Brits urged to retune TV as Freeview launches new channel in latest update

The latest “important” update from Freeview features just the one change.

Freeview, on its website, said: “On 19th February 2025 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.”

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Freeview launches new channel in “important” update

There is just the one change being made as part of the latest Freeview update – the launch of POP+1 (channel 212).

Freeview said: “Channels are constantly evolving on Freeview with individual channels making the decision to move, add or remove channels.

“Freeview continues to ensure that audiences can enjoy a rich and varied content.”

POP is a “high-energy” channel for children aged six to 10 which first launched on Freeview back in March 2014.

It features shows like:

• Pokémon
• Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks
• Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
• Lego Friends: Girls on a Mission

POP+1 is a timeshift service of the children’s TV channel.

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While POP+1 is making it’s Freeview debut, it was first launched on Sky, and later Virgin Media, back in 2007.

In May 2008, the TV channel ceased broadcasting and was replaced by Kix!.

However, POP+1 returned to Sky in July 2014, replacing Kix+1.

How to retune your TV

You will need to retune your TV to gain access to new channel updates.

If you are unsure of how to retune your TV don’t worry, it is quite simple, and usually only requires pressing ‘retune’ when prompted by your TV, according to Freeview.

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Retuning may vary on different devices but in most cases, Freeview said, it can be done by following these steps:

1. Press menu on your box or TV remote control
2. Select ‘set-up’, ‘installation’, ‘update’ or a similar option. If you’re asked for a password, the default code is ‘1234’ or ‘0000’. 
3. Select ‘first-time installation’ (sometimes called ‘factory reset’, ‘full retune’ or ‘default settings’).
4. Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if it’s OK to delete existing channels and then your retune should start automatically. If you’re prompted to, save the channels that are found. 

Freeview added: “If you’ve already done an automatic retune and this didn’t work, you may need to do a manual retune.”

If you are still unsure, you can watch Freeview’s retune videos for more details (available on the Freeview website).