Our mobile phones and tablets are powerful little streaming devices. There's a good chance that you've used your Android phone or tablet to view Netflix, or maybe even live-streaming video. But what about local channels — the local news and weather reports, live sporting events, and other local TV coverage that you don't want to live without? Well, as it turns out, you can watch local channels on Android, too. You don't need cable to stream local sports or news, and if you learn how to do so on your Android mobile device, you can always access the local content you need no matter where you are. We'll show you how to watch local channels on Android.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to stream local channels on Android:
| Price | Channels | Free Trial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
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$64.99 – $154.99 | 140+ | 5 days | |
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#2
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$7.99 – $82.99 | 85+ | 30 days | |
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#3
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$74.99 – $94.99 | 220+ | 7 days | |
|
#4
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$40 – $60 | 30+ – 130+ | 3 days | |
|
#5
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$4.99 – $99.99 | N/A | 7 days | |
How to Watch Local Channels on Android
There are a few different methods that you can use to watch live local channels on Android devices. The first few we'll run through on our list below have something in common, though, so to save time we'll address that here.
Our list begins with a series of live TV streaming services, which are also sometimes called “skinny bundles.” The “skinny bundle” nickname comes from the tendency these services have to strip down the bulky channel bundles cable is known for and to instead offer slimmer, more affordable live TV packages. But that's not the only innovation these services are making: the most important thing is that live TV streaming services are delivered over the internet, which means they can be viewed anywhere and on all sorts of devices — including Android devices like the ones that Google makes.
The live TV streaming services on our list include live local feeds of major networks like NBC and FOX. They also often include regional sports networks. The trick is that these streams are not available in all markets, so you may have to do some checking on the services' websites (or just sign up for the free trial) to find out if you can use them to watch local channels on Android.
If you're looking to watch your TV content through Android, here are all your options for streaming:
All Your Local Channels, All Your Devices
Mobile apps are great ways to stream on the go, but you don't have to watch your local networks on your Android phone or tablet's tiny screen while you're at home. Check out our other guides to learn how to watch local channels without cable on streaming platforms like Roku and Fire TV — and even (gasp) on iOS.
Free-to-air satellite (FTA) work just like OTA. From what I understand, it is legal in some places, but not in all.
I currently have Direct Tv. I want to get Netflix and I was told that I had to have an android tv to get it. will Direct tv still work on my android tv?
Yes. You would need a smart TV to be able to install Netflix. A smart TV is a TV with special-use computer (that’s running android) that can connect to the internet. The computer allows you to install viewing apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and countless free TV program providers. You control what to watch by the TV’s remote control. What is great about these apps like Netflix and the others is that you can have the same app on your android phone and watch there too.
i watch netflix with snow chromecast…. must have contract with netflux.
I just want to simply download antenna tv to my android phone and when I try to do it it keeps sending me to a site called antenatv.and it has antennas for sale I mean I don’t want to buy one for crying out loud I just want to download that channel.
Try the app locast
Bad article. You can watch over the air television if you have a tuner that will work with your device and a supporting application that either will play the station or tell you what stations are available in your area.
Locast, if you live in or near a metropolitan area that they serve.
There are also digital tuners that plug into the USB ports of Android phones or tablets, but their tiny antennas need strong OTA signals. Or you can get adapters that let you connect the tuner to a full-sized antenna.
This shouldn’t be this hard to do but I guess somebody has been paid a handsome kick back for it to be so.
Due to licensing agreements these apps will have same issues. We want to watch local stations on our phone not get an app with restrictions for live content not connected to your wifi! Help?
Last count was like 200+ options for streaming services and subscriptions available to much (not all) of America. The are still 2 million subscribers to AOL dial up (56K max) as the only access to email, let alone video at any resolution. What works for one person or household will probably not work for another. Each of us needs to identify what channels or shows we must have and what we can live without. As long as I stay clear of exclusive programming, I can always find something somewhere. Actually, we all can.