Spectrum TV App Guide (2024) The Definitive Guide

The Spectrum TV app is a free app that comes with residential Spectrum cable TV plans. It allows you to stream channels on unlimited smart devices while at home simultaneously. And 2 devices at the same time when on the go.

This app works best for households that don’t want to pay for many cable boxes. And for accessing channels when traveling within the United States.

When it comes to cable TV providers, apps help me determine whether they offer value. To see whether Spectrum’s worth getting, I will talk about and help you use their TV app.

I’ll cover the following information throughout this guide:

Let’s get the ball rolling.

Spectrum TV App Pros & Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the Spectrum TV App.

Pros:

  • Stream on unlimited devices at home
  • Supports most modern devices
  • Plenty of channels
  • The startup channel simplifies navigation

Cons:

  • Only can simultaneously stream on 2 devices while away from home
  • You must have Spectrum internet to watch on an Xbox One
  • Must pay for a pricey Spectrum TV plan
  • Have to rent a cable TV box or pay for an Apple TV 4K for the aforementioned TV plan
  • No offline viewing



What Is the Spectrum TV App?

The Spectrum TV app allows Spectrum cable television subscribers to stream live channels and On Demand content through various devices.

Unlike other cable service providers’ apps, you can watch Spectrum TV on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously while at home. And watch 2 devices on the go at the same time.

Many features make this app unique. But I’ll cover those in a few sections later.

Spectrum TV App Internet Speed Requirements

Spectrum doesn’t specify internet speed requirements for the app. They only talk about speed requirements for watching channels on Spectrum.net. The web-based version of the Spectrum TV app.

They say you need a minimum of 10 Mbps download speeds [1]. That’s likely for 1080p FHD content. If you want to watch 4K UHD TV1 content, most streaming platforms require a minimum of 25 Mbps download speeds.

Take these speed recommendations seriously. Failure to do so will result in excessive buffering when streaming content.

Spectrum TV app doesn’t have an offline viewing function like similar apps. That’s a huge downside if you like downloading stuff to watch with unreliable internet.

You’ll need an internet connection or mobile data to watch channel apps like the following.

Spectrum TV App Channels

Here’s what you can watch through the Spectrum TV app [2]:

BravoBTN2GoCartoon Network
CNBCCNNC-SPAN
E!EPIXESPN
Cooking Channel GOFox BusinessFox News
Fox NowFox SportsHGTV GO
Food Network GOWE tvMSNBC
NFLTravel Channel GOTCM
BBC AmericaUSA NetworktruTV
TNTTelemundoTBS
SYFYSundance TVSTARZ
Universal KidsShowtime AnytimeOxygen
NCAA March Madness LiveUniverso NowNat Geo TV
IFCHallmark ChannelGolf Channel
FXNOWFreeformDisneyNOW
HistoryLifetimeA&E
FYIAMCABC
NBCAdult SwimDiscovery GO
TLC GOAnimal Planet GOInvestigation Discovery GO
Science Channel GOMotorTrend GODiscovery Life GO
American Heroes Channel GODestination America GOMLB At Bat
Comedy CentralNickelodeonNick Jr.
MTVBET NOWCMT
LogoVH1Paramount Network
TV LandMusic ChoiceMSG GO
Pac-12 NowOWNWillow
VicelandSmithsonian ChannelUnivision
The Weather ChannelbeIN Sports ConnectUnivision Now
TUDNGame Show NetworkWatch NFL Network
Spectrum Bay News 9Spectrum News 13Spectrum News
Spectrum SportsNetNBACBS
CBS SportsPop NowREELZ NOW
Tennis ChannelACC NetworkHBO Max
TV OneCLEO TVYES Network
MASNBally SportsFuse+
TV5MONDEplusNESN

Spectrum TV channel app lineup.

Channel availability will vary by location, plan you’re using, and whether you have certain channel packages.

Here’s an example. You’ll need the Entertainment View channel to watch Viceland. Or you’d need the STARZ package to watch STARZ.

See what I mean?

Good. Let’s cover additional features.

Spectrum TV App Features

Aside from streaming channels, you’ll get these features with the Spectrum TV app:

  • Watch channels while traveling
  • Startup channel
  • Parental controls
  • Set favorite channels

The following sections will describe each feature, how to set them up, and who they benefit.

Afterward, I’ll talk about device compatibility.

Watch Channels Away From Home

You can watch channel apps on 2 devices at the same time while away from home.

Here’s an example scenario to illustrate my point. 1 partner watches Comedy Central on their smartphone while camping with friends. Partner number 2 watches NBC on a laptop while at their family’s.

A third person in the household (e.g., roommate or child) couldn’t use the TV app away from home simultaneously as the 2 partners.

This feature works best for anyone traveling within the U.S. Or for someone who has downtime at work and wants to watch TV.

The Spectrum TV app isn’t available for anyone traveling outside the States.

You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to access your account when abroad.

I haven’t tested many VPNs with Spectrum. I know for sure that Surfshark VPN will work, though.

Using a VPN may slow your speeds up to 20% [3]. If you notice buffering while using this app overseas, that’s your first culprit.

