What you need before you start
Make sure you have these items ready before you begin:- A free Plex account. If you do not have one yet, you can create it at Plex TV sign up with an email address, Google, Apple, or Facebook.
- A second device with a web browser, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.
- The 4-character link code that appears on your TV screen.
- A stable internet connection on both the TV and the second device.
Plex Pass is an optional subscription and is not required to link a device. A free Plex account gives you full access to the linking process.
How the Plex.tv/link activation works
The activation process is the same across most television brands. You open the Plex app on the TV, choose Sign In, and the app displays a 4-character code. On your phone or computer, you visit https://www.plex.tv/link, sign in to your Plex account, enter the code, and select Link. Within a few seconds, the TV app signs in automatically and your media appears. For a general overview of this flow, see our guide to activate Plex using Plex.tv/link.Step-by-step guide by TV brand
Use the tabs below to find instructions for your specific television.- Samsung TV
- LG TV
- Vizio TV
- Android TV / Google TV
Samsung smart TVs use the Tizen operating system and the Samsung Apps hub.
1
Install the Plex app
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. Navigate to Apps, search for “Plex,” and select Install. If the app is already installed, open it.
2
Get your link code
Inside the Plex app, choose Sign In. A screen appears with a 4-character code and the URL plex.tv/link. Leave this screen visible.
3
Enter the code online
On your phone, tablet, or computer, open a browser and go to https://www.plex.tv/link. Sign in to the Plex account you want to use, type the 4-character code exactly as shown, and click Link.
4
Confirm on the TV
The Samsung TV app should sign in automatically within a few seconds. You can now browse your Plex libraries.
Where to enter your Plex activation code
A common question is exactly where the code should be typed. The answer is simple: on a phone, tablet, or computer browser, open https://www.plex.tv/link. You must already be signed in to your Plex account on that browser, or you will be asked to sign in first. Then you will see a field labeled for the TV code. Type the 4-character code and submit it. For more detail, read our guide on where to enter the Plex activation code. If you are unsure how to reach the code entry screen, our article on entering the Plex TV link code walks through each click.Troubleshooting common smart TV linking issues
Even when the steps are followed carefully, occasional problems can appear. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.The code is expired or invalid
Link codes are temporary and expire after a short time. If you see an error saying the code is invalid:- Go back to the TV app and choose Sign In again to generate a new code.
- Enter the new code at plex.tv/link immediately.
Typos and confusing characters
The code uses a mix of letters and numbers. Pay close attention to these similar-looking characters:- 0 (zero) and O (letter O)
- 1 (one) and I (capital i)
- 5 (five) and S (letter S)
Signed into the wrong Plex account
If the TV links but shows the wrong libraries, you may have signed in to a different Plex account in your browser. Sign out at plex.tv, sign back in with the correct credentials, and repeat the linking steps.Browser or network interference
Ad blockers, browser extensions, VPNs, or strict DNS settings can sometimes block the connection between the browser and Plex’s activation servers. Try these fixes:- Use a private or incognito window.
- Switch to a different browser.
- Temporarily disable extensions or VPNs.
- Ensure both the TV and the second device are on the same stable network.
Other quick fixes
- Restart the Plex app on the TV.
- Check for a Plex app update in your TV’s app store.
- Restart the TV and your router.
- Verify the TV’s date and time are set correctly.
- Check Plex service status at https://status.plex.tv.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Plex.tv/link code on my smart TV?
How do I get a Plex.tv/link code on my smart TV?
Open the Plex app on your smart TV and select Sign In. The app displays a 4-character code on screen along with the web address plex.tv/link. If no code appears, make sure the app is updated and the TV is connected to the internet.
Can I use plex.tv link sign in on any smart TV brand?
Can I use plex.tv link sign in on any smart TV brand?
Yes. The plex.tv link sign in method works on any TV or streaming device that has an official Plex app, including Samsung, LG, Vizio, Android TV, Google TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Do I need a Plex Pass to link my smart TV?
Do I need a Plex Pass to link my smart TV?
No. A free Plex account is enough to link your TV. Plex Pass adds features like hardware transcoding and live TV DVR, but it is optional and not required for activation.
Why is my Plex TV link sign in code not working?
Why is my Plex TV link sign in code not working?
The most common reasons are an expired code, a typo, signing into the wrong Plex account in the browser, or network interference such as a VPN or ad blocker. Generate a fresh code on the TV and try again in a private browser window.
How long does the Plex activation code last?
How long does the Plex activation code last?
Codes are temporary and expire after a short window. If you wait too long between viewing the code on the TV and entering it at plex.tv/link, you will need to request a new one.
Can I sign in directly on the TV without using plex.tv/link?
Can I sign in directly on the TV without using plex.tv/link?
Some Plex apps allow direct email and password entry or a QR code scan. However, the plex.tv/link code method is the most common on TVs because it avoids typing long credentials with a remote control.
How do I unlink a smart TV from my Plex account?
How do I unlink a smart TV from my Plex account?
Log in to your Plex account at plex.tv, go to Account Settings, then Authorized Devices. Find the TV in the list and select Remove or Unlink. The next time the TV app opens, it will ask to sign in again.
Related guides
Activate Plex With Plex.tv/Link
Learn the complete activation flow for TVs, streaming sticks, and game consoles.
Step-by-Step Link Device to Plex.tv/Link
A detailed walkthrough that covers every screen you will see during linking.
Troubleshoot Plex.tv/Link Code Problems
Fixes for expired codes, wrong accounts, network blocks, and more.
Sign In and Activate Plex on TV
General sign-in tips and alternative methods for television activation.