PBS offers a wide range of content through its PBS Passport membership, which provides access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. To enjoy this content, you need to activate PBS on your devices. This article will guide you through the activation process for various devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and mobile devices.
Activating PBS Passport Membership
Before you can activate PBS on your devices, you need to become a member of your local PBS station and receive a unique activation code. This code is usually sent to you by your PBS station after you make a donation[1]. If you haven’t received an activation code, you can request one using the Passport Lookup Tool[1].
Activating PBS on Roku
- Select the PBS Video channel icon on your Roku screen.
- A screen will appear prompting you to activate the PBS Video channel. Select “Activate Now.”
- Activation instructions appear on the screen along with a 7-character activation code[2].
- From a mobile device or computer, visit pbs.org/activate and enter your unique code[2].
- Sign in with a Facebook, Google, or PBS account[2]. If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit.
- After signing in, a screen should appear confirming that your Roku device has been activated[2].
Activating PBS on Apple TV
The activation process for Apple TV is similar to that of Roku. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the PBS Video app on your Apple TV[3].
Activating PBS on Amazon Fire TV
- Open the PBS app on your Amazon Fire TV[4].
- Select “Activate Now” and note the 7-character activation code displayed on the screen[4].
- Visit pbs.org/activate on a computer or mobile device and enter your unique code[4].
- Sign in with a Facebook, Google, or PBS account[4]. If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit.
- After signing in, your device will automatically update, and you can begin watching videos on your Amazon Fire TV[4].
Activating PBS on Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and VIZIO SmartCast TV
The PBS Video app is available on Android TV, Samsung Smart TV (2017 models and later), and VIZIO SmartCast TVs[5]. The activation process for these devices is similar to that of Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the PBS Video app on your device.
Activating PBS on Mobile Devices
For iOS and Android mobile devices, you don’t need to activate the PBS Video app. Instead, sign in or sign up with a Facebook, Google, or PBS account inside the app[6]. If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit.
By following these steps, you can activate PBS on your devices and enjoy a wide range of content from your favorite PBS programs. Happy streaming!
Citations:
[1] https://help.pbs.org/support/solutions/articles/5000693823-what-does-the-passport-activation-process-look-like-
[2] https://help.pbs.org/support/solutions/articles/5000668089-how-do-i-activate-the-pbs-video-channel-on-roku-
[3] https://www.pbs.org/pbs-app/
[4] https://help.pbs.org/support/solutions/articles/12000014403-how-do-i-activate-my-amazon-fire-tv-or-amazon-fire-tv-stick-
[5] https://help.pbs.org/support/solutions/articles/12000080831-what-devices-support-the-pbs-video-app-
[6] https://help.pbs.org/support/solutions/articles/12000090583-how-to-watch-pbs-without-cable
