next logical culprit is a bad connection or a damaged cable. If the connection between the cable box and your TV is damaged, there will obviously be problems. Missing channels can often be a result of a bad connection. Check all cable connections and wires, and make sure you are using compatible cables.  

Make Sure Cables Are Integrated into The Right Inputs

Your cable box and cables might be in working order. But if the problem persists, you might want to double-check if everything is integrated correctly. Each input needs to be integrated into the correct port. So if the cable box is using HDMI port 1, your TV must be set on HDMI 1 as well.

Check Online for any Channel Disputes

Still, missing some channels? The problem could have arisen as a result of a dispute between your provider and a media company or network. For example, Viacom and Spectrum’s disagreement led to 23 channels being dropped from the lineup. Disputes of this nature normally mean you can’t even access the channels on a premium plan like the Spectrum Gold package. If you can’t find certain channels, a Google search should be able to tell you if there is a broadcast dispute or something similar causing it.  

Use Auto-Program To Reprogram Your Channel List

The auto-program feature lets users scan the entire channel lineup and access it on their TV. However, if the feature isn’t turned off, reprogramming can often cause some channels to be dropped. However, you can easily remedy that by rescanning one more time and then turning the feature off. You should now have full access to all channels in your specific lineup. 

Whenever we are glued to our TVs, the last thing we need is an interruption or an outage of any kind. We can’t, however, avoid these things altogether.

There are times when you find local channels not working on Spectrum. This is usually a frustrating moment especially if you had prepared to watch your favorite show.

Local channels can stop showing on Spectrum due to a combination of different factors. Whether you are watching spectrum tv on Roku, Xbox, or smart TV, you are bound to face such issues.

If you are getting a specific error, this guide on Spectrum app error codes and their fixes should come in handy.

How to fix missing local channels on Spectrum

The methods to fix missing channels on Spectrum are discussed here:

Method 1: Check your devices’ connectivity

The simplest things are usually the most ignored. When trying to find problems on your Spectrum, check all the basic connections to establish you are not missing anything.

Check the following setups.

1. The first step is to check whether the spectrum receiver is turned on.
2. The second move is to check your input signal and connections. Verify that your tv is set to the correct input. Whether using an HDMI or coaxial cable. Use your source key on your remote to find the correct input.
3. Check the condition of all your connectors. All the cables connecting your device need to be in a good state. This also includes power cables. Make sure the power cables are well inserted to the power source.
4. You should also utilize the auto-program feature on your if it is available. This feature is not available on every television set but is a useful one if present. Let the tv program automatically.

SEE ALSO:  How to program Spectrum remote to TV cable box

Read: How to fix error code IA01 on Spectrum

Method 2: Configure your DNS well

There are moments when you find spectrum tv channels are missing on Roku. This is a result of tampered configurations. This makes it impossible to connect to a stream.

Follow the outlined procedure below to fix this.

1. Correct your DNS settings. Your DNS settings have a significant impact on whether you will connect to channels or not. Maintain your DNS to keep connected. Changing your DNS will lead to signal loss.
2. Make the necessary software updates on your devices. This will help eliminate minor errors experienced.
3. You need to also upgrade your internet speed if you have low bandwidth.

Method 3: Send a refresh signal to the receiver

1. Sign in to your Spectrum account from the official website
2. Go to my account tab
3. Click on the TV option
4. Click on the refresh option under the equipment section.

Method 4: Use the Spectrum tv app

With the Spectrum package, you can download the Spectrum app and stream it on your phone.

If you are not able to get all the local tv channels on your phone, disable the parental control feature.

You should also perform a reboot on your devices to establish connections well. This will help your Spectrum channels load afresh.

SEE ALSO:  Spectrum error code IA01: problem detected at startup -Fix!

Read: How to fix Spectrum error code WUC-1002

Wondering why my Spectrum channels unavailable? Users believe that after subscribing and making a contract with Spectrum, some of the channels that are promised by the provider are missing. However, if the issue isn’t due to a faulty host by the manufacturer, here in this post we will do our best to help you bring your channels back.

A possible cause would be If you had switched to another TV package, the channels you think are missing might not be included in your new one.

READ ALSO :  Fix Spectrum Remote Guide Button Not Working

One way or another, we will try our best to firmly explain the issue and provide you with some helpful techniques that are proven to recover missing channels.

Why Are Spectrum Channels Unavailable?

After subscribing to Spectrum and watching their channels for a while, you might start noticing that you are short of a few promised cable broadcasts.

This could be due to many consequences, but be rational and don’t blame your cable TV providers yet!

Make sure to follow the preparation guide below before you start with the solutions:

1. Check if you have Reliable Internet Connection

First, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection and a clear view of the rest of the cable channels.

