Downloading and Activating the PBS App

Watch the best of PBS anytime, anywhere on the free PBS app. Stream your favorite PBS shows on-demand and livestream shows from your local station, all from your favorite device.

If you have questions not answered here, please visit the PBS Help homepage or contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday—Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Explore our help topics below by clicking an option in the menu or scrolling down. 

Explore frequently asked questions about the PBS app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick. For other devices, please, visit help.pbs.org and select your device option.

How to Download the PBS app on Roku

How do I find the PBS app on a Roku device?

On your Roku home screen, select “Streaming Store.” Depending on your device, this option may appear as “Channel Store.”

How do I access PBS Passport on my Roku device?

There is no designated section in the PBS app for PBS Passport content. Instead, look for the Passport icon on the top left of episodes and videos of your favorite shows and programs to know which are currently available through Passport.

For more help and troubleshooting with Roku, please visit help.pbs.org. 

How to Download the PBS app on Apple TV

How do I find the PBS app on Apple TV?

On your Apple TV home screen, select the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the menu at the top to search the App Store for “PBS.”

How do I access PBS Passport on my Apple TV?

There is no designated section in the PBS app for PBS Passport content. Instead, look for the Passport icon on the top left of episodes and videos of your favorite shows and programs to know which are currently available through PBS Passport.

For more help and troubleshooting with Apple TV, please visit help.pbs.org. 

How to Download the PBS app on Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick

How do I find the PBS app on Amazon Fire TV?

The PBS app’s navigation menu is on the left-side of the screen. Use your Amazon Fire TV’s remote to click on the left to find “PBS.”

My Amazon Fire TV has an alternate station listed. How do I change this to PBS NC?

On your navigation menu, find “My Station” and update your viewing station to PBS NC.

For more help and troubleshooting with Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, please visit help.pbs.org. 

How do I know if PBS Passport is available on my device?

PBS Passport is available through the PBS app, which is available on many devices with a smart TV screen: such as iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Fire devices, all web browsers, plus several smart TV brands, such as Samsung.

My LG TV is not showing the PBS app.

The PBS app is not currently compatible with LG TVs utilizing the web search feature. A Roku or Fire stick external device will allow LG TV owners to access the PBS app.

For more help and troubleshooting with activating the PBS App, please visit help.pbs.org. 

How do I activate my new PBS Passport membership on the PBS app?

To use PBS Passport on a smart TV or Roku device, you must first activate your account at pbs.org/passport.

Your activation code (included in reply email): xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx 

1. Retype or copy/paste the code into the box. Include the dashes but no spaces.
2. Choose your preferred sign-in method: PBS Account, Google, Facebook or Apple.
3. If you select PBS Account, you’ll be prompted to sign in with an email and password. If you don’t have a PBS account, then select “Create a PBS Account.”
4. Once the sign-in process is complete, your name should appear in the upper corner of your screen. You now have access to all PBS Passport videos, which are marked with a compass symbol.

For more help and troubleshooting with activating your PBS Passport membership, please visit help.pbs.org. 

If you have questions not answered here, please visit the PBS Help home page or contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday—Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

How do I activate the PBS app?

If you’re using an iOS or Android mobile phone or tablet, you don’t need to activate, but you can sign in or sign up with a Facebook, Google or PBS account inside the app.

If you’re using a Roku, Apple TV (tvOS), Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, or Samsung Smart TV, access pbs.org/activate to activate your streaming device. Activate Now

Where can I stream PBS shows?

PBS shows are streaming on the free PBS app and online at video.pbsnc.org. PBS NC is also available on YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM.

PBS will always be available for free through our four statewide broadcast channels. PBS NC and Rootle PBS KIDS can be livestreamed online within our viewing area.

Why can't I stream everything on the PBS app?

PBS is a distributor of programming and our distribution rights vary across programs. Most shows will be available for streaming at the same time as broadcast premiere and for at least two weeks for users without the PBS Passport member benefit.

What is PBS Passport?

PBS Passport is an exclusive library of content available on the PBS app for station members who make a qualifying donation of at least $60/year or $5/month. PBS Passport also features extended viewing of new PBS shows, so you can watch your favorites anytime, anywhere.

How will I know if a show is only available with PBS Passport?

All PBS Passport shows & films on the PBS app and online streaming portal will feature this PBS NC Passport icon near the video title or on the video image.