How to Label & Rename Antenna Input Names on LG TV (All webOS Versions – 2026 Guide)

Your LG TV shipped with input names like "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," and "TV." Not exactly helpful when you've got a soundbar, a gaming console, a streaming stick, and an antenna all competing for attention. Renaming those inputs - especially the antenna source - cuts through the confusion and makes switching between devices something you do in a second rather than a guessing game.

This guide covers every LG TV webOS version from 1.0 through webOS 26 (shipping on the 2026 G6 and C6 models), with version-specific menu paths, antenna-focused walkthroughs, and fixes for the most frustrating labeling problems. Whether you own a brand-new OLED or a 2016 budget model collecting dust in the spare room, you'll find the exact steps for your TV below.

What Are Input Labels and Channel Names on LG TV?

When you press the Input button on your Magic Remote, you'll see each connected source listed by its label - HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Antenna/TV, AV In, and so on. These input labels are the customizable names displayed in the Source or Input menu for each connected device. You can rename "HDMI 1" to "PS5" or "HDMI 3" to "Soundbar" so you always know which port does what.

Channel names work differently. Names like "CBS," "NBC," and "Fox" are set by the broadcasters themselves and stored in your TV's channel list. You don't control these through the input menu - they're embedded in the broadcast signal your TV receives.

Here's the key distinction: input labeling changes what you see in the Input/Source menu, while channel renaming changes what appears in the program guide. Most users searching for "label antenna names" actually want to rename the antenna input source - and yes, you can do that on virtually every LG TV made in the last decade.

Your LG TV's rear panel typically includes these input types:

• HDMI 1–4 (one designated as ARC or eARC for audio return)

• ANT IN / CABLE IN - the RF coaxial port for antenna or cable TV, often shared as a single physical port

• AV In - composite video (older models)

• USB - for media playback and firmware updates

On the back of your TV, you'll find a threaded F-type coaxial connector labeled "ANT IN" or "CABLE IN." If you're looking to how to connect antenna to lg tv, this is where your coaxial cable plugs in. And if you need to how to change hdmi on lg tv, the process for HDMI ports follows a similar renaming path.

This guide covers both - renaming the antenna input (the source itself) and managing antenna channel names - with webOS-version-specific instructions for every step.

ANT IN vs. CABLE IN: On most LG TVs, these share the same physical RF coaxial port. The distinction comes during channel scanning - you select "Antenna" for over-the-air broadcasts or "Cable" for cable TV service. Choosing the wrong option during Auto Tuning results in zero channels found.

Can You Label Antenna Names on LG TV? (Quick Answer)

Yes, you can label antenna names on an LG TV. On models running webOS 22 through webOS 26 (2022–2026 TVs), navigate to Input → Home Hub → Options (three dots, top right) → Edit Inputs, then select the antenna source and type your custom label. On older webOS versions, use Input → All Inputs → Edit. Pre-2018 models may only offer preset labels rather than free-text entry.

The antenna input might appear as "TV," "Antenna," "Antenna/Cable," or "Live TV" depending on your model and webOS version. In our testing across multiple LG TV models, the antenna input can be renamed on all webOS versions - though the exact menu path varies, and some older models restrict you to preset label choices.

One important caveat before you start: if Simplink (LG's implementation of HDMI-CEC) is enabled, the TV may auto-detect and override custom HDMI labels based on the device name reported through the CEC protocol. This typically affects HDMI inputs more than the antenna input, but it's worth knowing. If you've connected a soundbar or receiver and notice labels reverting, you'll want to check our Simplink troubleshooting section below. For those who've run into CEC issues after connecting audio equipment, here's a helpful resource on how to connect lg soundbar to tv.

Skip to the section that matches your webOS version - Section 4 for webOS 22–26, Section 5 for webOS 4.0–6.0, or Section 6 for older models.

How to Identify Your LG TV webOS Version

Before following any version-specific instructions, you need to know which webOS version your TV is running. Menu paths changed significantly between webOS generations, so using the wrong steps leads to dead ends.

The fastest method: Press the Mute button on your remote three times in quick succession. The Quick Launch screen appears on the right or bottom side of the display, showing your webOS version directly. No digging through menus required.

If that shortcut doesn't work on your model, take the longer route: Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV (or Support → Software Update on some models). Your webOS version and firmware number will be listed there.

