The fastest way to get Paramount Plus on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years have the Paramount Plus app built into the TV's app store, so you can read it directly without needing extra equipment. Go to your TV's home screen, find the app store (called Samsung TV Plus or the app marketplace depending on your model year), search for "Paramount Plus," and select Install. You'll sign in with your Paramount Plus account once the app opens.
If your Samsung TV is older or doesn't have the app available in its store, you have two backup options: use a streaming device plugged into an HDMI port, or cast from your phone or computer to the TV. Both work reliably, though the app method is simplest if your TV supports it.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs from roughly 2018 onward have Paramount Plus in their built-in app store and can read it directly to the TV.
- Older Samsung TVs or models without the app can use an external streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV plugged into an HDMI port.
- You can also cast Paramount Plus from your phone or computer to any Samsung TV, though this requires your phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable before you can read or use the app.
Installing the app directly on your Samsung TV
Start by making sure your Samsung TV is connected to Wi-Fi. Go to your TV's home screen (usually by pressing the Home button on your remote), then look for an app store or apps section. On newer Samsung TVs, this is often labeled "Samsung TV Plus" or "Apps." On older models, it may just say "Apps" or have a grid icon.
Once you're in the app store, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) and type "Paramount Plus." The official Paramount Plus app should appear in the results. Select it, then choose the Install button. The app will read and install automatically—this usually takes less than a minute. When it's done, you'll see an Open button. Select that, and you'll be prompted to sign in with your Paramount Plus account email and password.
If you don't see Paramount Plus in your TV's app store, your TV model may not support it directly. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to confirm your model year, or move to one of the backup methods below.
Using a streaming device if your TV doesn't have the app
If your Samsung TV is older or the app isn't available, plug a streaming device into one of your TV's HDMI ports. Common options include Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast. Each device has its own app store where you can read Paramount Plus the same way you would on a TV—search for it, install it, and sign in.
Make sure the streaming device is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network before you start. Once Paramount Plus is installed on the device, use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where the device is plugged in. You'll then control Paramount Plus through the streaming device's remote or app.
This method works on any Samsung TV with an available HDMI port, regardless of age or model. The downside is that you'll need to buy the streaming device upfront, though basic models start around $30 to $50.
Casting from your phone or computer
If you don't want to install an app or buy a device, you can cast Paramount Plus from your phone or computer directly to your Samsung TV. This works as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Paramount Plus app, start playing a show or movie, then tap the AirPlay icon (usually in the top right corner of the screen). Select your Samsung TV from the list. On an Android phone, open Paramount Plus, tap the cast icon (looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol), and select your TV.
From a computer, open Paramount Plus in your web browser, start playing something, look for a cast icon (usually in the bottom right), and select your TV. The show will play on your TV while you control it from your phone or computer. Note that casting uses more battery on your phone and requires the app or browser to stay open, so it's best for occasional use rather than all-day viewing.
Making sure your Samsung TV is ready
Before you try any installation method, confirm your TV is connected to the internet. Go to your TV's Settings menu (usually accessed through the remote), find Network or Wi-Fi, and check that it shows a connected network. If it doesn't, select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your password.
You'll also need a Paramount Plus account with an active subscription. If you don't have one yet, you can sign up on Paramount Plus's website from any device, then use those login details on your TV.
If your TV is connected to the internet but still won't read the app, try restarting the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes block app downloads.
Troubleshooting if the app won't install or play
If the app starts to install but gets stuck, go back to your TV's app store, find Paramount Plus, and select Uninstall. Wait a few seconds, then reinstall it fresh. This usually fixes installation hangs.
If the app installs but won't open, or if you see an error message, restart your TV and try opening the app again. If that doesn't work, check that your Paramount Plus subscription is active by logging into your account on a phone or computer. Expired or paused subscriptions will prevent the app from playing content.
If your TV keeps losing internet connection, move your router closer to the TV or switch to a wired ethernet connection if your TV has an ethernet port. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason apps won't read or stream smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smart TV to watch Paramount Plus?
No. If your TV isn't smart or doesn't have the app, any streaming device plugged into an HDMI port will work. You can also cast from your phone to any TV with an HDMI input, though that requires a separate casting device like a Chromecast.
Can I use Paramount Plus on multiple Samsung TVs with one account?
Yes. Sign in with the same account on each TV, and you can watch on all of them. However, Paramount Plus limits simultaneous streams depending on your subscription tier, so you may not be able to watch on multiple TVs at the exact same time.
What if my Samsung TV is too old to have Wi-Fi?
You'll need a streaming device with Wi-Fi built in, like a Fire Stick or Roku, plugged into an HDMI port. These devices handle the internet connection, so your TV just needs to display the picture.
Will I lose the app if I restart my TV?
No. Once installed, the app stays on your TV even after restarts. Restarting only clears temporary data, not the app itself.
Can I read shows to watch offline on my Samsung TV?
The Paramount Plus app on Samsung TV does not support offline downloads. You can read shows to your phone or tablet through the Paramount Plus mobile app, but not to your TV.