The Spectrum TV app allows users to enjoy Spectrum TV both in and out of the house. However, available channels and on-demand shows may differ when you’re outside your Spectrum internet network, meaning you’ll have fewer options. While the app works well, it doesn’t fully replace cable. It may lack some of the perks of typical live-streaming TV services (like sorting favorite channels by preference), but it still provides essential functionality. The app can even be remote if you’ve misplaced your TV remote. If the Spectrum TV app isn’t your primary way to watch TV, it’s still worth having, especially since it’s included with Spectrum service.
What Can You Do With the Spectrum TV App?
Using the Spectrum TV app, you can watch the channels included in your Spectrum plan on your tablet or mobile device. While connected to your home Spectrum network, you can access all of it. However, some channels, on-demand shows, and DVR content may not be available when you’re off the network. Can I use Spectrum TV app if I only have Spectrum Internet? Yes, as long as you have Spectrum internet service, the app works. But to access all content, you must be on your home network.
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 | — |
Watch TV At Home With The Spectrum TV App
The most obvious use for the Spectrum TV app is to watch TV on a tablet or mobile device, but there’s much more it can do.
One great benefit of using the Spectrum TV app is that you don’t have to deal with hardware — no cable box taking up space or adding to your bill. The app works like the cable box, but it lives alongside Hulu and Netflix on your device’s screen instead of on a shelf.
You can also favorite your frequently watched channels for quick access, as well as control DVR settings, recordings, and parental restrictions.
Watch TV on the go with the Spectrum TV app
The Spectrum TV app is a work in progress when you’re away from your home Spectrum internet network. Not all local and cable channels will be available depending on your area, and you won’t have access to recorded or on-demand content while on the go. Can you use the Spectrum app without cable? While you don’t need cable to use the app, you must have a Spectrum internet connection to enjoy all available content.
Watch TV offline with the Spectrum TV app
What you can and can’t do with the Spectrum TV app: Online viewing is available; offline viewing is not. To watch anything on the Spectrum TV app, you must be connected to an internet network (whether your home connection or another).
Spectrum TV App with TV Choice Plan
For Spectrum Internet customers who don’t want to sign up for a traditional cable TV package, there’s Spectrum TV Choice, a streaming-only plan. As the name suggests, you can choose 10 à la carte cable channels and Spectrum includes available local channels for $30 a month.
The skinny-bundle Choice plan is cheaper than Spectrum’s cable plans and doesn’t exclude sports channels. While third-party live-streaming TV services like the $20-a-month Philo offer up to 50 more channels, they do not include any 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 (such as school time or bedtime).
Parental controls are protected by a four-digit PIN set by the user. Separate PINs are used for purchasing movies and shows, as well as for 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 download on devices connected via Wi-Fi or on Samsung smart TVs. Download the app from your device’s app store, install it, and log in using your Spectrum credentials. Remember that all the content included in your Spectrum TV plan will only be accessible if you are connected to your home’s Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
The Spectrum TV app allows you to stream your TV from anywhere, on the go, using any device, such as Desktop, Mobile, Tablet, etc. Overall it’s best used within your Spectrum home network, but its flexible use with features such as remote controls and DVR controls gives you solid value. Whether you want to save on hardware and watch TV whenever you want: this app is for you. The Spectrum TV app offers many parental control options for you to enjoy and is compatible with every device.
