The PBS App is available for download on select streaming devices. Below are the instructions for activating the app once it's installed on your smart TV or TV streaming device.
The PBS app does not require a fee or any other apps in order to download and activate the PBS app.
For detailed instructions on activating your streaming device:
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV and Firestick
- Android TV
- Google TV streaming devices and TVs
- Google Chromecast
- Samsung TV (2017 models and later)
- VIZIO SmartCast TV
- Comcast Connected TV Devices, which include:
- Comcast X1 Box
- Comcast Flex Box
- Xfinity Xumo Stream Box
Once you've downloaded the PBS app to your device, return to the device's home screen and select the PBS app icon to open the app.
If you have not yet activated the PBS app, a screen will appear prompting you to activate the PBS app. Select Activate Now.
Activation instructions will appear on the screen along with a 7-character, alphanumeric activation code.
Every device has its own unique code, so double-check your device's code before proceeding.
For Step 1, you will need to use a mobile device or computer to visit PBS.org/activate or use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code on the TV screen to be taken directly to PBS.org/activate.
Enter your unique code listed in Step 2 into the Activation Code box on PBS.org/activate. Select Continue.
You will then be prompted to sign in with a PBS account or through Google, Facebook, or Apple.
If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit.
If you do not have one of these account options, select Not registered yet? Create a PBS Account. Click here to learn more about creating a PBS account.
Once you have signed in with an account, you'll receive a message that your device was successfully activated.
Return to your TV or TV streaming device. The screen will update to show the app's Home screen where you can begin exploring and viewing our available offerings.