General information

Answers to some common questions that come up when using the PBS app.

Is the PBS app free?
Yes. The PBS app is free of charge and supports iOS versions 7 and later as well as Android 4+. If you have a device that is older than the supported versions, you can open a browser window on your device and type in video.pbs.org to enjoy many of the same features of the app. Related topics: How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer? I cannot connect to the app, help! Is the app compatible with Chromecast?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:18 PM
How do I download the app?
Android users can go to the Google Play store on your device and search for PBS.   iPhone and iPad users can go the Apple App store on your device and search for PBS. Once the app shows up in your search results, tap the download icon on Apple devices or tap Install on Android. The app icon is blue with the PBS logo as shown here: Related topics: Is the PBS app free? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer? I cannot connect to the app, help! Is the app compatible with Chromecast?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:02 PM
I have downloaded the app, what do I do now?
When you launch the app for the first time you’ll see an animated intro that plays automatically. At the bottom of the screen you have two options: Tap Not Now to begin browsing the app without logging in (Figure 1.1)  Tap Sign In to log in and begin your localized experience (Figure 1.2). Logging in to the app allows you to: create and access your Watchlist view your local TV Schedule donate to your local station Figure 1 If you do not have a login, create an account by tapping Create one now next to Don't Have a PBS Account? (Figure 2). Figure 2 Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer? I cannot connect to the app, help! Is the app compatible with Chromecast?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:28 PM
Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer?
Yes. The app and website experience are completely integrated. This means that the settings you select on PBS.org will surface when you open the app and vice versa. For example, if you are signed in to PBS.org on your computer and add a show to your Watchlist, and then open the PBS app on your phone or other device, that show will also appear on your Watchlist in the app.   Features are only consistent if you are logged in to both the app and your computer with the same login information. If you log in to PBS.org on your computer using your Google account, you must log in to the PBS app with the same Google account information. Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? I cannot connect to the app, help! Is the app compatible with Chromecast?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:46 PM
I can’t connect to the app. Help!
***Be sure your operating system and the PBS app are both updated to the latest version*** Usually, this is caused by a problem with your internet connection or the settings on your device. Please try these steps to fix your connection: Reboot your device (power off, power on).  Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.  Try connecting to different Wi-Fi hotspots.  Be sure Airplane mode is off.  If you are often connected to Wi-Fi, check your Wi-Fi sleep policy and make sure it is set to "Always" or "Only when plugged in."  Reboot your Wi-Fi Router.  Delete and re-install the app (Note: This will not affect your Watchlist)   Upgrade to the latest version for your device. Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer? How do I view Shows on the iPhone/iPad app? Is the app compatible with Chromecast?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:28 PM
I use an antenna and do not have a cable provider. Which TV Provider should I choose?
If you are using an antenna, simply select a Broadcast TV channel available in the list of providers. For instance, if you are a WSKG viewer, you would select one of the following options: Broadcast TV - Binghamton  Broadcast TV - Elmira (Corning). Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Is the app compatible with Chromecast? I don't see the Chromecast icon on the app. I can't connect to the app, help! Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS video on my computer? How do I view Shows on the iPhone/iPad app?
Thu, 30 Jun, 2016 at 3:06 PM
Why am I seeing everything in Spanish?
Be sure to check that you are localized to the correct channel. Often, there are Spanish speaking channels associated with your local station so be sure you are viewing the correct channel. To change the channel, follow the instructions below: After you have clicked Schedule (Figure 1.1) and are viewing your schedule, tap the channel (Figure 1.2) located in the upper left side of the screen.    Figure 1  The upper part of the screen turns grey and all available channels are displayed at the bottom. The channel you are currently viewing displays between the two lines (Figure 2) and any additional channels associated with your location are displayed above and below the selected channel in a lighter grey font. Swipe your finger on the channels to scroll between all channels.   Figure 2    When the channel you want is displayed between the two lines (Figure 3.1), click anywhere in the grey area or click Done to show the TV schedule associated with that channel (Figure 3.2).   Figure 3  The new channel is reflected in the top left corner of the screen indicating that you are now viewing the TV Schedule associated with that channel (Figure 4).   Figure 4  Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Is the app compatible with Chromecast? I don't see the Chromecast icon on the app. I can't connect to the app, help! Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS on my computer? How do I view Shows on the iPhone/iPad app?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:35 PM
What versions of the iPhone and iPad are supported?
The PBS app is currently supported on iOS 9.0 or later. To see what iOS your device is operating on, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad > General > About. You will see a number listed on the right of Version indicating your device's iOS. You can also tap Settings > General > Software Update to see if updates to your iOS are available, however as Apple devices become older, Apple will be unable to provide your device with the latest iOS and your device will show no updates available. For users with lower versions we regret to inform you that the app will not work on your device.  However, there is a workaround!  Open a browser window on your device and type http://www.pbs.org/ in the address bar. Once you are on the PBS.org website you can do just about everything you can do with the app. You can sign in, create a Watchlist, view your TV schedule, and of course view many of the PBS shows you love.  Related topics: Is the PBS app free? How do I download the app? I have downloaded the app, what do I do now? Is the app compatible with Chromecast? I don't see the Chromecast icon on the app. I can't connect to the app, help! Will I have the same browsing experience using the app that I have when I browse PBS video on my computer? How do I view Shows on the iPhone/iPad app?
Thu, 9 Nov, 2017 at 9:21 AM
I live outside the United States. Why can’t I stream PBS content from PBS.org?
While over-the-air broadcasts reach beyond U.S. borders, online video is subject to geo-filtering, which restricts the areas that can view PBS content. PBS is legally obligated to ensure each show does not exceed its granted rights, which unfortunately eliminates international streaming ability for some PBS shows outside the U.S. We regret not being able to offer our supporters all of our online content. Related topics: What is the Watchlist? Do I need to be signed in to use the Watchlist? Are videos ever removed from my Watchlist without my knowledge? Is there a limit to how many videos I can save to my Watchlist? Learn how to create an account I am getting a message that a video is unavailable in my area. Why? I want to watch a PBS program that was broadcast but is not yet available online. What are my options? Where can I find the transcript for a particular story or program? What is the benefit of creating an account? What are the system requirements to view PBS content?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:09 PM
How do I dissociate my Facebook account on Apple TV?
Please go to https://account.pbs.org/oauth2/send-reset-password/, enter your email address, and click the green Reset button. You should get an email that looks similar to this:  Clicking the link will take you to the screen below. Choose a new password and enter it twice then click Reset. This will set a password for your PBS Account, which is not associated with Facebook. This means that on all PBS websites you can choose the “Sign in with Email” option and login with the same email address and the password you just created. After this process, you should no longer be prompted to sign in with Facebook. Related topics: What is the Watchlist? Do I need to be signed in to use the Watchlist? Are videos ever removed from my Watchlist without my knowledge? Is there a limit to how many videos I can save to my Watchlist? Learn how to create an account I am getting a message that a video is unavailable in my area. Why? I want to watch a PBS program that was broadcast but is not yet available online. What are my options? Where can I find the transcript for a particular story or program? What is the benefit of creating an account? What are the system requirements to view PBS content?
Mon, 10 Jul, 2023 at 7:12 PM