ABC is on DISH channel 7 in most markets. The exact channel number ranges from 2 to 70 depending on your location. ABC is available in all DISH packages when you add the Local Channels option. You can find your specific ABC channel by pressing the Guide button on your DISH remote or using the voice command “Find ABC.” Like other broadcast networks such as CBS on DISH Network, ABC’s channel number varies by market.
ABC Channel Number on DISH Network
Quick Answer: Channel Numbers by Region
ABC’s channel number on DISH varies by market because ABC operates through local affiliate stations across the United States. Here’s what you need to know:
| Market Area | ABC Channel Number |
|---|---|
| New York City | 7 |
| Los Angeles | 7 |
| Chicago | 7 |
| Philadelphia | 6 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | 8 |
| San Francisco | 7 |
| Atlanta | 2 |
| Houston | 13 |
| Phoenix | 15 |
| Boston | 5 |
| Seattle | 4 |
| Miami | 10 |
| Denver | 7 |
| Detroit | 7 |
| Minneapolis | 5 |
Most common channel: 7
Full range: Channels 2-70
The channel number in your area matches your local ABC affiliate’s broadcast channel. DISH maps these to match what viewers in each market expect.
Why ABC Channel Numbers Vary by Location
ABC doesn’t operate as a single national feed on DISH. Instead, DISH carries your local ABC affiliate station.
Each city has its own ABC affiliate. Philadelphia gets WPVI. New York gets WABC. Los Angeles gets KABC. These stations broadcast on different channel numbers, and DISH preserves those local numbers so you can find ABC where you’d expect it. This local affiliate model applies to other networks like The CW on DISH Network and PBS on DISH Network as well.
This matters because your local ABC affiliate provides regional news, weather, and programming specific to your area. A subscriber in Atlanta sees different local news than someone in Seattle, even though they’re both watching ABC.
DISH assigns channel numbers based on what the FCC allocated to each broadcaster decades ago. Channel 7 became the standard for ABC in many major markets, but not all.
How to Find ABC on Your DISH Channel Guide
Using the DISH Channel Guide
Press the Guide button on your DISH remote. The channel guide shows all available channels in your package.
Scroll down to the single-digit channels. ABC typically appears in channels 2-15 for most markets.
You can also press the Guide button twice to bring up the search function. Type “ABC” and your local ABC affiliate will appear in the results.
To add ABC to your favorites, highlight the channel in the guide and press the Options button (three horizontal lines). Select “Add to Favorites” and choose a favorites list.
Voice Remote Channel Search
If you have a DISH Voice Remote, press and hold the microphone button.
Say “Find ABC” or “Tune to ABC.” The receiver will automatically switch to your local ABC channel.
You can also say “Channel 7” (or whatever your local ABC number is) to tune directly.
The voice remote works with Hopper, Joey, and Wally receivers connected to the internet.
DISH Anywhere App Method
Open the DISH Anywhere app on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Sign in with your DISH account credentials.
Tap the Guide icon at the bottom of the screen.
Scroll to find ABC or use the search function at the top.
You can watch ABC live through the app or browse ABC’s on-demand content. The channel number shown in DISH Anywhere matches what appears on your TV.
DISH Packages That Include ABC
ABC Availability Across All DISH Packages
ABC is available in every DISH package. You need to add Local Channels to receive ABC and other broadcast networks.
Local Channels are included in the advertised pricing for America’s Top packages. If you signed up for DISH in 2026, your package already includes local channels at no extra cost.
Older subscribers who signed up before 2024 may need to verify their package includes locals. Call DISH customer service at 1-800-333-3474 to confirm.
All four main DISH packages carry ABC. For a complete breakdown of all available channels, check out the DISH Network channels list.
America’s Top 120 with ABC ($89.99/mo)
This entry-level package includes 190 channels plus local networks.
You get ABC along with ESPN, Disney Channel, Food Network, HGTV, and AMC. The price holds for 24 months with a 2-year agreement.
