Paramount Plus is not a single channel number on Dish TV
Paramount Plus does not appear as one fixed channel on Dish TV the way HBO or Showtime does. Instead, you access it through the Dish TV app system or through a Paramount Plus app on a compatible Dish device. The way you find it depends on which Dish equipment you own and whether you have a Paramount Plus subscription separate from your Dish package.
Dish TV offers Paramount Plus as an add-on to some packages, but the service runs through apps rather than a traditional channel number. This means the steps to reach it are different from tuning to channel 501 or 502.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus on Dish TV is accessed through apps on compatible devices, not through a single channel number.
- Dish Hopper and Dish Wally receivers can run the Paramount Plus app directly if your device supports it.
- You can also watch Paramount Plus on a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or other streaming device connected to your TV, even if your Dish receiver does not have the app.
- A Paramount Plus subscription through Dish costs extra and is separate from your base Dish TV package.
- If your Dish receiver does not support the app, you can still stream Paramount Plus on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Finding Paramount Plus on a Dish Hopper receiver
If you have a Dish Hopper 3 or newer Hopper model, the Paramount Plus app may already be available on your receiver. Press the Home button on your Dish remote, then look for the Apps section or Apps menu. Scroll to find Paramount Plus and select it to launch the app.
Not all Hopper models support every app, so if you do not see Paramount Plus in your Apps menu, your receiver may not have the capability. Dish regularly updates which apps are available, so checking the Apps section is the fastest way to know what your specific receiver can run.
Using a streaming device instead of your Dish receiver
The simplest way to watch Paramount Plus is often to skip the Dish receiver entirely and use a separate streaming device. If you own a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, or Samsung Smart TV, you can read the Paramount Plus app directly to that device. This works regardless of which Dish equipment you have.
Connect your streaming device to the same TV as your Dish receiver, then switch your TV input to that device when you want to watch Paramount Plus. You will need a Paramount Plus subscription (either through Dish or purchased directly from Paramount), but the app itself is free to read.
Checking whether Paramount Plus is included in your Dish package
Paramount Plus is not included in most standard Dish TV packages. Dish offers it as a paid add-on, usually bundled with other services or sold separately. The cost and availability vary depending on your location and which Dish package you subscribe to.
To find out whether Paramount Plus is available to add to your account, call Dish customer service at 1-800-333-3474 or log into your Dish account online. They can tell you the current price and whether any promotional offers explore to your account. You can also purchase a Paramount Plus subscription directly from Paramount and use it on any device, without going through Dish.
What to do if your Dish receiver does not support the app
Older Dish receivers, including some Wally models and older Hoppers, do not have the Paramount Plus app built in. If you own one of these devices, you have two options: use a separate streaming device (as described above), or watch Paramount Plus on a phone, tablet, or computer using the Paramount Plus app or website.
You can also connect a laptop or tablet to your TV using an HDMI cable if you want to watch on the big screen without buying a separate streaming device. This is a temporary solution, but it works if you only plan to use Paramount Plus occasionally.
Troubleshooting if the app will not launch
If the Paramount Plus app appears in your Dish receiver's Apps menu but will not open, try restarting your receiver. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. This clears temporary glitches that often prevent apps from launching.
If the app still will not open after a restart, check that your receiver is connected to the internet. Paramount Plus requires an active internet connection to stream. If your receiver is connected but the app still fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app from the Apps menu, or contact Dish support for further help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on my Dish TV without paying extra?
Paramount Plus is not included in standard Dish TV packages. You must either add it as a paid subscription through Dish or purchase it directly from Paramount. Some promotional offers occasionally bundle it with other services, so contact Dish to ask about current deals.
What if I have an older Dish receiver that does not support apps?
Use a separate streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV, or watch on a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable. All of these options work with any Paramount Plus subscription.
Do I need a Dish subscription to watch Paramount Plus?
No. You can purchase Paramount Plus directly from Paramount without Dish TV. You will still need internet access and a compatible device to stream it, but Dish TV is not required.
Why does not Paramount Plus show up in my Dish Apps menu?
Your receiver model may not support the app, or the app may not be available in your region. Restart your receiver first. If it still does not appear, contact Dish support to confirm whether your specific receiver can run Paramount Plus.