How to Connect Streaming Services to Your TV (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)

Here in western Connecticut—from Litchfield County down through Fairfield and New Haven counties—we get calls every week from folks who want to watch their favorite shows but aren't sure how to get Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ on their TV.

The good news is that once you get it set up the first time, it's pretty straightforward. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before we begin, make sure you have:

• Your internet service working (whether you use Frontier, Optimum, or Xfinity)
• Your TV remote and the remote for your streaming device (if you have one)
• Your email address and password for the streaming service you want to watch
• A smartphone or computer nearby can be helpful for some steps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Figure Out What Kind of TV You Have

First, you need to know if your TV is a "Smart TV" or if you need a separate device. A Smart TV has streaming apps built right in. If you bought your TV in the last 5-6 years, there's a good chance it's a Smart TV.

Look at your TV remote. If you see buttons with Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming service logos on them, you have a Smart TV and can skip to Step 3.

If your remote doesn't have these buttons, check your TV's home screen. Press the "Home" or "Menu" button and look for app icons. If you see a row of apps like Netflix or YouTube, you've got a Smart TV.

If you don't have a Smart TV, don't worry—you'll just need an inexpensive streaming device, which we'll cover in Step 2.

Step 2: Get a Streaming Device (If You Need One)

If your TV isn't a Smart TV, you'll need one of these devices:

• Roku Stick or Roku Box - This is what I recommend most often. It's simple to use and costs between $30-50.
• Amazon Fire Stick - Works great if you already use Amazon. Around $40.
• Apple TV - Best if you have an iPhone or iPad. More expensive at $130-180.

You can pick these up at the Walmart in Southbury near Heritage Village, or order them online. Once you have the device, plug it into one of the HDMI ports on the back or side of your TV. Then plug the power cord into an outlet.

Turn on your TV and use your TV remote to select the right HDMI input. You might need to press "Input" or "Source" and cycle through options like "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," etc., until you see the streaming device's setup screen.

Step 3: Connect to Your Internet

Whether you have a Smart TV or a streaming device, you need to connect it to your home internet.

The setup screen will show you a list of available networks. Look for your network name—it's usually printed on a sticker on your internet router (that box from Frontier, Optimum, or Xfinity with blinking lights).

Select your network name, then enter your WiFi password. This password is also usually on that same sticker on your router. Be careful with uppercase and lowercase letters—they matter!

Once connected, the device will probably download some updates. This can take 5-10 minutes. Just let it do its thing.

Step 4: Find and Download the App You Want

Now you're ready to add Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or whatever service you want to watch.

Look for an option called "App Store," "Channel Store," or "Search" on your home screen. The exact name depends on your device:

• Roku calls it "Streaming Channels"
• Fire Stick calls it "Find" or "Search"
• Smart TVs usually have an "App Store" or "Apps" button

Use your remote to search for the service you want. Type "Netflix," "Hulu," or "Disney Plus" (note: Disney+ might be listed as "Disney Plus" without the + symbol).

When you find the right app, select it and choose "Add Channel," "Download," or "Install." The app will download to your device—this usually takes just a minute or two.

Step 5: Open the App and Sign In

Once the app finishes downloading, open it. You'll see a sign-in screen.

Here's where it can get a little tricky because there are usually two ways to sign in:

Option A: Enter your email and password using the TV remote
This works, but typing with a remote control is slow. Use the arrow buttons to move between letters and the OK button to select each one. Take your time—there's no rush.

Option B: Use a code to sign in from your computer or phone
Many apps will show you a code on the TV screen (something like "ABC123") and tell you to go to a website. On your computer or smartphone, go to that website, enter the code, and sign in there. This is much faster than typing with the remote, and it's what I usually recommend.

Step 6: Start Watching

Once you're signed in, you're all set! The app will remember your login, so you won't have to do this again.

To get back to this app later, just press the Home button on your remote and select the app icon. If your remote has a Netflix or other streaming button, you can press that to go straight there.

Step 7: Add Other Services

Want to add more streaming services? Just repeat steps 4 and 5 for each one. You can have as many as you want—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and others. Each one is a separate app that you download and sign into.

Keep in mind that each service requires its own subscription. Netflix doesn't include Hulu, and Disney+ doesn't include Netflix. Think of them like different cable channels, except you pay for each one separately.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

The Picture Keeps Freezing or Buffering

This usually means your internet connection is slow or having issues. Try unplugging your internet router for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you're far from the router, the signal might be weak—we can help with that.

I Can't Remember My Streaming Service Password

On the service's sign-in screen, look for "Forgot Password" and follow the prompts. They'll send you an email to reset it. Check your email on your phone or computer.

The App Won't Download or Keeps Crashing

Try unplugging your streaming device or TV from the power outlet, waiting 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This fixes a surprising number of problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Do I still need cable TV if I have these streaming services?** A: Not necessarily. Many people are "cutting the cord" and only using streaming services. However, streaming services don't usually include local news or live sports the way cable does. You might want to keep basic cable or get an antenna for local channels. We can talk through what makes sense for how you watch TV. **Q: How much do these streaming services cost?** A: As of right now, Netflix ranges from $7 to $23 per month depending on the plan. Hulu starts at $8 per month. Disney+ is around $8 per month. Most services offer a free trial for a week or a month, so you can try before you commit. The prices do change from time to time, so check their websites for current pricing. **Q: Can I watch on more than one TV in my house?** A: Yes! Once you have a subscription, you can sign in on multiple TVs. You'll need a Smart TV or streaming device for each TV, but you only pay for the streaming service once. Most services let you watch on 2-4 screens at the same time, depending on your plan. **Q: I have an antenna for local channels. