Paramount Plus channel numbers on Dish
Paramount Plus does not have a single channel number on Dish because it is a streaming service, not a traditional TV channel. Instead, you access it through the Dish Streaming app on compatible Dish receivers or through the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. If you have a Dish Hopper, Joey, or Wally receiver made in the last several years, the Paramount Plus app is built in and ready to use.
Some Dish packages include Paramount Plus as part of your subscription at no extra cost, while others require a separate Paramount Plus subscription. You can check whether your package includes it by logging into your Dish account online or calling Dish customer service. If it is included, you straightforward open the app on your receiver and sign in with your Dish credentials.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus is accessed through an app on your Dish receiver, not through a channel number, because it streams over the internet rather than through traditional cable.
- Newer Dish receivers (Hopper, Joey, and Wally models) have the Paramount Plus app built in and ready to launch from your receiver's menu.
- Some Dish packages include Paramount Plus at no extra cost, while others require you to pay for a separate Paramount Plus subscription.
- You can also watch Paramount Plus on any device with the Paramount Plus app installed, including phones, tablets, and smart TVs connected to your home internet.
How to find Paramount Plus on your Dish receiver
On a Dish Hopper receiver, press the home button on your remote to open the main menu. Look for the "Apps" or "Streaming" section—the exact name depends on your receiver model and software version. Select Paramount Plus from the list of available apps. If you do not see it listed, your receiver may need a software update, which Dish performs automatically when your box is in standby mode.
On a Dish Joey or Wally receiver, the process is similar: press home, navigate to apps, and select Paramount Plus. The first time you open the app, you will be asked to sign in. If your Dish package includes Paramount Plus, use your Dish account email and password. If you have a separate Paramount Plus subscription, use those credentials instead.
Checking whether Paramount Plus is included in your Dish plan
Paramount Plus inclusion varies by Dish package and changes periodically. To find out whether your specific plan includes it, log into your Dish account at dish.com, go to your account settings, and look for a list of included streaming services. Alternatively, call Dish customer service at 1-800-333-3474 and ask whether Paramount Plus is part of your current package.
If Paramount Plus is not included, you can subscribe to it separately through the Paramount Plus website or app. A Paramount Plus subscription costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier. Once you have a Paramount Plus account, you can sign into the app on your Dish receiver using your Paramount Plus login information.
Troubleshooting if you cannot find the app
If the Paramount Plus app does not appear in your Dish receiver's app menu, first check that your receiver is connected to the internet. Go to your receiver's settings menu, select "Network," and confirm that it shows a connected status. If it is not connected, check your ethernet cable or restart your receiver by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If your receiver is connected but the app still does not show up, restart the receiver by pressing the power button on the front panel or unplugging it. Wait two minutes before turning it back on. If the app still does not appear after a restart, your receiver may need a software update. Dish receivers update automatically when powered off, so leave your box in standby mode overnight and check again the next day.
If you have tried these steps and the app still will not appear, contact Dish customer service. They can confirm whether your receiver model supports the Paramount Plus app and push a software update to your box if needed.
Watching Paramount Plus on other devices
You do not have to watch Paramount Plus through your Dish receiver. You can read the Paramount Plus app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV and watch on any of those devices using the same login information. This is useful if you want to watch in a different room or if your receiver is having technical issues.
To watch on a smart TV, go to your TV's app store (Samsung Smart TV, LG webOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV, depending on your model), search for Paramount Plus, and install the app. Sign in with your Paramount Plus account credentials. The streaming quality and speed depend on your home internet connection, so make sure your WiFi is strong if you are watching on a device away from your router.
Internet speed requirements for streaming
Paramount Plus requires a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K content. If you are experiencing buffering or the video keeps stopping, your internet connection may be too slow. You can test your speed at speedtest.net. If your speed is below 5 Mbps, move closer to your WiFi router or contact your internet provider about upgrading your plan.
If you have multiple devices streaming at the same time in your home, that also affects the speed available to each device. Paramount Plus allows you to stream on up to four devices simultaneously on the same account, but each stream uses bandwidth. If you are having trouble, try pausing streams on other devices while you watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dish have a Paramount Plus channel I can add to my lineup?
No. Paramount Plus is only available as a streaming app on Dish receivers and other devices, not as a traditional channel. You cannot add it to your channel guide or access it through a channel number. You must open the app from your receiver's menu.
Can I watch Paramount Plus if I do not have internet at home?
No. Paramount Plus requires an active internet connection to stream. It does not work over Dish's satellite signal alone. If your internet is down, you can still watch traditional Dish channels, but not Paramount Plus or any other streaming apps.
What if my Dish receiver is too old to have the Paramount Plus app?
Older Dish receivers (models from before 2015) do not have the Paramount Plus app built in. If you have an older receiver, you can still watch Paramount Plus on a phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick. Contact Dish if you want to upgrade to a newer receiver model.
Is there an extra charge for Paramount Plus if it is included in my Dish package?
No. If your Dish package includes Paramount Plus, there is no additional charge. You sign in with your Dish credentials and watch at no extra cost. If your package does not include it, you must pay for a separate Paramount Plus subscription.
Can I use my Dish login to sign into Paramount Plus on my phone?
Only if your Dish package includes Paramount Plus. If it does, you can use your Dish email and password to sign into the Paramount Plus app on any device. If you have a separate Paramount Plus subscription, you must use your Paramount Plus account credentials instead.