If you are looking for the PBS website to activate your streaming device, please enter http://www.pbs.org/activate into your web browser's address bar or click this link.

For detailed instructions on activating your streaming device:

Before beginning the activation process, please review PBS's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use 


  • Click the PBS app icon on your Roku screen (Figure 1).
Figure 1

roku-activate-home-small.jpg

  • A screen appears with a seven-digit activation code. You will need this code for the next step.

Figure 2

***The image below is an example; do NOT use the code in the image below. Use the unique code that appears on your screen.***

***PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST PERFORM THESE NEXT STEPS ON A COMPUTER, YOU CANNOT ACTIVATE DIRECTLY FROM THE ROKU SCREEN.***
  • On your computer, tablet, or phone, open a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
  • In the address bar at the top, type http://www.pbs.org/activate. 
  • Type your seven-digit activation code in the textbox provided.
  • Click or tap Continue.
* If typing "pbs.org/activate" into your browser is not successful, please click the following link: http://www.pbs.org/activate.

Figure 3

  • After selecting Continue, you are taken to a page where you can sign in to the app in one of three ways: 
    • PBS Account - 
    • Google account - use the login and password that you use when you sign on to your Google account at www.google.com.
    • Facebook account - use the login and password that you use when you sign on to your Facebook account at www.facebook.com.

Note: If you do not have a PBS account, create one by clicking Create one here. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for instructions on how to create a PBS account.

Figure 4


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If you encounter the message below, go back to http://www.pbs.org/activate, re-enter your activation code, and click Continue. If you see the error message again, contact the support team.


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How to create a PBS account

Creating a PBS account allows you to use the same email address and password across all PBS products. This section demonstrates how to create a PBS account only. To create a Facebook or Google account, you must go to those individual websites (www.facebook.com and www.google.com).

Watch the video tutorial

  • On your computer, tablet, or phone, go to www.pbs.org and click Sign in located in the upper left side of the screen (Figure 1).

Figure 1


  • Click Sign in with Email (Figure 2).

Figure 2


  • In the first two textboxes, type your first and last name. Type your email address in the second two textboxes then create and type your password in the Password textbox (Figure 3.1). Your password must have at least 8 characters and include both letters and numbers.
  • Click Register (Figure 3.2).
* You can click the Keep me signed in checkbox to stay signed in to PBS.org.

Figure 3


  • After clicking Register, you are signed in to PBS and are directed to the PBS.org homepage. Your first name shows at the top of the page (Figure 4). 

***Use this login and password any time you log in to PBS products.***

Figure 4

Related topics:

What is Passport?

Does Passport cost anything?

Can I use the PBS app on Roku without activating?

I activated my Roku account but my Watchlist isn't synced with the Watchlist on my computer

How do I know if my Passport member benefit is activated?

How can I tell which are Passport videos?

I already have the PBS app on my Roku, why do I need to activate?

Can I stream Passport content on my Apple TV?