By Jim Kimble / June 23, 2020
Get Disney+ app on any TV: (Step-by-step Guide)
Disney+ can be added to just about any TV that’s on the market. Even if you own a really old TV, you won’t be left out.
You can stream every Star Wars film from the start to finish. The same goes for The Lion King or Marvel movies such as Avengers: Endgame.
This quick guide will take you step-by-step through signing up for Disney+ and adding it to streaming devices, Smart TVs and older TVs lacking HDMI ports.
Before you jump off your computer, smartphone or tablet, sign up for Disney+ while you’re online. Using a computer to complete your account is much easier than doing it with a remote control.
(Note: A Disney+ subscription costs $6.99 per month. You can follow these same instructions to sign-up for the Disney+ bundle, which includes Hulu and ESPN+ and costs $12.99 per month.)
How to Get Disney Plus on Any TV and Smart TV
If you don’t own a Smart TV, you will need to plug a streaming device or game console into the HDMI port in the back or side of your TV set.
A Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV (4th Generation), Chromecast, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 all have software that supports the Disney+ app.
Assuming you bought or own one of these mentioned above, there are individual sections covering how to add Disney+ to a each device. (Just click on the section you need to quickly add Disney+.)
Adding Disney+ to older TVs and older Smart TVs
Software truly determines how you can add the Disney+ app to your television. But don’t worry, even if you own an older TV that doesn’t have a HDMI port, you can pick up a Roku Express+ for about $30 or less.
(Just make sure the model you buy has composite cables.)
With a Roku Express+, you will be able to stream Disney+, Netflix and any other app that is featured on modern televisions.
A new Smart TV with Android TV software, an LG TV or Samsung Smart TV (with the Tizen operating system) all have the Disney+ app.
Just head over to TV’s app icon or store. Search for Disney+ and add it to your home screen. Once you launch the Disney+ app, you will just need to enter your email and password to begin watching movies and shows.
For Smart TVs with no Disney+ app
One frustration among Smart TV owners is that the Disney+ app is unavailable. Imagine having a nice 4K TV that you recently paid a tidy sum for, and now you can’t add the one streaming service that you really want.
Why does this happen? Unfortunately, there are a number of Smart TVs that are beyond a few years old do not have very good software updates. The Disney+ app was launched in late 2019, so it’s not designed for an older operating system.
Instead of writing an angry email to the manufacturer, you’re better off adding an inexpensive Roku or Fire Stick to your TV. These inexpensive streaming devices get updates throughout the year. Your 2015 television? Nope.
For as little as $30 — the price of a tank of gas — you can move off of outdated Smart TV software. With a decent Internet connection, a Roku or Fire TV will broaden the number of streaming services that you can watch.
My parents television is about 8 years old and still delivers a stellar picture. When I helped them cut the cord last year, I added a Roku Ultra, ported their landline with an Obihai 200 and hardwired both devices to their router. (Real talk: My Mom loves streaming Disney+.)
How to get Disney Plus on a Roku or Roku TV
The Disney+ app is among the library of Roku Channels.
If you’re new to Roku or just bought a Roku TV, here’s how to quickly add Disney+ and start watching in 7 steps.
1) Turn on your Roku or Roku TV
2) Select Streaming Channels from the left column menu
3) Select Search Channels
4) Type in ‘Disney Plus’ then select the Disney+ app
5) Choose Add Channel
6) Select the Disney+ app from the Home Screen
7) Login with Email and Password
How do I get Disney Plus on Fire TV or Fire Stick?
All Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Edition televisions, get apps from the Apps & Games section.
Fire TVs that have a voice search button on the remote control have a short cut for hunting down apps. You can say “Disney+ app” and select it for download.
If that doesn’t work for some reason, then the traditional method is short and simple:
1) Hold down the Home button on the Fire TV remote
2) Select “apps” under the menu
3) Then select Disney+ under streaming apps
How to add Disney+ to Apple TV
Apple TV (4th generation or later) supports the Disney+ app. Adding apps can easily be done with the remote control.
1) Launch app store from home screen
2) Navigate to Disney+ app
3) Click on app, then again on “Get” to confirm
Adding Disney Plus to Xbox One
Getting the Disney+ app on Xbox One takes a few simple steps:
1) Go to “Store” tab at the top of the home screen
2) Once within the Microsoft Store, scroll down to Search
3) Type in “Disney Plus”
Then just confirm you want to download the Disney+ app. You can sign in to the Disney+ app with your email and password.
Watching Disney+ on PS4
You can add the Disney+ app to PlayStation 4 just like any other app or game:
1) Go to PlayStation Store
2) Select the search bar
3) Type in Disney Plus
4) Download the Disney+ app
5) Login with email and password
Is Disney Plus on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Switch does not support the Disney+ app.
For game consoles, Disney+ only supports PlayStation 4, XBox One and NVIDIA Shield. It’s unclear whether that will change in 2020.
Microsoft and Sony will launch new generations of Xbox and PlayStation consoles later this year, and I expect the Disney+ app will be fully supported on both consoles.
| Streaming Service | Price | # of Streams | Picture Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | $6.99/mo. ($69.99 annual) | 4 | Up to 4K |
| Disney+ Bundle | $12.99/mo. | 6 * | Up to 4K |
| Netflix | $12.99/mo. | 2 | 1080p |
| Netflix “Ultra” Plan | $15.99/mo | 4 | Up to 4K |
| HBO/HBO Max | $14.99/mo | 3 | 1080p |
| Amazon Prime Video | $12.99/mo. ($119 annually) | 2 | Up to 4K |
