How to Watch Shows on a Streaming TV App

What this helps with: Adding apps like Netflix, PBS, or YouTube to your TV and signing in, on Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV.

A “streaming” app plays shows over the internet instead of through cable. Many apps are free. Some need a paid subscription.

Step 1: Find the app store on your TV

Press the Home button on your remote, then:

• Roku: Select Streaming Store (or Store), then Apps.
• Amazon Fire TV: Select Find (the magnifying glass), then Search. You can also hold the microphone button on the remote and say the app’s name.
• Google TV: Select the Apps tab at the top, or Search.

Step 2: Add the app

1. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to find the app you want, then press OK (the middle button).
2. Choose Add app (Roku), Get or Download (Fire TV), or Install (Google TV).
3. Wait a moment. The app appears on your home screen, often at the end of the list.

Good to know: If the app costs money, the screen will say so before you pay. Free apps never ask for a card.

Step 3: Sign in

Most apps show a short code on the TV and ask you to type it on your phone or computer.

1. Open the app on the TV and choose Sign in.
2. Write down the code and the website address shown on the TV screen.
3. On your phone or computer, type that exact website address, sign in with your account, and enter the code.
4. The TV will update by itself in a few seconds.

You’ll only need to do this once.

Step 4: Watch

Select a show, then press OK to play. Press OK again to pause. Press Back to return to the menu.

If something goes wrong

• The app won’t open or keeps spinning. Check your Wi-Fi. Turn the TV (or streaming stick) off at the wall for one minute, then turn it on again.
• I can’t find an app. Not every app is on every device. Search the app’s name instead of browsing.
• A website or caller asks for an “activation fee.” That’s a scam. Setting up your streaming device is free, and real sign-in pages are on the app’s own website, like the address shown on your TV.
• I’m being charged for an app I don’t use. Cancel the subscription where you signed up (for example in your Roku, Amazon, or Google account, or on the app’s website).

Official sources

• Roku: How to add apps to your Roku streaming device
• Amazon: Download and install apps on your Fire TV
• Google: Install apps on Google TV

Last checked: Oct 18, 2026

This is general help, not personalized tech support. Menu names differ between TV brands and models.