Find out what the Spectrum TV app can (and can’t) do at home and on the go.
Good for viewing on multiple devices
Features
- Free to download
- Access to live, on-demand, and recorded content
- Unlimited streams at home
View Spectrum TV plans
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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By Bill Frost
The Spectrum TV app is a convenient way to access Spectrum TV in or out of the house. But, available channels and on-demand shows change when you’re off your home Spectrum internet network (read: you get fewer). The Spectrum TV app works, but it doesn’t quite replace cable.
It does provide a few of the perks of a livestreaming TV service, though, like sorting favorite channels by preference. On your phone, the app can also function as a remote when you’ve lost the TV clicker in the couch cushions again (it happens).
Considering that it comes free with Spectrum service, the Spectrum TV app is good to have handy, even if it’s not your go-to TV viewing choice.
Pros
- Free for Spectrum customers
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited outside-network performance
- No Amazon Fire TV compatibility
Jump to:
- Watch TV at home
- Watch TV on the go
- Watch TV offline
- Spectrum TV Choice plan
- Content filters and parental controls
- Compatible devices and installation
What can you do with the Spectrum TV app?
The Spectrum TV app lets you watch the channels from your Spectrum plan on your tablet or mobile device. You can catch everything when you’re on your home Spectrum network, but some channels, on-demand shows, and DVR recordings aren’t available on the go.
Spectrum TV app at a glance
| Location | Spectrum TV channels | Spectrum on demand | DVR content | Offline viewing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Spectrum network | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Outside of network | Limited | Limited | Limited | — |
Data effective as of post date.
Watch TV at home with the Spectrum TV app
Watching TV on a tablet or mobile device is the most obvious function of the Spectrum TV app, but its usefulness doesn’t end there.
One advantage of using the Spectrum TV app at home is the elimination of hardware—no extra cable box gathering dust and adding to your bill. The app has the functionality of the box, but it sits alongside Netflix and Hulu on your streaming device’s screen instead of the shelf.
You can also favorite your frequently viewed channels for quick access with the Spectrum TV app, and control DVR settings and recordings, as well as parental restrictions.
Watch TV on the go with the Spectrum TV app
When you’re not connected to your home Spectrum internet network, the Spectrum TV app’s capacity is somewhat reduced. Depending on your area, select local and cable channels won’t be available on the go—the same applies to recorded and on-demand content.
Watch TV offline with the Spectrum TV app
The Spectrum TV app doesn’t allow downloading shows or movies for offline viewing. You must be connected to an internet network (your home connection or otherwise) to watch anything on the Spectrum TV app.
Spectrum TV app with TV Choice plan
For Spectrum internet customers who don’t want to sign up for a standard cable TV package, there’s Spectrum TV Choice, a streaming-only plan. As the name suggests, you get to choose 10 à la carte cable channels, and Spectrum throws in available local channels, for $29.99 a month.
The skinny-bundle Choice plan is cheaper than Spectrum’s cable plans, and it doesn’t exclude sports channel choices. There are third-party livestreaming TV services, like the $20-a-month Philo, that gives you up to 50 more channels, but it carries zero sports networks.
Spectrum TV app content filters and parental controls
The Spectrum TV app can be configured to block content featuring adult situations, nudity, and violence based on TV and movie-rating board recommendations. Certain channels can be blocked altogether, and select times of day can be restricted from viewing (such as school time or bedtime).
Parental control is based on a four-digit PIN set by the user. There are separate PINs for purchasing movies and shows, versus on-demand access.
Spectrum TV app compatible devices
The Spectrum TV app is compatible with the following devices:
- Amazon Kindle Fire
- Amazon Kindle Fire HDX (2nd gen)
- Android 5.0+
- Apple iOS iPhone, iPad 12+
- Apple TV (4th gen, 4K)
- Roku players, TV (3rd gen)
- Samsung smart TV (2012+)
- Xbox One
Spectrum TV app installation
The Spectrum TV app is easy to install on Wi-Fi-connected devices and Samsung smart TVs. Just go into your device’s app store, download the app, and sign in with your Spectrum login. Remember: you’ll need to be on your home Wi-Fi to get all of the content available through your Spectrum TV plan.
Final take on the Spectrum TV app
If you already have Spectrum service, the Spectrum TV app is a nice free perk to take advantage of. It works well on mobile devices, and it’s also a fully functional streaming-device app that can replace an extra cable box or two. Less hardware to rent is always a plus.
View Spectrum TV plans
Spectrum TV app FAQ
The Spectrum TV app is an app for set-top streaming boxes and mobile devices that delivers Spectrum TV over Spectrum internet. The app is free, but it’s tied to Spectrum internet service and your specific Spectrum cable TV plan. You must already be a Spectrum subscriber to use the Spectrum app.
Within your Spectrum home internet network, there’s no limit to how many devices can use the Spectrum TV app simultaneously. Outside the network, using Wi-Fi or mobile data, multiple streams are limited to three.
Spectrum’s streaming-only Choice TV plan is specifically for Spectrum internet customers who don’t want a traditional cable subscription or set-top box. For $29.99 a month, you get 10 cable channels of your choosing, as well as available local channels.
The channels available to you on the Spectrum TV app correspond to your Spectrum TV plan. Outside of your home network, however, not all channels will be available.
Related articles
- Spectrum Troubleshooting Guide
- Spectrum Installation Guide
- How To Change or Cancel Spectrum Service
- Spectrum TV Choice Review