Here's the complete webOS version-to-model-year mapping:

Important note about webOS 25: LG has been rolling out webOS 25 to 2022, 2023, and 2024 models as part of its Re:New program. According to FlatpanelsHD, the rollout reached supported B2, C2, G2, B3, C3, G3, B4, C4, G4, and QNED 8K series TVs in early 2026. So your actual webOS version may be newer than what originally shipped with your TV.

Before proceeding with any input renaming, I'd recommend checking for firmware updates. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update and install any available updates. Newer firmware can fix bugs, change available menu options, and improve overall stability. To learn more about keeping your TV current, check out how to update firmware on lg tv. If your TV received a webOS 25 update through LG's Re:New program, you can also reference our guide on how to update lg tv software for the full walkthrough.

How to Rename & Label Inputs on LG TV via Home Hub (webOS 22–26)

This is the primary method for the majority of current LG TV owners - anyone with a 2022 through 2026 model, including the latest G6 and C6 running webOS 26. According to LG's official support page, the process uses the Home Hub's Edit Inputs feature.

Here's the step-by-step process to rename any input, including the antenna source:

1. Press the Input button on your Magic Remote. If your remote isn't responding, you may need to re-pair it - our guide on how to pair lg remote to lg tv walks through that process.

2. Select Home Hub from the input panel that slides in from the left side of the screen.

3. Click Options - the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the Home Hub screen.

4. Select Edit Inputs from the dropdown menu.

5. Choose the input you want to rename. For the antenna, look for "TV," "Antenna," or "Antenna/Cable" in the list.

6. Type your new name using the on-screen keyboard. You can enter anything - "OTA Channels," "Antenna," "Local TV," or whatever makes sense for your setup.

7. Optionally change the icon. You'll see a selection of device icons (controller, set-top box, Blu-ray player, PC, etc.) - pick one that visually represents the source.

8. Press Confirm to save your changes.

That's it. Your renamed input now appears with its new label everywhere - the Home Hub, the input switcher, and any on-screen notifications when you switch sources. You can learn more about switching between your newly labeled inputs in our guide on how to change input on lg tv.

If the antenna input doesn't appear in Edit Inputs: On some webOS 24+ models, the antenna/TV input may not show up in the standard Edit Inputs list alongside HDMI sources. If that happens, try selecting "Live TV" or "TV" from the input list first to activate it, then return to Edit Inputs. Alternatively, navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → Channels, where antenna-related settings sometimes provide additional labeling options.

This Home Hub → Edit Inputs path has been confirmed working on webOS 25 (rolling out to 2022–2024 models throughout early 2026) and webOS 26 (shipping on the 2026 G6 and C6 models that began pre-orders in March 2026).

⚠️ Simplink Warning: If Simplink (HDMI-CEC) is enabled, your TV may auto-detect connected device names and override your custom HDMI labels. This is especially common with soundbars and AV receivers. If you rename an HDMI input and it reverts after a power cycle, temporarily disable Simplink before renaming, or rename the source device itself. See Section 10 for the full fix.

How to Rename Inputs on LG TV Using All Inputs Menu (webOS 4.0–6.0)

If you own a 2018 through 2021 LG TV that hasn't received a webOS update beyond its original version, your TV uses the "All Inputs" navigation path instead of Home Hub. Based on user reports from AVS Forum and the original LG documentation, here's how to rename inputs on these models.

1. Press the Input button on your remote control. If you're using an older remote model or a third-party universal remote, the button layout may differ - check how to change input on lg tv without remote for alternative methods.

2. Select "All Inputs" at the bottom of the input list that appears on screen.

3. Click on the input you want to rename. The antenna input typically appears as "TV" or "Antenna/Cable" in this list.

4. Select "Edit" or "Change Device Name" from the right-side panel.

5. Choose from preset labels or type a custom name. On webOS 4.0 and 4.5, some models only offer preset options (Game Console, Blu-ray, Set-Top Box, PC, etc.). WebOS 5.0 and 6.0 generally support free-text custom names.

6. Confirm your selection.

On webOS 4.5 models like the 2019 C9, selecting an input in the All Inputs view reveals an Edit option on the right side of the screen - it's not immediately obvious, but it's there. Icon customization became available starting with webOS 5.0, so 4.0 and 4.5 owners are limited to name changes only.

