Maybe your cable bill keeps going up, or your family gave you a new TV or a small streaming stick for the holidays. Maybe you just keep hearing “it’s on Netflix” and aren’t sure what that means. Streaming can look confusing at first, but it’s easier than it seems. Here’s how it works, how to set it up, and how to stay safe while you do.
What Is Streaming?
Streaming means watching shows, movies and live channels over the internet, instead of through a cable box or an antenna. You choose what to watch, and when. Some services are free with ads, and others charge a monthly fee.
What You Need
Internet and Wi-Fi at home
A TV that can stream. Either:
A smart TV, which has streaming apps built in, or
A streaming stick or box (such as a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV or Google TV device) that plugs into the TV’s HDMI port
An account for each service you want to use, and your Wi-Fi password
How To Set Up a Streaming Stick
Plug the stick into an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV, and plug its power cable into an outlet (or into the TV’s USB port, if the instructions say so).
Turn on the TV and switch to the right input (often called HDMI 1, HDMI 2 and so on) using the TV remote.
Follow the instructions on screen. You’ll pick your language, choose your Wi-Fi network, and type the password using the remote.
Create or sign in to an account for the device when asked.
Add apps, from the home screen or the device’s store, like Netflix, Hulu or Disney+.
A smart TV works much the same way, using its own remote and apps.
Signing In With a Code
Many apps will show a code or a QR code on the TV screen. You enter the code on a web page using your phone or computer, and then the TV signs in.
Use the official address shown on the TV screen, and check it letter by letter.
Don’t pay anyone to “activate” your account. Activation is free.
Scammers sometimes set up fake activation websites that look real, to collect your password or card. If a website asks for more than the code and your normal sign-in, stop.
Free and Paid Services
Free (with ads). Services like Tubi, Pluto TV and the Roku Channel offer shows and movies for free.
Paid subscriptions. Services like Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ charge a monthly fee, and some have a cheaper plan with ads.
Subscriptions add up quickly. Start with one or two, watch what you actually use, and cancel the rest. If you take a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before it ends.
Remote Control Basics
Voice button. Many remotes have a microphone button. Hold it and say what you want, like “Show me comedies” or “Open Netflix.”
Pause, rewind and fast forward work on most apps.
Captions. If the dialogue is hard to hear, turn on subtitles in the TV’s or app’s Accessibility or Captions settings.
Larger text and audio options are also usually in the accessibility settings.
Keep the remote’s batteries fresh.
Stay Safe
Be wary of “free” streaming sites or boxes that promise brand-new movies, live sports or hundreds of channels for a one-time price. They often carry malware, steal card details, or stop working.
Don’t install apps from unknown sources on your device.
Never call a number from a pop-up on the TV that says there’s a problem.
Use a strong, unique password for each streaming account, and don’t share it with people you don’t know.
Watch for fake emails or texts saying your subscription payment failed. Check your account by opening the official app or typing the website yourself.
If It Isn’t Working
The picture keeps buffering: restart the streaming device and your router, move the router closer, or lower the video quality in the app.
No picture at all: check that the TV is on the right input, and that the HDMI and power cables are firmly plugged in.
The remote doesn’t respond: change the batteries, and follow the device’s steps to pair it again.
An app won’t load: restart the device, and update the app.
If you’d like someone beside you while you get your streaming set up, a Kendera Global session can walk through it with you, step by step.