The package includes one Hopper Duo DVR at this price. Upgrading to Hopper 3 costs $5 more per month.
Additional TVs cost $7 per month for each Joey receiver.
America’s Top 200 with ABC ($109.99/mo)
This mid-tier package adds 50 more channels to the Top 120 lineup.
You get ABC plus NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Golf Channel, and Hallmark. The total channel count reaches 240.
This package includes a Hopper 3 DVR and supports 2 additional TVs at the base price.
Popular additions in this tier include A&E, Lifetime, Discovery, and CMT.
America’s Top 250 with ABC ($119.99/mo)
The premium package delivers 290+ channels.
ABC comes with 17 movie channels including Turner Classic Movies, STARZ Encore, and The Movie Channel.
You also get Bloomberg Television, Smithsonian Channel, Nicktoons, and Great American Faith & Living.
The package includes Hopper 3 and covers 3 additional TVs in the base price.
DishLATINO Packages with ABC
DishLATINO Plus ($83.99/mo), DishLATINO Dos ($108.99/mo), and DishLATINO Max ($123.99/mo) all include ABC.
These packages combine English-language channels like ABC with Spanish-language programming. You get the same local ABC affiliate as English packages.
The channel number for ABC stays the same regardless of which package you choose.
ABC Programming on DISH in 2026
Current Popular ABC Shows
ABC’s primetime schedule on DISH includes drama series, reality competition shows, and comedy programming.
Grey’s Anatomy continues its run in 2026, now in its 23rd season. The medical drama airs Thursday nights at 9 PM Eastern.
Abbott Elementary returns for its fifth season with new episodes on Wednesdays. The workplace comedy has won multiple Emmy awards.
The Bachelor and The Bachelorette continue their franchise on Monday and Tuesday nights during their respective seasons.
General Hospital airs weekday afternoons at 2 PM Eastern. The long-running soap opera has been on ABC since 1963.
Good Morning America broadcasts weekday mornings from 7-9 AM Eastern, providing news, weather, and entertainment.
World News Tonight with David Muir airs weeknights at 6:30 PM Eastern.
ABC Sports on DISH
ABC carries Monday Night Football during NFL season. Games air Monday nights starting at 8:15 PM Eastern from September through January.
You need ESPN on DISH Network in your package to watch all Monday Night Football games. Some weeks feature doubleheaders with one game on ESPN and one on ABC.
ABC broadcasts select NBA games on weekend afternoons during basketball season. The network shows Christmas Day games and playoff matchups.
College football appears on ABC Saturday afternoons in fall. The network airs Big Ten, SEC, and ACC conference games.
The NBA Finals air on ABC each June. All championship series games broadcast on the network.
ABC shows the Indianapolis 500 live on Memorial Day weekend. The race has aired on ABC since the 1960s.
Local ABC News and Programming
Your local ABC affiliate provides news broadcasts multiple times daily.
Most ABC stations air local news at 5 AM, 6 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM. Some markets include a 4 PM newscast.
Morning news typically runs 2-3 hours before Good Morning America. Evening news airs before and after World News Tonight.
Local weather updates appear during commercial breaks in ABC programming. Many affiliates provide live weather coverage during severe storms.
Community events, high school sports, and regional specials appear on your ABC affiliate. These programs don’t air nationally.
Watching ABC on DISH: Features and Options
ABC in HD on DISH
ABC broadcasts in 1080i high definition on DISH. All ABC programming transmits in HD when available.
Your local ABC affiliate must broadcast in HD for you to receive HD content. Nearly all ABC stations upgraded to HD by 2010.
Older shows and some syndicated programming may air in standard definition. The black bars on the sides indicate SD content stretched to fit HD screens.
News broadcasts, sports, and primetime shows all air in HD. Local news production quality varies by market.
Recording ABC with DISH DVR
The Hopper 3 stores 500 hours of HD programming. You can record ABC shows and watch them later.