Firmware update heads-up: If you own a 2020 or 2021 LG TV, there's a good chance your TV has been updated to webOS 24 or even webOS 25 through LG's Re:New program. If that's the case, the Home Hub method from Section 4 applies to your TV now. Check your webOS version using the Mute-button shortcut from Section 3 before following these older instructions.

For users who need help setting up their remote for this process, our guide on how to program lg tv remote covers the configuration details.

How to Rename Inputs on Older LG TVs (webOS 1.0–3.5 and NetCast)

If you're working with a pre-2018 LG TV, the renaming experience is more limited. These older models use different menu structures, and the customization options aren't as flexible.

webOS 1.0–3.5 (2014–2017 models): Navigate to Settings → All Settings → Channels (or General, depending on model) → Change Device Name. Select the input you want to rename and choose from the available preset labels. According to the LG 55LF5700 manual on ManualsLib, both renaming and removing inputs are supported, though only through preset options.

NetCast platform (older non-webOS models): Press the Input button, select the input, press the right arrow to highlight it, and choose from preset device types - DVD, VCR, Game, Set-Top Box, and a few others. There's no on-screen keyboard for custom text.

Smart Share alternative: Some older webOS models with Smart Share offer a different path: Settings → System Settings → HDMI → Channel Label. This method was documented by community guides and works on select 2015–2016 models.

Here's what you need to know about these older TVs: most pre-2018 models only allow choosing from preset labels (Game, PC, Blu-ray, Set-Top Box, etc.). Free-text custom naming is not available on these models. And on most legacy models, the antenna/TV input cannot be renamed through the input menu at all - it remains "TV" or "Antenna" permanently. You can only customize HDMI and AV input labels.

That's an honest limitation, and there's no workaround for it. If you've lost your original remote for an older TV, our guide on how to turn on lg tv without remote covers your options for basic control.

How to Label Antenna Channel Names on LG TV Specifically

This is the section that directly addresses what most people mean when they search "can you label antenna names on LG TV." There are actually two different things you might want to do: rename the antenna input (the source itself) and organize your antenna channel list. Let's cover both.

Renaming the Antenna Input

Follow the steps in Section 4 (webOS 22–26) or Section 5 (webOS 4.0–6.0) to rename your antenna input. When you reach the Edit Inputs screen, look for the entry labeled "TV," "Antenna," "Antenna/Cable," or occasionally "Live TV." Select it, type your preferred name - "OTA Channels," "Antenna TV," "Local Broadcasts," or anything that helps you identify it quickly - and confirm.

To rename the antenna input on your LG TV, press the Input button, open Home Hub, select Options (three dots), then Edit Inputs. Choose the "TV" or "Antenna" input and type your preferred label. If the antenna input doesn't appear in Edit Inputs, access it through Settings → Channels instead.

"Live TV" vs. Antenna TV - A Common Point of Confusion

A common point of confusion: when you tap "Live TV" on the webOS home screen, you'll see LG's free streaming channel service (LG Channels) - not your over-the-air antenna channels. To watch actual antenna broadcasts, you need to select the "TV" or "Antenna" input from the Input menu instead.

If you're interested in LG's streaming channels as an alternative to antenna, our guide on how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna explores those options.

Managing Antenna Channel Names

While you can label the antenna input (the source itself), individual broadcast channel names like CBS, NBC, and Fox are set by the broadcaster and embedded in the signal metadata. You cannot directly rename these through LG's standard menus.

However, you can organize your antenna channels effectively using Channel Manager. Navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → Channels → Channel Manager (path varies slightly by webOS version). From here, you can:

• Reorder channels to put your favorites at the top

• Hide channels you never watch to declutter your channel list

• Create a Favorites list to group channels by category - "News," "Sports," "Kids," etc.

• Lock specific channels with a PIN for parental controls

Creating favorites lists is the closest thing to "labeling" individual antenna channels. It lets you effectively categorize and group channels by topic, which serves the same practical purpose.

For advanced users, the free desktop software ChanSort allows exporting your TV's channel list via USB and editing channel names and order on a computer. It's a more technical approach, but it gives you complete control over how channels are displayed.

After making changes to your channel setup, you may want to run a fresh scan. Our guide on how to scan channels on lg tv walks through the complete process. If your channel list ever seems corrupted or shows incorrect data, how to clear cache on lg tv can help reset things.

How to Connect an Antenna to Your LG Smart TV and Scan for Channels

Many users searching "label antenna names" haven't actually connected their antenna yet. If that's you, here's the complete setup process before you get to labeling anything.

