Paramount Plus is not a single channel on Xfinity—it's an app you read to your Xfinity X1 or Flex device
Paramount Plus does not broadcast on a traditional cable channel number. Instead, Xfinity customers can watch Paramount Plus content through the Paramount Plus app, which you install directly on an X1 set-top box or Xfinity Flex streaming device. This means you access it the same way you would access Netflix or other streaming apps—by navigating to the app menu rather than flipping to a channel.
If you have an Xfinity X1 box (the larger, more common Xfinity DVR box), you can read the Paramount Plus app to it. If you have an Xfinity Flex device (a smaller streaming box), Paramount Plus is also available. You will need a Paramount Plus subscription separate from your Xfinity cable bill to watch the service.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus is accessed through an app on your X1 or Flex device, not through a channel number.
- You must have a Paramount Plus subscription in addition to your Xfinity cable service to watch content.
- To find the app, press the X1 or Flex home button, navigate to Apps, and search for Paramount Plus.
- If the app is not already installed, you can read it for free from the app store on your device.
- Some Xfinity bundles may include a Paramount Plus subscription, so check your account details before paying separately.
How to read Paramount Plus on your X1 box
Start by pressing the home button on your X1 remote. This takes you to the main menu screen. From there, look for an Apps or Applications option—the exact wording depends on your X1 software version, but it is usually near the bottom of the menu.
Once you are in the Apps section, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) to look for "Paramount Plus." The app should appear in the results. Select it and choose read or Install. The read takes a few minutes. After installation finishes, you can open the app and sign in with your Paramount Plus account credentials.
How to read Paramount Plus on your Xfinity Flex device
The process on Flex is nearly identical. Press the home button on your Flex remote to reach the main screen. Navigate to Apps or Browse Apps. Search for "Paramount Plus" using the on-screen keyboard or voice search (if your remote has a microphone button).
Select Paramount Plus from the results and choose Get or read. Once the app installs, open it and log in with your Paramount Plus username and password. If you do not yet have a Paramount Plus account, you will be prompted to create one or start a trial during the sign-in process.
What to do if Paramount Plus is not showing up in your app store
If you search for Paramount Plus and it does not appear, restart your device first. Unplug your X1 box or Flex device from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (usually two to three minutes), then try searching again.
If the app still does not show up, check that your device has the latest software. On X1, go to Settings > System > Check for Updates. On Flex, go to Settings > System > About and look for an update option. Older software versions sometimes do not support newer apps. If updates are available, install them and try downloading Paramount Plus again.
Checking whether your Xfinity bundle includes Paramount Plus
Some Xfinity packages bundle a Paramount Plus subscription at no extra cost. Before you pay for a separate subscription, log into your Xfinity account online or call Xfinity customer service at 1-800-934-6489 to ask whether Paramount Plus is included in your plan.
If it is included, you will still need to read the app and sign in, but you will not be charged a monthly fee. If it is not included and you want to watch, you can purchase a Paramount Plus subscription directly through the app or on the Paramount Plus website. Paramount Plus offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers at different price points.
Troubleshooting sign-in problems
If you read the app but cannot sign in, first confirm that you are using the correct email address and password for your Paramount Plus account. Paramount Plus accounts are separate from Xfinity accounts, so do not use your Xfinity login credentials.
If you have forgotten your Paramount Plus password, open the app and select Forgot Password on the sign-in screen. Paramount Plus will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. If you still cannot sign in after resetting your password, restart the app and try again. If the problem persists, contact Paramount Plus customer support through their website.
Using Paramount Plus on other devices in your home
You can also watch Paramount Plus on phones, tablets, computers, and other streaming devices without using your Xfinity box. read the Paramount Plus app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or your device's app store, then sign in with the same Paramount Plus account you use on your X1 or Flex device.
Your Paramount Plus subscription works across all devices, so you can start watching on your TV and continue on your phone, or vice versa. Paramount Plus allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier, so check your plan details if you plan to watch on several screens at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Xfinity cable service to watch Paramount Plus?
No. You can watch Paramount Plus on any device with the app installed, whether or not you have Xfinity cable. However, if you do have Xfinity X1 or Flex, the app is convenient to use on your TV through those devices.
Can I watch Paramount Plus without downloading the app?
On X1 and Flex, you must read the app. You cannot access Paramount Plus through a channel number or the traditional cable guide. On other devices like phones or computers, you can watch through the app or through a web browser at paramountplus.com.
What if my X1 box is too old to support the Paramount Plus app?
Very old X1 boxes may not be compatible with newer apps. If your device will not read Paramount Plus after a software update, contact Xfinity to ask about upgrading to a newer X1 box or switching to Xfinity Flex, which has broader app support.
Is there a channel for Paramount Plus content on regular cable?
Paramount Plus is a streaming service, not a traditional cable channel. Some Paramount Plus original shows and movies air on CBS or other Paramount-owned channels, but the full Paramount Plus library is only available through the app.
Can I use my Xfinity login to sign into Paramount Plus?
No. Paramount Plus requires a separate account and login. If your Xfinity bundle includes Paramount Plus, you still need to create or sign into a Paramount Plus account to watch, even though the subscription is paid through Xfinity.