Paramount+ is a subscription-based streaming service. On Roku, it is accessed via a dedicated channel (app) available in the Roku Channel Store. Once installed and activated, it transforms your Roku device (stick, box, or Roku TV) into a portal for thousands of hours of entertainment. Roku, as one of the most popular streaming device platforms in North America, provides a seamless gateway to Paramountplus.com/roku.
Two-Tier Subscription: Paramount+ Essential (with ads, lower price, some live CBS content) and Paramountplus.com/roku with SHOWTIME (ad-free*, includes everything in Essential plus SHOWTIME originals, movies, and live TV access).
Content Library: Includes originals (Halo, Tulsa King), classic CBS shows, live sports (NFL, UEFA Champions League), news from CBS News, and a deep movie catalog.
User Profiles: Create up to 6 profiles with personalized recommendations.
Parental Controls: Set PINs for maturity ratings.
Offline Viewing (Mobile): While the Roku app itself doesn't download, subscribers can download content on mobile devices via the Paramount+ app for on-the-go viewing.
Activating Paramount+ on your Roku is a two-step process: Installing the Channel and Activating Your Account.
Step 1: Install the Paramount+ Channel on Your Roku
Power On: Ensure your Roku device is connected to your TV and HDMI port, and powered on.
Home Screen: Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
Navigate to Streaming Channels: Scroll and select "Streaming Channels" to open the Roku Channel Store.
Search: Select "Search Channels" and type "Paramount+" using the on-screen keyboard.
Select & Install: From the search results, choose the Paramount+ channel. Select "Add channel" or "Install." The channel will now download and appear on your Roku home screen.
Step 2: Activate Your Paramount+ Account
You must have an active Paramount+ subscription. You can sign up directly on the Paramount+ website or sometimes through Roku Pay.
Method A: Standard Activation (Using a Web Browser)
Launch the App: From your Roku home screen, select the Paramount+ channel to open it.
Get the Activation Code: You will see a 6- or 7-character alphanumeric activation code on your TV screen (e.g., X8B-Q7T). Note this code down.
Visit Activation Website: On a separate device (computer, smartphone, or tablet), open a web browser and go to the official activation site: Paramountplus.com/roku
Crucially: Always ensure you are on the official .com site to avoid phishing scams.
Log In & Enter Code: Sign in to your Paramount+ account (the email and password you used to subscribe). You will be prompted to enter the activation code from your TV. Type it accurately and select "Activate" or "Continue."
Confirmation: Your TV screen should refresh automatically within 30-60 seconds, confirming activation and granting you full access. You may need to select "I have an account" on the Roku app and proceed.
Method B: Sign-Up Directly Through Roku (Roku Pay)
Open the Paramount+ channel on Roku.
When prompted to sign in, look for an option like "Start your free trial" or "Subscribe on Roku."
Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be billed through your Roku account (Roku Pay) on the payment method you have on file.
After payment, your channel is automatically activated—no separate code needed.
General & Subscription
Q1: What's the difference between Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME?
A: Essential is the lower-cost, ad-supported plan (ads in on-demand content). It includes limited live CBS access (in select markets). The "with SHOWTIME" plan is ad-free for on-demand content* and includes the entire SHOWTIME streaming library, live CBS access, and your local CBS station feed.
Q2: Can I watch live TV and sports on Paramount+ via Roku?
A: Yes. This depends on your plan and location. The "with SHOWTIME" tier includes your local CBS station live feed (where available) and live sports like NFL games, Champions League, and college sports. The Essential tier offers some live sports but not your full local CBS feed in most cases.
Q3: How many devices can stream simultaneously?
A: Paramount+ allows up to 3 simultaneous streams per account, regardless of plan.
Q4: What content is in 4K UHD or Dolby Atmos?
A: Select Paramountplus.com/roku originals and major film releases are available in 4K UHD, HDR10, and/or Dolby Vision. Dolby Atmos audio is also available on supported titles. Your Roku device must support these formats (e.g., Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick+ 4K, certain Roku TVs).
Technical & Roku-Specific
Q5: Is the Paramount+ app available on all Roku models?
A: It is available on most Roku devices running Roku OS 9.3 or later, including Roku TVs. Very old legacy models (pre-2011) may not be supported.
Q6: Why is the video quality poor or buffering constantly?
A: This is usually network-related. Check your internet speed. On your Roku, you can also manually adjust streaming quality within the Paramount+ app (while playing a video, press the * button on your remote to access options).
Q7: I'm being charged by both Roku and Paramount+. What do I do?
A: You cannot have an active subscription through both. You must cancel one. First, determine which subscription is active by checking your email for receipts from either Roku or Paramount. Cancel the duplicate through the respective platform's account management page.
Q8: Can I use my TV provider credentials to log in?
A: Yes, if your TV provider (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or a traditional cable company) offers Paramount+ as part of your package. Select "Sign in with TV Provider" in the app and follow the prompts.
Account & Billing
Q9: How do I cancel my subscription?
A: If you signed up via Paramount+ website: Cancel at Paramountplus.com/roku. If you signed up via Roku: You must cancel through your Roku account at my.roku.com or from your Roku device (Settings > Subscriptions). Canceling stops future billing but allows access until the end of your current billing period.
Q10: Is there a free trial?
A: Paramount+ often runs promotional free trials (typically 7 days). Check the current offer on their website or via the Roku Channel Store. Terms can change.
Q11: How do I update my payment method?
A: Again, this depends on where you subscribed. Update it in your Paramount+ account or your Roku Pay settings, accordingly.
Q12: Can I download shows to watch offline on my Roku?
A: No. The offline download feature is only available on supported mobile devices (phones/tablets) via the Paramount+ app. Roku devices do not support downloading content for offline viewing.
Paramountplus.com/roku offers a compelling and user-friendly streaming experience, combining extensive on-demand libraries with live content. The activation process, while straightforward, hinges on correctly linking your subscription via the activation code or Roku Pay. By following the steps outlined, utilizing the troubleshooting tips, and referencing the updated FAQs, you can resolve most common issues and maximize your viewing experience. As the streaming landscape evolves, Paramount+ continues to add value with new originals and live events, making it a strong contender for your streaming subscription budget, especially when paired with the accessibility of a Roku device.