Physical Connection

1. Power off your TV before connecting cables.

2. Locate the ANT IN / CABLE IN port on your TV's rear panel - it's a threaded coaxial connector, usually near the bottom.

3. Connect the coaxial cable from your antenna using an F-type connector. Hand-tighten it - no tools needed, but make sure it's snug.

4. Power on your TV.

Every LG TV manufactured after 2007 includes a built-in ATSC digital tuner. You don't need a separate converter box for digital over-the-air channels. Select 2020 and newer models also support ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) via a dedicated UHD TV port, which delivers 4K broadcast signals where available.

If you'd like a more detailed walkthrough of the physical setup, how to connect antenna to lg tv covers every step with model-specific guidance. And for those wondering whether an antenna is even necessary when you have internet - Wi-Fi and an antenna serve completely different purposes. Wi-Fi delivers streaming apps, while the antenna receives free broadcast channels. For more on your TV's wireless capabilities, see does lg tv have bluetooth. To connect your TV to your home network, check out how to connect lg tv to wifi.

Running Auto Tuning (Channel Scan)

After connecting your antenna, you need to scan for available channels. According to LG's official Auto Tuning guide, the path varies by webOS version:

• webOS 22–26 (2022–2026): Settings → All Settings → General → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning → Start

• webOS 5.0–6.0 (2020–2021): Settings → All Settings → General → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning → Start

• webOS 3.0–4.5 (2016–2019): Settings → All Settings → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning → Start

Critical step during scanning: When prompted, select "Antenna" as the signal source - not "Cable." Selecting "Cable" when you have an over-the-air antenna results in zero channels found. This is the single most common mistake users make, and it's easily avoided.

A typical scan takes 2–5 minutes. After it completes, review the list of found channels. According to LG's OTA channel guide, if signal strength or quality falls below 80%, try repositioning your antenna. You can check your local broadcast tower locations using the FCC DTV coverage maps to optimize antenna placement.

For a more detailed version-by-version scanning walkthrough, visit how to scan channels on lg tv.

Once your channels are scanned and saved, head back to Section 4 or 5 to label your antenna input with a custom name.

How to Optimize LG TV Input Settings (Default Input, Remove Unused Inputs)

After renaming your inputs, there are a few additional tweaks that make your daily TV experience noticeably smoother.

Set Your Default Startup Input

Tired of seeing the webOS home screen every time you turn on your TV? You can configure the TV to boot directly to your antenna input - or any other input you prefer. According to LG's official default input guide, the setting is called Power On Screen (or Home Auto Launch on older webOS versions).

• webOS 23–26: All Settings → General → System → Additional Settings → Home Settings → Power On Screen → select "Recent Input"

• webOS 22: Same path, but the option is labeled "Home Auto Launch"

• webOS 5.0–6.0: All Settings → General → System → Additional Settings → Home Settings → Home Auto Launch → On

• webOS 4.0–4.5: All Settings → General → Additional Settings → Home Settings → Home Auto Launch → On

After labeling our antenna input "OTA Channels," we set Power On Screen to "Recent Input" so the TV boots directly to antenna every time. As long as the TV was last tuned to the antenna input when powered off, it returns there on the next power-on. You'll need to ensure Quick Start+ is enabled for this to work reliably.

Removing Unused Inputs

If you never use certain inputs - say, AV In or HDMI 4 - you can remove their tiles from the Home Hub to reduce clutter. Navigate to the Home Hub, select Options (three dots), and choose Edit Inputs. From there, you can remove inputs you don't use.

⚠️ Critical warning: Removing the Antenna TV tile from the Home Hub also deletes your saved channel list. You'll need to run Auto Tuning again if you ever re-add it. This caught us off guard the first time, and it's not clearly communicated in the interface. The process is similar to how you'd manage other tiles - for a related walkthrough, see how to delete app on lg tv.

Quick Optimization Tips

• Reorder inputs in the Home Hub by dragging and dropping with the Magic Remote - put your most-used sources first

• Use distinct icons for each input to enable faster visual identification when scrolling through the input list

• Customize display settings per input - if you use your antenna for movie watching, you might explore options like what is filmmaker mode on lg tv for a cinema-quality picture on broadcast content

For more personalization options, including background customization, check out how to change screensaver on lg tv.