READ ALSO :  Why Is My Spectrum Remote Volume Not Working?

Sometimes bad connectivity could somehow disrupt the connection between your TV and the service provider and cause channels loss.

2. Look for Damaged Cables & Connection

Check for faulty, loose, or damaged cables throughout your configuration. If you had somehow damaged the service cable going inside of your TV, no wonder you are short of channels.

3. Parental Settings

Check if the parental controls on Spectrum are enabled. The parental controls feature Spectrum is offering, will hide all channels that contain inappropriate content and also implement age restrictions.

You will learn more about the feature and how to disable it further in the post.

4. Check Package & Plans

If you added channels, upgraded, or switched your current TV package, you might have to wait for up to 3 days.

READ ALSO :  Why Does My Spectrum Cable Keeps Freezing? Quick Fix

After requesting an action that involves changes in your TV package, the average wait time until the changes take effect is up to 3 days so be patient.

Having all this in mind it is time to get started with the solutions that we have prepared for you.

How To Fix Spectrum Cable Channels Unavailable?

We will do our best to provide you with truthful solutions, which you can apply to any model of Spectrum cable box, without worrying that something might go wrong.

It is recommended to follow our steps in order to avoid any possible complications which might damage your configuration.

Solution #1 Troubleshoot Equipment

The first thing we recommend you to do is to check your equipment and configuration for loose and faulty cable connections.

READ ALSO :  How To Fix Spectrum Remote Video Source Not Working?

If the service cable hasn’t been connected rightfully, you might be losing many channels or don’t have cable TV at all.

You should also check your network configuration for malfunctions. Even if the title says that you are missing cable channels, sometimes Spectrum is directly using the internet transmitted by your router.

This is why it is best to also take a look at the condition of your network and find out whether you have a reliable internet connection or not.

You can also connect your TV and router using an Ethernet cable, which will provide you with an even faster internet connection.

READ ALSO :  Spectrum Remote Fast Forward Not Working? Here’s How To Fix

Solution #2 Disable Parental Controls

The parental controls feature Spectrum contains, can mute and hide channels based on age group limitations and adult flagged channels. In case you’re only missing adult-only channels the parental controls must have made them unavailable to view.

If you had enabled the feature by yourself and it hasn’t been involved in the TV plan, you were told to create a safety PIN that can unlock and disable the feature.

When you open the featured tab containing the specifics of the parental control, simply click on disable and enter the PIN. Lastly, restart your TV.

Solution #3 Check Channel Number

Another well-known solution for fixing Spectrum channels unavailable is to check whether the corresponding broadcast you are willing to watch has changed the channel number.

READ ALSO :  How to Cast Spectrum TV App? Complete Guide

The number your channel was previously using might be unavailable now and this deceptive outcome might make you think that the broadcast is unavailable.

This is why our best suggestion is to start browsing throughout all of your channels to check whether the broadcast has changed name or number.

If you manage to find the channel, be aware of updates next time and add the channels you are watching to Spectrum’s favorite list.

Solution #4 Check Subscription

If you had added, moved, or deleted channels from your subscription, some of your channels might be unavailable during this period.

READ ALSO :  How To Watch Recorded Shows On Spectrum? Quick Guide

Simply check which channels are being transferred to your package and determine whether the unavailable broadcast shares the same numbers.

If it does, the average wait time Spectrum has announced is up to 3 workdays. In that time, your order is going to be taken care of and fulfilled.

Solution #5 Perform A Re-Scan

Probably a firm re-scan is all you need to discover and add the missing channels to your list.

Depending on the model of your TV, the scan for channels option might be found in different parts of the menu.

Feel free to check online how to scan for channels on your specific TV and hopefully get your missing channels really quick.

Solution #6 Use Spectrum Troubleshooting Tool

Spectrum has recently announced their new feature available for all users of the TV packages they own.

This tool is designed to help you out of situations including problems with your TV and answering all kinds of questions regarding your package, subscription, and whatsoever.

The thing you want to do here is to download the app, sign in with your Spectrum credentials and click on troubleshoot.

List all of your information and inquiries about the issue and wait for a few minutes until a solution has been created for you or a support agent has connected.

Prepare by listing the missing channels and making sure that they are truly gone.

Read Next: Can I Pay my Spectrum Bill at Walmart?

Conclusion:

After letting you know more about why are Spectrum channels unavailable, you should be fully capable of fixing the issue yourself.

READ ALSO :  How to Pause Spectrum Internet? Best Possible Ways!

We are made to believe that everything you have tried home didn’t work, Spectrum can renew the process from where we have left off.

For more guidelines including Spectrum, you can visit our blog that can answer all of your technical inquiries and let you know of some first-hand troubleshooting methods.

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.