PrimeTime Anytime automatically records ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX during primetime hours (8-11 PM Eastern). This feature runs nightly and stores shows for 8 days.
Shows recorded through PrimeTime Anytime don’t count against your 500-hour storage limit.
You can manually record any ABC program. Press the Record button while watching a show or schedule recordings through the guide.
Series recordings capture every new episode of a show. Set up a series recording for Grey’s Anatomy and the Hopper records each new episode automatically.
AutoHop lets you skip commercials on ABC shows recorded through PrimeTime Anytime. The feature activates the day after recording. Press the Skip button during playback to jump past commercial breaks.
Streaming ABC via DISH Anywhere
DISH Anywhere streams ABC live to your devices. You can watch ABC on phones, tablets, and computers anywhere with internet access.
Download the DISH Anywhere app for iOS or Android. Sign in with your DISH credentials.
Select Live TV and find ABC in the channel list. The stream matches what’s airing on your TV at home.
DISH Anywhere works on up to 5 devices simultaneously. You can watch ABC on one device while someone else watches a different channel on another device.
Internet speed requirements: 3 Mbps for SD, 5 Mbps for HD streaming. Slower connections may cause buffering.
ABC On-Demand Content
ABC provides on-demand episodes of current shows. Recent episodes appear in the DISH on-demand library within 24 hours of broadcast.
Press the Menu button on your remote and select On Demand. Navigate to Networks and choose ABC.
You can watch the last 5 episodes of most ABC series. Availability varies by show.
On-demand content stays available for 30 days after the air date. Episodes then rotate out as new ones arrive.
Some ABC shows require authentication. The system verifies you subscribe to a package with ABC before allowing playback.
Troubleshooting ABC on DISH Network
ABC Channel Not Showing Up
Check if Local Channels are active in your package. Press Menu > Settings > Program Guide to view your subscribed channels.
If ABC appears in the guide but shows “Not Subscribed,” call DISH at 1-800-333-3474 to add Local Channels.
Signal loss can cause channels to disappear. Press Menu > Settings > Diagnostics > Dish to run a signal strength test.
Point Dish readings should show 50 or higher for good reception. Numbers below 40 indicate alignment problems or obstructions.
Heavy rain, snow, or ice on your dish can block ABC. Wait for weather to clear or brush snow off the dish carefully.
Unplug your receiver for 10 seconds and plug it back in. This resets the system and often fixes channel display issues.
Poor ABC Picture Quality
Pixelation and freezing usually stem from low signal strength. Check cables from your dish to receiver for damage or loose connections.
Replace any corroded or bent connectors. Water damage to cables creates signal problems.
Trees growing near your dish can block the satellite signal. Trim branches that have grown into the signal path since installation.
Wind can shift your dish slightly out of alignment. You’ll notice problems on multiple channels, not just ABC.
Call a DISH technician for dish realignment. Attempting to adjust it yourself may void your warranty.
If ABC looks fine during the day but degrades at night, check for lights shining on your dish. Security lights can cause interference.
ABC Audio Issues
If ABC has no sound, press the Mute button to ensure the receiver isn’t muted.
Check your TV volume. Some DISH remotes control the TV directly and may have different volume settings than the receiver.
Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) can cause audio problems. Press Menu > Settings > Audio and ensure SAP is set to Normal.
If you hear Spanish audio on English ABC programming, your SAP is activated. Turn it off in audio settings.
HDMI cable problems can affect audio. Try a different HDMI cable between your receiver and TV.
Audio dropouts during shows suggest receiver overheating. Ensure your Hopper has ventilation space and isn’t in a closed cabinet.
ABC on DISH vs Other Providers
ABC Channel Number Comparison
DirecTV also assigns ABC to different channel numbers by market. Most DirecTV markets put ABC on channel 7, matching DISH.
Cable providers vary widely. Xfinity and Spectrum place ABC on channel 6 in one city and channel 10 in another.
The channel number difference exists because cable companies don’t follow broadcast standards. They assign numbers based on their own systems.
