UK households relying on Freeview for their television entertainment are being urged to check their equipment and consider a quick retune. This advice comes after several channel changes have been confirmed, including some services being renamed and others moving positions in the TV guide. While it is not a major overhaul, performing a retune will ensure televisions are fully up to date.
What is Changing?
Confirming the update, Freeview stated: "On 20th May 2026, some broadcasters are making changes to their channels. You will need to retune to update your TV and keep your channels and TV Guide up to date."
Two channels are receiving new names. Hobbycraft TV on channel 97 is now called Shop Unlimited, while Great! Romance Mix on channel 61 is being replaced by Great! TV +1. Additionally, there are changes to channel numbers: Great! Movies is moving from channel 61 to channel 62, and Great! TV +1 is taking over channel 61.
How to Retune Your TV
If the updates are not appearing on your television, you may need to manually retune your device. To do so:
- Press the menu button on your TV or set-top box remote.
- Select "set-up", "installation", "update", or a similar option.
- If prompted for a password, try "1234" or "0000".
- Choose "first-time installation", "factory reset", "full retune", or "default settings".
- Press "OK" to confirm deletion of existing channels if asked.
- The retune process should then begin automatically.
- Save any channels found during the scan if prompted.
Freeview added: "Channels continue to evolve on Freeview with individual channel providers making the decision to move, add or remove channels. Freeview continues to ensure that audiences can enjoy a rich and varied content offering."