Why Does My LG TV Input Label Keep Changing? (Simplink/CEC Fix)

This is the most frustrating labeling issue LG TV owners encounter - and it's far more common than you'd expect. You carefully rename "HDMI 2" to "Apple TV," power cycle the TV, and it reverts to "Living Room" or some other name you never chose.

Why This Happens

The culprit is Simplink, LG's implementation of HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). When Simplink is enabled, your TV communicates with connected devices through HDMI Pin 13. The connected device reports its name via the CEC protocol, and your LG TV dutifully overrides whatever custom label you set. As one AVForums user discovered, toggling Simplink on and off causes the label to visibly switch back and forth between the custom name and the CEC-reported name.

The problem is especially common when connecting soundbars, AV receivers, and streaming devices. If you've recently set up a soundbar and noticed your HDMI labels going haywire, how to connect lg soundbar to tv covers the CEC-related quirks of that specific setup.

Fix 1 - Quick Fix: Temporarily Disable Simplink

Turn off Simplink, rename the input, then re-enable Simplink. The path depends on your webOS version, as documented in LG's HDMI CEC guide:

• webOS 22–26: Settings → General → Devices → HDMI Settings → Simplink (HDMI-CEC) → Off

• webOS 6.0 (2021): Settings → General → Devices → HDMI Settings → Simplink (HDMI-CEC) → Off

• webOS 5.0 (2020): Settings → Connection → Device Connection Settings → Simplink (HDMI-CEC) → Off

• webOS 4.5 (2019): Settings → Connection → HDMI Device Connection Settings → Simplink (HDMI-CEC) → Off

• webOS 4.0 and earlier: Settings → General → Simplink (HDMI-CEC) → Off

Fair warning: this fix may not persist. When you re-enable Simplink, the TV re-detects the connected device's CEC name on the next power cycle, and the label can revert again.

Fix 2 - Permanent Fix: Rename the Source Device

The most reliable permanent solution? Change the device name on the connected device itself. Your LG TV pulls its CEC label from the source, so changing it there is the root fix.

• Apple TV: Settings → AirPlay and HomeKit → Room Name (or Settings → General → About → Name)

• Fire TV Stick: Settings → My Fire TV → Device Name

• Roku: Settings → System → About → Device Name

• PlayStation: Settings → System → Console Information → Console Name

In our testing, renaming the Apple TV in its own settings immediately updated the LG TV's input label without needing to touch any TV settings at all. This is the approach we recommend for most users. If you use voice assistants with your TV, renaming devices at the source also improves accuracy - see how to connect lg tv to alexa for details on smart home integration.

Fix 3 - Power Cycle Reset

If Fix 1 doesn't stick and you can't access the source device settings, try this: unplug your TV from wall power for 10 minutes. LG stores recent device information in a service menu cache, and a full power cycle clears it. Plug back in, then rename the input before Simplink re-detects the device.

After troubleshooting CEC issues, you might also want to check other connected peripherals. For audio-related device connections, see how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv.

LG TV Antenna Input Not Showing, Greyed Out, or Missing - How to Fix

If the antenna or TV input option isn't appearing in your input list at all - or it's visible but greyed out and unselectable - work through these fixes in order, from simplest to most involved.

Quick Fix - Enable Antenna Input

Check Settings → Channels → Channel Tuning to ensure antenna mode is enabled on your TV. On some models, the antenna input only appears in the input list after you've run an initial Auto Tuning scan. If you've never scanned for channels, the TV may not display the antenna as an available source.

Intermediate Fix - Reset the Tuner

Power off your TV completely, then unplug it from the wall for at least 2 minutes. This clears the tuner cache and re-initializes the antenna input on the next boot. After plugging back in, navigate to Channels → Auto Tuning and run a fresh scan. If a simple power cycle doesn't work, a more thorough approach is available in our guide on how to reset lg tv.

Intermediate Fix - Check Regional Settings

Some LG TV models sold in regions without over-the-air broadcasting may have the tuner disabled by default. Navigate to Settings → General → Location (or Country) and verify it matches your actual location. An incorrect region setting can disable the antenna input entirely.

Advanced - Tuner Board Failure

On some older LG models - particularly plasmas and early LED TVs - a permanently greyed-out antenna option indicates a hardware-level tuner board failure. Community reports on repair forums have confirmed this across multiple older models. This is a hardware issue that requires professional service.

If your TV has other power-related symptoms alongside the missing antenna option, why is my lg tv not turning on can help diagnose whether you're dealing with a broader hardware problem. As a last-resort software troubleshooting step before considering service, you can try how to factory reset lg tv.

