A method and apparatus for controlling an automatic channel setup of an image display apparatus communicatable with an image receiving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a controller which determines the status of a connection with the image receiving apparatus during an automatic channel setup; and stops the automatic channel setup, if it is determined that the connection is a bad connection with the image receiving apparatus. The automatic channel setup is stopped when wireless connection is severed, such that mis-mapping of the channel does not occur, and waste of time for automatic channel setup may be prevented.