How do I stream CTV on my TV?

CTV is a major Canadian television network, offering a wide range of shows, live news, and specialty channels. If you’re in Canada and want to stream CTV content on your TV, you have several convenient options, whether you have a traditional cable TV subscription or are a cord-cutter visit ctv.ca/activate.

This article will guide you through the various methods to stream CTV on your TV, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favorite Canadian programming.

1. Using a Smart TV with the CTV App (Recommended)

Many modern smart TVs come with built-in app stores that allow you to download and install streaming applications directly. This is often the most seamless way to watch CTV.

Compatible Smart TVs generally include:

• Samsung Smart TVs: Models from 2017 to 2020.
• LG Smart TVs: Check your TV’s app store for availability.
• Android TVs: TVs running Android TV OS version 7.0+ (from brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Philips).

Steps to stream on a Smart TV:

1. Internet Connection: Ensure your Smart TV is connected to your home Wi-Fi network or via an Ethernet cable.
2. Access App Store: Navigate to your TV’s app store (e.g., Samsung Smart Hub, LG Content Store, Google Play Store for Android TVs).
3. Search for “CTV”: Use the search function to find the “CTV” app.
4. Download and Install: Select the official CTV app and choose “Download” or “Install.”
5. Open the App: Once installed, open the CTV app from your TV’s home screen or app launcher.
6. Sign In/Activate:
   • For live TV and most in-season content, you’ll need to sign in with your TV provider credentials. The app will display an activation code and a web address (e.g., ctv.ca/activate).
   • On a separate device (smartphone, tablet, or computer), open a web browser and go to the URL shown on your TV.
   • Enter the activation code into the field on the website.
   • You’ll then be prompted to select your TV provider (e.g., Bell, Rogers, Shaw, Telus, etc.) and log in with your account username and password for that provider.
   • Once successfully authenticated, your TV screen should automatically refresh, and you’ll be signed into CTV.
   • Note: CTV Throwback and CTV Movies offer thousands of hours of classic content and Hollywood films that are completely unlocked and do not require a TV subscription or sign-in.

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7. Start Streaming: Browse content, select a show or live channel, and begin watching!

2. Using a Streaming Device

If your TV isn’t a smart TV or doesn’t support the CTV app, dedicated streaming devices are an excellent alternative.

Popular compatible streaming devices include:

• Roku devices: (Gen 2+ models like Express, Premiere, Streaming Stick, Ultra, Roku TV – find in the Roku Channel Store).
• Amazon Fire TV devices: (Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Edition Smart TVs – search in the Amazon Appstore).
• Apple TV: (Apple TV HD and 4K, tvOS 14+ – search in the App Store).
• Android TV devices: (As mentioned above, devices like NVIDIA Shield TV, Xiaomi Mi Box).
• Gaming Consoles: Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. (Search in their respective app stores).

Steps (similar to Smart TV app):

1. Connect Device to TV: Plug your streaming device into an HDMI port on your TV, ensure it’s powered on, and connected to the internet.
2. Download CTV App: Go to the app store on your streaming device and search for “CTV.” Download and install the app.
3. Open and Activate: Launch the CTV app. It will display an activation code and a web address. Follow the same activation steps as for a Smart TV, using a separate device to enter the code and log into your TV provider account.

3. Casting (Chromecast and AirPlay)

Casting allows you to send content from the CTV app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to your TV.

For Chromecast (Android, iOS, Chrome Browser):

1. Set up Chromecast: Ensure your Chromecast (or TV with built-in Chromecast) is connected to your TV’s HDMI port, powered on, and on the same Wi-Fi network as your casting device.
2. Open CTV App/Website:
   • On your iOS or Android device, open the CTV app and log in (if required for content).
   • On your computer, open the Chrome web browser, go to ctv.ca, and log in (if required).
3. Start Playing Content: Select the show or live channel you want to watch.
4. Tap/Click Cast Icon: Look for the cast icon (a TV screen with a Wi-Fi signal) usually located at the top of the CTV app or in the video player on the website.
5. Select Your Chromecast: A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select your Chromecast.
6. Enjoy: The content will begin playing on your TV. You can control playback from your mobile device or computer.

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For AirPlay (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, AirPlay 2-compatible TVs):

1. Ensure devices are on the same Wi-Fi: Your Apple device and Apple TV (or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV) must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open CTV app: Launch the CTV app on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Play content: Start playing a video.
4. Tap the AirPlay icon: Look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an upward-pointing arrow) in the video player.
5. Select your Apple TV/AirPlay 2 TV: Choose your device from the list.
6. The video will now stream to your TV.

4. HDMI Cable from a Computer

This is a straightforward and reliable method if dedicated apps or casting options aren’t feasible.

1. Connect HDMI Cable: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your laptop or computer and the other end into an available HDMI input on your TV.
2. Select TV Input: Use your TV remote to change the input source (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2) to the one where your laptop is connected.
3. Access CTV Website: Open your web browser on your laptop, go to ctv.ca, and log in if you need to access content requiring a TV provider.
4. Play Content: Start streaming your desired content. Your TV will mirror your laptop’s screen. You might need to adjust your laptop’s display settings (e.g., “Extend” or “Duplicate” display).

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Important Considerations:

• TV Provider Subscription: While some “Throwback” and “Movies” content on CTV is free, access to live streams of CTV channels and most in-season episodes often requires a valid TV subscription that includes those channels.
• Internet Speed: Ensure you have a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection for smooth streaming.
• Location: CTV content is primarily intended for viewing within Canada. If you are outside of Canada, you may encounter geographical restrictions.

By utilizing one of these methods, you can easily stream CTV content and enjoy your favorite Canadian shows and news on your television.