Paramount+ may not appear on your TV because the app isn't installed, your TV model is too old to support it, or your streaming device doesn't have enough storage space
Paramount+ works on most modern TVs, but the way you access it depends on what kind of TV you own. If you can't find the app, the first step is figuring out whether your TV can run it at all. Some older models—particularly those made before 2016—don't have the processing power or software to support newer streaming apps, even if they're "smart" TVs.
The second issue is that the app may straightforward not be installed yet. Unlike channels that come built into your TV, Paramount+ is software you have to read and set up, similar to how you'd install an app on a phone. If you've never done this before, the process is straightforward but straightforward to miss if you don't know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ requires a TV made in 2016 or later, or a separate streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast.
- You must read the Paramount+ app from your TV's app store—it does not come pre-installed on most televisions.
- If your TV is too old or doesn't support the app, you can add Paramount+ through an inexpensive external streaming device.
- Storage space on your TV or device can prevent apps from installing, so clearing space or restarting the device often solves the problem.
- If the app is installed but won't open, signing out and back in, or restarting your TV, usually fixes temporary glitches.
Check whether your TV model actually supports Paramount+
Paramount+ works on most TVs made in 2016 and later, but not all of them. The app requires a certain amount of processing power and memory, which older models don't have. If your TV is a Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, or TCL made within the last eight years, it almost certainly supports the app. If your TV is older than that, or if you're not sure when it was made, check the model number on the back of the TV or in your manual.
You can also look up your TV model on Paramount's official support page, which lists every compatible TV brand and the minimum year of manufacture. Search "Paramount+ compatible devices" and click the official Paramount website link. If your TV isn't listed, it doesn't support the app—but that doesn't mean you can't watch Paramount+. You'll need to use an external streaming device instead.
read the Paramount+ app from your TV's app store
If your TV is compatible, the app isn't automatically there—you have to install it. The process is similar across most smart TVs, though the exact steps vary slightly by brand. On your TV remote, look for a button labeled "Apps," "Home," or a house icon. Press it to open your TV's app store or home screen.
Once you're in the app store, use the search function to find "Paramount+" or "Paramount Plus." Select it from the results and choose "Install" or "read." The app will take a minute or two to read and install. When it's done, you'll see an "Open" button. Press that to launch the app for the first time, then sign in with your Paramount+ account.
Free up storage space if the app won't install
Sometimes the app fails to install because your TV or streaming device doesn't have enough free storage. This is more common on older devices or ones that have had many apps installed over time. If you see an error message about storage or the read seems to stall, you need to delete something.
Go to your TV's settings menu and look for "Storage," "Apps," or "Manage Storage." You'll see a list of apps currently installed. Delete any apps you no longer use—games, old streaming services, or apps you installed years ago are good candidates. Delete at least 500 megabytes to 1 gigabyte of space, then try installing Paramount+ again. If you're not sure whether an app is safe to delete, delete only apps you recognize and installed yourself.
Use an external streaming device if your TV is incompatible
If your TV is too old to support Paramount+, the cheapest solution is to buy a separate streaming device. A Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV will all run the Paramount+ app and connect to your existing TV via HDMI. These devices cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model and features.
Once you plug the device into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to your home Wi-Fi, you can read Paramount+ just as you would on a smart TV. The streaming device becomes the "brain" that runs the app, so your old TV is just the display. This is also a good option if your TV's built-in app is slow or buggy—external devices often perform better than older TV software.
Restart your TV or device if the app won't open
If the Paramount+ app is installed but won't launch, or if it crashes when you try to use it, a restart usually fixes the problem. Unplug your TV or streaming device from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the device's temporary memory and often resolves glitches that prevent apps from opening.
If restarting doesn't work, try signing out of your Paramount+ account within the app, then signing back in. Go to the app's settings or account menu, find "Sign Out," and confirm. Then open the app again and enter your email and password. This refreshes your login session and can fix problems where the app thinks you're not logged in or your subscription has expired.
Connect your TV to the internet if it's not already
Paramount+ requires an active internet connection. If your TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet, the app won't work. Check your TV's network settings to confirm it's connected. On most TVs, go to Settings, then Network or Wi-Fi, and look for your home network in the list of available networks. If your TV shows "Connected" next to your network name, your internet is fine.
If your TV isn't connected, select your network name and enter your Wi-Fi password. Once the TV shows a connected status, try opening Paramount+ again. If you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying to connect your TV again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount+ on a TV that's 10 years old?
Probably not through the built-in app, since Paramount+ requires a TV made in 2016 or later. However, you can watch it on that TV by connecting an external streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick to the HDMI port. The device does the work, and your old TV is just the screen.
Why does the Paramount+ app keep crashing on my TV?
Crashes usually happen because the app needs an update, your TV is low on storage, or there's a temporary glitch. Try restarting your TV first. If that doesn't work, go to your TV's app store, find Paramount+, and check whether an update is available. If your TV is low on storage, delete unused apps to free up space.
Do I need a separate subscription to watch Paramount+ on my TV?
No. One Paramount+ subscription works on all your devices—your TV, phone, tablet, and computer. You just sign in with the same email and password on each device. Some subscription tiers limit how many devices can stream at the same time, so check your plan details if multiple people want to watch simultaneously.
What's the cheapest way to add Paramount+ to an old TV?
An Amazon Fire Stick Lite costs around $30 and will run Paramount+ on any TV with an HDMI port. A basic Roku device is similarly priced. Both are simpler and cheaper than buying a new TV, and they'll also give you access to other streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+.
Can I cast Paramount+ from my phone to my TV if the app isn't available?
Yes, if your TV supports Chromecast or AirPlay. Open Paramount+ on your phone, tap the cast icon during a show, and select your TV from the list. This works even if your TV doesn't have the Paramount+ app built in, as long as your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.