Try different encryption methods and servers. Doing so may result in having faster internet.

There’s nothing to set up with this feature. Now we’ll discuss startup channels.

Set Startup Channel

A startup channel is a channel that will stream upon powering on your television.

For instance, if I choose Cartoon Network as my startup channel, it’ll play after I turn on my TV.

Choose your startup channel by navigating these settings:

  1. Cog icon (Settings)
  2. Choose the Preferences page
  3. Toggle on ‘Startup Channels’
  4. Select ‘Manage Startup Channel’
  5. Pick your desired channel

When first using the Spectrum TV app, the default channel appears to be a Spectrum News Network Channel. Ensure you don’t set the default channel as something embarrassing.

The last thing you want is an awkward encounter when you have someone over and turn on your TV.

Speaking of awkwardness. Let’s make everyone in your home have awkward situations with parental controls.

Parental Controls & Content Filters

Parental controls allow you to moderate your household’s TV-watching habits in the following ways:

  • Block whatever channel you want
  • Select times of day when people can’t watch TV
  • Block content that features nudity & violence based on movie- and TV ratings

To use the parental controls:

  1. Click on the settings cog icon in the top-left corner of your screen
  2. Choose ‘Parental Controls’ and toggle it on
  3. Adjust the settings and micromanage your household

With whatever changes you make, you must set a 4-digit PIN. Ensure no one can guess your PIN. Otherwise, you eliminate the purpose of parental controls.

Set Favorite Channels

Instead of sifting through hundreds of channels, bookmark channels you usually watch for easy access.

Add favorite channels to the Spectrum TV app by following these settings:

  1. Click or tap the settings icon: it looks like a cog
  2. Select ‘Favorites’
  3. Choose the heart icon adjacent to the channel you want to bookmark
  4. Once the icon turns blue, the channel’s now on your favorites list

To remove a channel from your favorites list, click or tap the heart icon again. You want it to look hollow.

Now let’s filter your favorites.

Navigate to your ‘Guide’ page. Choose the down-arrow icon and select ‘Favorites’ when a drop-down list appears.

Let’s talk about device support.

What Devices Are Compatible With Spectrum TV App?

The Spectrum TV app is available on these devices:

iPadiPad MiniiPhone
iPod TouchKindle Fire HDXAny Android device running Android 5.0 or higher
* All Kindle Fire modelsXbox OneSamsung Smart TV (2012 or newer)
All Google Chromecast Devices** All Roku Players & TVs*** Any PC
Apple TV

Devices compatible with the Spectrum TV app.

* Except for the First-generation Kindle Fire

** Except the 1st- and 2nd- generation devices

*** Here’s a list of operating systems you CAN’T watch the Spectrum app through.

If you’re watching through Spectrum.net (Spectrum TV app online), you can do so through these browsers [4]:

  • Chrome 69 or newer
  • Edge Browser v16 or newer
  • Firefox 63 or newer
  • Safari 11 or newer
  • Android browser 7.0 or newer

All browsers listed include mobile and PC browsers for Mac and Windows operating systems.

To use the Spectrum TV app on an Xbox One, you’ll need an internet modem associated with your Spectrum account [5]. That means you’ll also need a Spectrum internet-only plan.

Installing the Spectrum TV App

Connect your device to the internet, then create an account on Spectrum.net. You’ll need your Spectrum email address or account number and security code to create an account.

Find the security code on your billing statements.

After creating an account, visit your device’s app store and search for ‘Spectrum TV.’

Install and open the app. Then sign in to your Spectrum account using your Spectrum email address and password. If you’re using a Spectrum internet-only mobile, you don’t need to worry about this step.

To watch Spectrum TV channels on a PC or mobile browser, visit watch.Spectrum.net. Upon opening the page, you must log in to your Spectrum online account.

Get Started With Spectrum

Spectrum’s website says to visit SpectrumTV.com. But that’s false. Clicking the link on their site redirects you to the link I mentioned.

You can’t log into Spectrum.net if you’re outside the U.S. Because Spectrum blocks international IP addresses.

Important:

Say you just signed up for Spectrum. It MAY take up to 72 hours after creating your online account before you’re able to sign in.

In many scenarios, you can log in to the app immediately and watch TV before Spectrum mails your cable TV box.

How to Download Spectrum TV App on LG Smart TV

The Spectrum TV app isn’t compatible with LG’s WebOS. You’ll need to use media streaming devices Spectrum’s app supports like Apple TV, Chromecast, and other devices I mentioned.

How To Install Spectrum TV App on an Amazon Fire TV Stick

Install the Spectrum TV app on an Amazon Fire Stick by following these steps:

  1. Plug the device into your TV and power it on
  2. Tap on the microphone icon on your Amazon remote
  3. Say “search for Spectrum TV app”
  4. The app should appear as a search result, press the ‘Enter’ button on your remote
  5. Install the app
  6. Log into your Spectrum account and watch content

It’s a pain to navigate through Amazon’s ‘Apps’ tab. You’ll save the most time by using the remote’s voice search.

