Install Pluto TV on Roku: Full Setup Guide

Yes, you can install Pluto TV on Roku directly from the Roku Channel Store. The app is free, requires no subscription, and takes about two minutes to set up once you know where to look.

What Pluto TV Is

Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Paramount Global. It offers hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. Unlike subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, Pluto TV does not require a credit card or payment information. Instead, it generates revenue through commercials that play during programming, similar to traditional broadcast television.

As of 2024, Pluto TV operates in several countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and parts of Latin America. The channel lineup varies by region, but typical offerings include news (CBS News, NBC News, Sky News), sports clips, classic TV shows, reality programming, movies, and niche channels dedicated to specific genres like true crime, sci-fi, or cooking.

How to Install Pluto TV on Roku

Installing the app takes only a few steps, and you can do it directly from your Roku device or from a web browser on your computer or phone.

Turn on your Roku device and ensure it is connected to the internet.
From the Roku home screen, select Streaming Channels (sometimes labeled Channel Store).
Using the search function, type “Pluto TV” and press OK.
Select the Pluto TV channel from the search results. The icon is purple with a white planet logo.
Choose Add Channel. The channel will download and install automatically.
Once installed, select OK or Go to Channel to open it.

If you prefer using a computer or phone, go to the Roku Channel Store website, sign in to your Roku account, search for Pluto TV, and click Add Channel. The channel will appear on your Roku device the next time it checks for updates, usually within a few minutes.

Activating Pluto TV on Roku

Unlike some streaming apps, Pluto TV does not require a lengthy activation process. Once the channel is installed, you can open it and start watching immediately. However, creating a free Pluto TV account is recommended if you want to:

Continue watching a show across different devices (phone, tablet, computer).
Save favorite channels and shows to a “My List.”
Receive personalized recommendations.

To create an account, open Pluto TV on your Roku, select Sign Up or Log In, and follow the on-screen prompts. You can sign up with an email address or use a Google or Apple account. No payment information is ever required.

Common Problems and Fixes

Most issues with Pluto TV on Roku are simple to resolve. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and what to do about them.

Channel Not Appearing After Installation

If you added Pluto TV from the web but it does not show up on your Roku home screen, try restarting your Roku. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart. If it still does not appear, check that you are signed into the same Roku account on the website and on your device.

Buffering or Low Quality Video

Pluto TV streams live television, so a stable internet connection is important. For standard definition, you need at least 1.5 Mbps; for HD, at least 3 Mbps. If you experience buffering, try moving your Roku closer to your Wi-Fi router, restarting your modem, or using an Ethernet adapter if your Roku model supports one.

App Crashes or Freezes

Sometimes the app becomes unresponsive. The quickest fix is to remove the channel and reinstall it. Go to the Roku home screen, highlight Pluto TV, press the * button on your remote, and select Remove channel. Then reinstall from the Channel Store. This clears any corrupted temporary data.

Pluto TV vs. Other Free Streaming Apps

Pluto TV is not the only free streaming service available on Roku. Comparing it with alternatives helps you decide if it is the right fit for your viewing habits.

Pluto TV – Best for live TV channel surfing. It has a traditional channel guide that updates in real time, making it feel like cable TV without the cost.
Tubi – Focuses more on on-demand movies and TV shows. Its library is larger for movies, but it has fewer live channels.
The Roku Channel – Roku’s own free service. It offers a mix of live channels and on-demand content, plus a selection of premium subscriptions you can add (for a fee).
Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) – Amazon’s free service. It has a solid selection of original shows and movies, but fewer live channels than Pluto TV.

If you enjoy the experience of flipping through channels and discovering something new, Pluto TV is the strongest choice. If you prefer picking a specific movie from a large catalog, Tubi or Freevee might suit you better.

Is Pluto TV Really Free?

Yes, Pluto TV is completely free to use. There is no trial period, no hidden fees, and no premium tier that unlocks more content. The service is supported by advertising, which means you will see commercial breaks during programming, similar to network television.

One common misconception is that Pluto TV requires a cable login or a subscription to a parent service. It does not. You can use it without any account at all, though creating a free account adds convenience features.

Another misconception is that the ads are excessive. While ad frequency varies by channel and time of day, most viewers report that commercial breaks are comparable to or shorter than those on traditional TV. On-demand content often has fewer ads than live channels.

Parental Controls and Safety

Pluto TV includes a mix of content, some of which may not be suitable for children. The service offers a PIN-based parental control feature to restrict mature content.

Open Pluto TV on your Roku.
Go to Settings (the gear icon).
Select Parental Controls.
Set a 4-digit PIN.
Choose which rating levels to block (e.g., TV-MA, R-rated movies).

Once enabled, any channel or title that exceeds the selected rating will require the PIN to view. This is a useful feature for households with children. Note that Pluto TV does not have a dedicated kids section like YouTube Kids, but it does have family-friendly channels such as Pluto TV Kids and Nick Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to install Pluto TV?

Yes, you need a Roku account to add any channel to your Roku device, including Pluto TV. Creating a Roku account is free and only requires an email address. You do not need a payment method unless you want to rent or buy movies from the Roku Channel Store.

Can I watch Pluto TV on multiple Roku devices with one account?

Yes. Once you add Pluto TV to your Roku account, it can be installed on any Roku device linked to that account. You can also watch Pluto TV on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV, and your progress will sync if you are signed into the same Pluto TV account.

Why does Pluto TV keep asking me to log in?

This usually happens if you have not created a Pluto TV account or if you are using a Roku device that has been inactive for a long time. The app may log you out after a period of inactivity. Simply log back in with your email and password, or create a free account if you have not already.

Does Pluto TV work on all Roku models?

Pluto TV is available on most Roku models, including streaming sticks, boxes, and Roku TVs. Very old Roku devices that no longer receive software updates may not support the latest version of the app. If you have an older model and cannot find Pluto TV in the Channel Store, your device may have reached its end of support.

Can I record live TV on Pluto TV?

No, Pluto TV does not offer a DVR feature. You cannot record live channels for later viewing. However, many shows are available on-demand after they air, so you can often watch them later anyway.

How do I remove Pluto TV from my Roku?

To uninstall, go to the Roku home screen, highlight the Pluto TV tile, press the * button on your remote, and select Remove channel. This will delete the app from your device. You can reinstall it at any time from the Channel Store.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →