What you need before you start
Before opening the Plex app on your TV, make sure you have the following ready:- A free Plex account. If you do not have one yet, you can sign up on the Plex website with an email address or continue with Google, Apple, or Facebook.
- A phone, tablet, or computer with a web browser. This is where you will open the link page and sign in.
- The Plex app installed on the device you want to activate. Most modern smart TVs and streaming devices already have the app available in their app store.
How the Plex.tv/link activation flow works
The activation process is the same across most TVs and streaming devices. Once you understand the flow, you can repeat it on any supported platform.Open the Plex app on your TV
Select Sign In and view the link code
Open plex.tv/link in a browser
Enter the code and submit
Activating Plex on popular devices
Most major TV and streaming platforms support the plex.tv/link code method. The steps below highlight any small differences you might encounter.Roku
On Roku, install Plex from the Roku Channel Store. Open the app, navigate to Sign In, and note the code. Visit plex.tv/link on another device, sign in, and enter the code. The Roku app will refresh and load your library automatically. For more platform-specific advice, see our guide to linking Plex on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.Amazon Fire TV
Download Plex from the Amazon Appstore. The sign-in screen will show a code as soon as you select Sign In. Use your phone or computer to enter it at plex.tv/link. If you have an ad blocker or VPN running on your browser, consider disabling it temporarily to avoid interference.Apple TV
Plex is available on tvOS through the App Store. Because the Apple TV remote does not make email entry easy, the code method is the fastest way to get started. For detailed instructions, read our article on how to link Plex to a smart TV.Samsung and LG smart TVs
Samsung uses the Tizen operating system, while LG runs webOS. On both, open the app store, search for Plex, and install it. The Sign In option will display a code for plex.tv/link. If you cannot find Plex in the store, check that your TV firmware is up to date.Xbox and PlayStation
On game consoles, install Plex from the Microsoft Store or PlayStation Store. The activation flow is identical: open the app, choose Sign In, and link with the code. If the app does not update its status after you submit the code, try restarting the console.Android TV and Google TV
Devices like Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield, and Sony Bravia TVs use Android TV or Google TV. Plex is available through Google Play. The code activation works exactly as described above, and the app will sign in automatically once the code is accepted.Common mistakes to avoid during activation
A few simple errors can prevent the link from working. Keep these in mind to save time.- Typing the code incorrectly. Some characters look alike, such as 0 and O, 1 and I, or 5 and S. Double-check each character before submitting.
- Using the wrong Plex account in the browser. If you are signed into a different account on plex.tv/link, the TV will link to that account instead of the one you intended. Sign out and back in with the correct credentials if needed.
- Letting the code expire. If you pause too long between viewing the code and entering it, the code will time out. Simply request a fresh one on the TV.
- Browser issues. Cache, cookies, ad blockers, or VPNs can sometimes block the link request. Try a private browsing window, another browser, or temporarily disable extensions.
What happens after you activate Plex
Once your device is linked, the Plex app will load your personal media libraries and any shared libraries you have access to. You can browse movies, TV shows, music, photos, and podcasts. If you have a Plex Media Server set up at home, make sure the server is online and that your account has access to it. If your server does not appear after linking, verify that:- The server computer is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Your Plex account is listed as an authorized user on that server.
- The server software is up to date.
Tips for a smooth activation experience
Frequently asked questions
Is Plex.tv/link the official activation page?
Is Plex.tv/link the official activation page?
Do I need a Plex Pass to activate my TV?
Do I need a Plex Pass to activate my TV?
Why does my Plex TV link sign in code say it is expired?
Why does my Plex TV link sign in code say it is expired?
Can I sign in without using the code method?
Can I sign in without using the code method?
What should I do if the TV app does not sign in after I enter the code?
What should I do if the TV app does not sign in after I enter the code?
How do I remove a linked device from my Plex account?
How do I remove a linked device from my Plex account?
Why is my Plex server not showing on the linked TV?
Why is my Plex server not showing on the linked TV?