How to Download Spectrum TV App on Samsung Smart TV

To install the Spectrum TV app to your Samsung Smart TV, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Apps
  2. Select the magnifying glass icon (search icon) in the upper right corner
  3. Type ‘Spectrum TV app’
  4. Install the app
  5. Sign in to your Spectrum account

Once you download the app, you’ll want to move it to your home screen. To make it easier to access.

Press the Home button, navigate to Apps, and scroll to the end of the Apps list. You’re looking for ‘List Edit.’ Click that button and search for the Spectrum TV app.

Upon finding the app, press enter. An ‘Options’ menu will appear that says ‘Move’ or ‘Remove.’ Click ‘Move.’

Spectrum TV App

Samsung’s website has more information on managing apps. And they can better help you with troubleshooting.

How to Download Spectrum TV App on Roku TV

Here’s how to download the Spectrum TV app on your Roku TV:

  1. Navigate to the Roku Channel Store
  2. *Type “Spectrum TV” into the search bar
  3. Select & install the Spectrum TV app
  4. Log in to your Spectrum.net account

* When browsing the Roku Channel Store, you can also find the app by browsing the “Watch With Cable TV” tab.

If you’re using the cloud DVR service, you’ll need to know how to record content.

How to Record on Spectrum TV App

When selecting a show to watch, you’ll see a ‘Record’ button if you have a Spectrum Cloud DVR service. Click that button to record the series or episode.

Select the Stop Time. The time after the episode or movie when the DVR should stop recording. And choose how long you want to keep the recording (e.g., 90 days).

Once it’s ready to record, your screen will give you a confirmation that says “Recording Set.”

To access your recordings, navigate to ‘My Library’ and scroll until finding ‘Recordings.’

Here’s a video that shows you how to add a DVR using the Spectrum TV app on Roku:

You can use the Cloud DVR function through the Spectrum TV app on these devices [6]:

  • Spectrum.net: browsers on PCs and mobile devices
  • Xbox One
  • Apple TV
  • Android devices
  • Apple devices
  • Roku

That’s almost every supported device.

Let’s discuss how to add a DVR service to your Spectrum app if you’re interested in recording live TV.

How Do I Add DVR to Spectrum TV App?

To add a DVR to your Spectrum TV app, you’ll need to pay for the Cloud DVR service.

To add this to your Spectrum plan, dive into your television plan’s settings and add it to your plan. Or contact Spectrum’s customer service and ask them to add it.

If you’re sold on using this app, let’s talk about TV plans.

Charter Spectrum Cable TV Plans, Pricing, & Features

If I sold you on getting Spectrum cable TV for the app, check out their plans:

TV PlanPromo. PricingPost PromoChannelsBest For
TV Select$59.99/mo.$79.99/mo.125+Basic cable TV
MI Plan Latino$39.99/mo.$54.99/mo.145+Access to Spanish channels
Spectrum TV Select + Latino View$71.99/mo.NA200+More multi-lingual channel options
Charter Spectrum cable television plans.

To use the Spectrum TV app, you’ll need a Spectrum TV plan.

Spectrum only offers a couple television plans. Both have all the channels you’d likely need. If you’re wondering what’s available, review the channel lineup piece I wrote.

Not enough channels?

Try one of the 85,000 On Demand channels. Or spend more money on channel add-ons.

You must buy or rent at least 1 piece of equipment from Spectrum. The Apple 4K TV or the HD TV box. The former costs $9.99/mo. for 18 months.

The latter costs $9.99 indefinitely.

Here’s how to save a bit of money with Spectrum TV equipment. Buy the Apple 4K TV outright for $180. You can still watch many Spectrum channels through the Spectrum TV app.

But you won’t have access to regular channels from the Spectrum app.

After almost 2 years, you’ll start saving $9.99 monthly. Or around $120 a year.

Spectrum allows 1 Apple 4K TV purchase when buying a Spectrum plan online. You must call 855-839-4246 to order more.

Otherwise, there’s not much else to their cable TV plans. Most of the value comes from the app.

FAQs: Spectrum TV App Guide

Check out the most frequently asked questions about Spectrum’s TV app.

How To Change Channels on Spectrum TV App

You can change the Startup Channel on your Spectrum TV app by following these settings: settings cog icon > Preferences > Manage Startup Channel > select your channel.

Can You Use the Spectrum TV App on an Internet-only Plan?

You cannot use the Spectrum TV app as a Spectrum internet-only customer.

Does the Spectrum TV App Need a Cable Box?

The Spectrum TV app does not need a cable box.

How To Get the Spectrum TV App on Non Smart TV?

You can get the Spectrum TV app on a non-smart TV by using a media streaming box like Apple TV or a Roku. Or you can cast it to your TV using a Chromecast.

Conclusion

The Spectrum TV app is the best live TV streaming app for watching channels at home. Since you can stream media on unlimited devices.

However, it’s not the best app for anyone mobile. A lack of offline viewing and simultaneous viewing on more than 2 devices puts it behind its competitors.

Whether you’re already using this app, or are a curious shopper, you’ll want to explore everything about Spectrum’s services. Perhaps you’ll learn how to save money on your new or current plan.




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300 Mbps plans for $39.99/mo
$ 69
99
Monthly
  • Enough for a familly
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  • No data cap