Watching over-the-air TV broadcasts is a great way to get free TV channels, and they can be easily watched with an Android smartphone or tablet.
While there are apps that can be used with an internet connection, there are also TV Tuners that can convert a TV broadcast signal to an Android device.
Many are familiar with a TV antenna at home to pick up free over-the-air broadcasts TV signals, which can also be picked up and watched with a smartphone.
This means no internet is needed to watch the signals with only a small TV Tuner and standard antenna.
The TV Tuners will include a small antenna that works well enough if you are close to the TV transmission towers.
If you are located far away from the TV transmission towers, a connection to a large standard antenna can also be made.
There are several small, low-cost Android TV tuners available, with a popular option being the MyGica TV Tuner.
MyGica TV Tuner on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
Mygica tv Tuner for Watching ATSC Digital TV Anywhere You go with Type-C on Android Mobile or Pad
They have both the older style micro-USB plug and the new Type-C plug, so be sure to match the correct one to your smartphone.
The setup is very easy by first downloading an app from the Play Store called Pad-TV.
After plugging in the tuner, the app Pad-TV will scan for available channels, which can then be watched.
How To Watch Over the Air TV Broadcast on an Android Smartphone
- Download the Pad-TV App from the Google Play Store.
- Attach the antenna to the TV tuner device.
- Plug the TV tuner into the Smartphone.
- Open the Pad-TV App to search for channels and watch TV broadcasts.
Summary
Watching the free OTA antenna TV broadcast is easy to do with an Android Smartphone or tablet.
There are no devices currently for Apple iOS devices, with only Android devices able to receive the signals.
If you have an internet connection, apps can also be used to stream OTA broadcasts.
If you are traveling, camping, or similar, when internet access will be limited, a small, low-cost Android TV tuner may come in handy.
The small antennas included with most units will likely work up to around 20-30 miles from a TV transmission tower.
They can also be connected to standard TV antennas with an extra adapter that usually needs to be bought separately.
Have you used a small Android TV tuner with a smartphone or tablet? Let us know your thoughts below.