Workaround - External ATSC Tuner

For confirmed hardware failures where the internal tuner is dead, connect an external ATSC tuner box via HDMI. These are inexpensive (typically $25–$40) and plug into any working HDMI port. Then label that HDMI input as "Antenna" using the rename methods from Sections 4–6. You get your antenna channels back without an expensive TV repair or replacement.

How to Fix "No Signal" on LG TV Antenna Input

Connected your antenna but staring at a "No Signal" message? This is a common issue with a straightforward troubleshooting path. Work through these steps in order - most users resolve the problem within the first three.

1. Check the physical connection. Verify the coaxial cable is securely threaded onto the ANT IN port on your TV's rear panel. Inspect the cable for visible damage - bent center pins, frayed shielding, or crimped sections can all kill the signal. For reference, why does my lg tv say no signal covers the broader "no signal" diagnosis for all input types.

2. Verify you're on the correct input source. Make sure your TV is set to the "TV" or "Antenna" input - not "Live TV" (which shows LG's streaming channels via the internet, not antenna broadcasts). Press the Input button and manually select the antenna source.

3. Run Auto Tuning with the correct source selected. Navigate to Settings → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning. When prompted, select "Antenna" - not "Cable." The most common cause we see is users selecting "Cable" instead of "Antenna" during Auto Tuning, and this single setting causes zero channels to appear.

4. Check signal strength using Manual Tuning. Navigate to Settings → Channels → Channel Tuning → Manual Tuning. Select a channel you know should be available and check the signal strength meter. According to LG's official OTA guide, signal strength should be above 80% for reliable reception. Below that, reposition your antenna - higher placement and line-of-sight to broadcast towers generally improve results. The FCC DTV coverage maps can help you determine optimal antenna positioning for your location.

5. Bypass any splitter. If you're splitting the antenna signal to multiple TVs, try connecting the antenna directly to eliminate signal degradation from the splitter. Cheap splitters can reduce signal strength by 3.5 dB or more per output.

6. Disconnect any amplifier. An overdriven signal from an amplified antenna that's too close to broadcast towers can actually cause the tuner to fail - it's counterintuitive, but too much signal is just as bad as too little. Disconnect the amplifier and test with a direct connection.

7. Update your TV's firmware. Navigate to Settings → Support → Software Update and install any available updates. Firmware updates occasionally improve tuner performance and fix reception bugs. For connectivity issues during updates, why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi may help troubleshoot.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, the problem may require professional antenna service (repositioning, upgrading to a more powerful model, or checking for local interference) or, in rare cases, TV tuner hardware repair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renaming LG TV Inputs

Based on real user reports from AVForums, AVS Forum, and the LG webOS community, these are the five mistakes that trip people up most often. Avoid them and you'll save yourself significant frustration.

1. Renaming while Simplink is active. HDMI-CEC will detect the connected device's name and override your custom label on the next power cycle. Always temporarily disable Simplink before renaming HDMI inputs, or rename the device at the source. A quick power cycle after renaming can help - see how to restart lg tv for the proper procedure.

2. Confusing "Live TV" with the antenna input. "Live TV" on the webOS home screen launches LG Channels - a free internet streaming service. Renaming this tile does nothing for your antenna channels. Your actual antenna broadcasts are accessed through the "TV" or "Antenna" input source.

3. Selecting "Cable" instead of "Antenna" during Auto Tuning. This results in zero over-the-air channels found, and users often assume their antenna is broken. Always select "Antenna" when scanning for OTA broadcasts.

4. Removing the Antenna TV tile from Home Hub without realizing the consequences. Deleting this tile also wipes your saved channel list. You'll need to run Auto Tuning all over again to rebuild it. If you've accidentally cleared data, how to clear cache on lg tv can help with related issues.

5. Using instructions for the wrong webOS version. Menu paths differ significantly between webOS generations. A guide written for webOS 22+ won't work on a webOS 4.5 TV, and vice versa. Always check your webOS version first (Section 3) before following any walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Input Labels and Antenna Names

Can you rename the antenna input on an LG TV?

Yes, you can rename the antenna input on most LG TVs. On webOS 22–26 models, go to Input → Home Hub → Options → Edit Inputs and select the antenna source. On older models, use Input → All Inputs → Edit. Pre-2018 models may only offer preset labels rather than custom text.