Streaming services don’t use channel numbers. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV list ABC alphabetically in their guides.
If you switch from cable to DISH, your ABC channel number might change. The content stays identical, just the number differs.
ABC Streaming Alternatives
The ABC app streams ABC shows for free with commercials. You can watch recent episodes without a cable subscription.
Live ABC streaming through the app requires a TV provider login. DISH subscribers can use their credentials to watch live ABC.
Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/mo) includes live ABC in all markets. You can record ABC shows to Hulu’s cloud DVR.
YouTube TV ($72.99/mo) carries ABC live and provides unlimited cloud DVR storage.
FuboTV ($79.99/mo) includes ABC but focuses more on sports channels.
These services cost less than DISH initially but lack satellite TV’s reliability during internet outages. For viewers seeking the best streaming services for local channels, these options provide good alternatives to traditional satellite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABC included in all DISH packages?
Yes. All DISH packages include ABC when you subscribe to Local Channels. The 2026 America’s Top packages bundle locals in the advertised price. Verify your specific account includes locals by checking your monthly bill or calling DISH.
What if my area doesn’t have ABC on DISH?
DISH carries ABC in 99% of US markets. A few rural areas lack local ABC affiliates. If no ABC station broadcasts in your market, DISH cannot provide it. You can receive ABC through an antenna in these situations. Contact your local broadcaster to find out if they plan to launch an affiliate. Alternatively, you can access ABC through Samsung TV Plus or other free streaming platforms if you have a compatible smart TV.
Can I watch ABC without a local channels package?
No. ABC is only available through the Local Channels package on DISH. You cannot subscribe to ABC individually. If you want ABC, you must add Local Channels to your base package. The cost is typically $12/month for standalone locals or included in package pricing.
Is ABC available in 4K on DISH?
ABC does not broadcast in 4K as of 2026. The network transmits in 1080i HD. Select sports events may offer 4K feeds in the future, but regular ABC programming remains HD. DISH’s 4K channels focus on movies and special events, not broadcast networks.
How do I set up ABC recordings?
Tune to ABC and press the Record button on your remote while watching a show. To record a series, highlight the show in the guide, press Select, and choose “Record Series.” You can modify recording options like start/end time and number of episodes to save. PrimeTime Anytime records ABC automatically during primetime.
What ABC content is on-demand?
ABC offers the last 5 episodes of current primetime shows on-demand. Shows appear within 24 hours of broadcast and remain available for 30 days. News programs, live sports, and daytime programming typically aren’t on-demand. Your package must include ABC to access its on-demand library.
Can I watch ABC on multiple TVs?
Yes. Each TV requires a receiver (Hopper or Joey). The primary TV connects to the Hopper DVR. Additional TVs use Joey receivers that link to the Hopper wirelessly or through coax cable. You can watch ABC live on one TV while watching recorded ABC shows on another. Additional Joey receivers cost $7/month each. This setup also works for other channels like Nickelodeon on DISH Network if you have family-friendly programming needs.
Does DISH carry all ABC programs?
DISH carries your local ABC affiliate’s complete broadcast schedule. You receive the same programming as antenna viewers in your market. Network shows, local news, and syndicated content all appear. DISH cannot alter what your local ABC affiliate chooses to air.
Related Channel Guides
Looking for other channels on DISH Network? Check out these helpful guides:
- ESPN on DISH Network – Find sports programming
- CBS on DISH Network – Another major broadcast network
- PBS on DISH Network – Educational programming
- Complete DISH Network Channels List – All available channels
Conclusion
ABC appears on DISH channel 7 in most markets, with numbers ranging from 2 to 70 based on your local affiliate. Every DISH package includes ABC when you have Local Channels. Find ABC quickly using your remote’s Guide button or voice command feature. Record shows with the Hopper DVR and watch ABC anywhere using the DISH Anywhere app. If you can’t find ABC on your channel lineup, verify your package includes locals and check your signal strength.
