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How to find and activate the PBS app on VIZIO SmartCast TV

The PBS app is available on VIZIO SmartCast TVs as a pre-installed app and is free to activate.

If your VIZIO SmartCast TV supports the PBS app, you can find the app in the scrollable list of apps on the VIZIO TV's home screen, or perform a search on your VIZIO TV. 

If the PBS app is not pre-installed on your VIZIO SmartCast TV, then unfortunately, it is not available on that specific VIZIO model. Learn more about alternative TV streaming options here.

When you first open the PBS app, a screen will appear prompting you to activate the PBS app. Select Activate Now.

Activation instructions will appear on the screen along with a 7-character, alphanumeric activation code. 

Every device has its own unique code, so double-check your device's code before proceeding.

For Step 1, you will need to use a mobile device or computer to visit PBS.org/activate or use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code on the TV screen to be taken directly to PBS.org/activate.

Enter your unique code listed in Step 2 into the Activation Code box on PBS.org/activate. Select Continue.

You will then be prompted to sign in with a PBS account or through Google, Facebook, or Apple.

If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit. 

If you do not have one of these account options, select Not registered yet? Create a PBS AccountClick here to learn more about creating a PBS account.

Once you have signed in with an account, you'll received a message that your device was successfully activated.

Return to your VIZIO SmartCast TV's PBS app. The screen will update to show the app's Home screen where you can begin exploring and viewing our available offerings. For more information on using the PBS app, click here.