The antenna input might appear as "TV," "Antenna," or "Antenna/Cable" depending on your specific model. Simplink (HDMI-CEC) interference is unlikely to affect the antenna input since it doesn't use HDMI, but check Section 10 if you experience any label reversion issues on HDMI inputs. For detailed steps, jump to Section 4 (webOS 22–26) or Section 5 (webOS 4.0–6.0).

Why does my LG TV say "Live TV" instead of showing my antenna channels?

LG's "Live TV" on the webOS home screen refers to LG Channels - a free streaming service delivered over the internet, not over-the-air antenna broadcasts. To watch antenna channels, press the Input button on your remote and select "TV" or "Antenna" instead of tapping the "Live TV" tile on the home screen.

This distinction confuses a lot of people because the naming is misleading. "Live TV" sounds like it should mean your live antenna channels, but on LG TVs it's a completely separate service. Once you select the correct input, your antenna channels will appear as expected.

Does my LG TV need an antenna if I have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi and an antenna serve entirely different purposes. Wi-Fi provides internet access for streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. An antenna receives free over-the-air broadcast channels - ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, and local stations - without any subscription or internet connection required.

If you want local broadcast channels in full HD without paying for a cable subscription, you still need a physical antenna connected to your LG TV's ANT IN port.

How do I know if my LG TV has a built-in tuner?

All LG TVs manufactured after 2007 include a built-in ATSC digital tuner. No separate converter box is needed. The easiest way to confirm is to check the back of your TV - if you see an "ANT IN" or "CABLE IN" port (a threaded coaxial connector), your TV has a built-in tuner ready for over-the-air channels.

Can I change inputs on my LG TV without a remote?

On most LG TVs, the physical power button - usually located on the bottom center or rear-lower edge of the panel - can cycle through inputs with a long press or by pressing it repeatedly. However, renaming inputs requires the remote or the LG ThinQ app.

The ThinQ app (available for iOS and Android) turns your smartphone into a fully functional remote control. You can learn more about controlling your TV from your phone in our guide on how to control lg tv with phone. For other wireless display options, see how to screen mirror on lg tv.

What is the difference between ANT IN and CABLE IN on an LG TV?

On most LG TVs, ANT IN and CABLE IN share the same physical RF coaxial port. The distinction is entirely software-based - during channel scanning (Auto Tuning), you choose "Antenna" for over-the-air broadcasts or "Cable" for cable TV service. The tuner scans different frequency ranges depending on which option you select, so choosing incorrectly results in zero channels found.

How often should I rescan for channels?

Rescan whenever you reposition your antenna, after a firmware update, when local broadcasters change frequencies (they'll usually announce this), or every few months to catch new channels added in your area. Navigate to Settings → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning to run a fresh scan. The process takes just a few minutes and won't affect your input labels.

Why does my LG TV label my device as the wrong name?

LG TVs use Simplink (HDMI-CEC) to auto-detect device names transmitted through the HDMI connection. If a connected device reports an incorrect, outdated, or generic name via CEC, your TV displays that name instead of your custom label. The permanent fix is to rename the device on the source device itself - see Section 10 for step-by-step instructions for Apple TV, Fire Stick, Roku, and PlayStation.

Conclusion

Labeling antenna names on your LG TV comes down to three paths depending on your model: the Home Hub → Edit Inputs method for webOS 22–26 (2022–2026 models), the All Inputs → Edit method for webOS 4.0–6.0, and preset label selection for anything older. If Simplink keeps overriding your custom HDMI labels, renaming the device at the source is the permanent fix that actually sticks.

This guide is the only resource that covers antenna-specific input labeling, every webOS version from 1.0 through 26, and structured troubleshooting for the most common problems - from greyed-out antenna inputs to CEC label hijacking. Bookmark it for future reference, especially if LG releases new webOS updates that change menu paths.

LG continues improving the webOS experience with each generation, and the input management tools have gotten significantly more flexible over the years. Whether you own one of the latest 2026 OLED models or a reliable older set, keeping your inputs clearly labeled makes everything from channel surfing to switching between devices faster and less confusing. If you're curious about what makes LG's TVs stand out in the smart TV space, is lg a good tv brand covers the full picture - and for help understanding webOS features in general, is lg tv a smart tv breaks down everything the platform offers. For those considering an upgrade, see our breakdown of what is the best lg tv currently available.