Finding your favorite broadcast channels on a streaming device is often the first hurdle cord-cutters face, and getting CBS on Roku is a very common question. The good news is that the process is straightforward, and you have multiple options to start watching live news, weather, and entertainment right away. This guide will walk you through the simplest methods to get CBS streaming on your television, whether you prefer the official app or a reliable external device.
Installing the CBS App Directly on Your Roku
The most direct way to watch CBS on your television is to install the official CBS app, provided your specific Roku model supports it. This method gives you access to live streams and on-demand content without needing any extra hardware. Before you begin, ensure your Roku device is connected to the internet and you have an active account linked to a payment method, even if the content is free with ads.
Searching for the App
To get started, turn on your television and navigate to the home screen of your Roku device. Using the on-screen keyboard, search for "CBS" and locate the official application, which is typically published by CBS Interactive. Select the app from the search results and click "Add" to begin the download and installation process. Once installed, you can launch the app directly from your home screen.
Setting Up Your CBS Account
After launching the app, you will be prompted to sign in or create a CBS account. If you already have an account, simply enter your credentials to log in. If you are a new user, you can register for a free account using your email address. This step is necessary to authenticate your access to the live stream and unlock the full library of programming available on the platform.
Accessing Live Television
Once you are logged in, navigate to the live TV section within the app. Here, you will find the current CBS schedule and the option to select the live stream for your local affiliate. The availability of the live stream depends on your geographical location and the specific affiliate serving your area. If a live stream is available, you can start watching immediately at no additional cost.
Using a Streaming Device as an Alternative
If your Roku device does not support the CBS app or if you are unable to find a local affiliate stream, a popular alternative is to use a different streaming device that does have the capability. For example, you can connect an Amazon Fire TV Stick or an Apple TV to your television and install the CBS app on that device. This effectively turns the secondary device into a CBS receiver that outputs the video to your Roku television via the HDMI cable.
Configuring the Secondary Device
To set this up, you will need to plug the secondary streaming device into an HDMI port on your TV and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Install the CBS app on this device and log in with your account. When you want to watch CBS, simply switch the input source on your television to the HDMI port connected to the secondary device. This method is highly flexible and works with virtually any television that has an HDMI port.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter issues with the stream, such as constant buffering or an error message indicating a lack of local availability. If the stream is choppy, check your Wi-Fi signal strength and ensure that no other devices are hogging all the bandwidth. Restarting your Roku device and modem can often resolve temporary connectivity glitches and refresh the connection to the CBS servers.
Checking Local Availability
If you see a message that the stream is not available in your area, this usually means your specific ZIP code is not supported for the live feed by the local CBS affiliate. In this scenario, you will need to explore other options, such as subscribing to a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV. These services include local channels in their base packages and can deliver CBS to your Roku through their dedicated apps.
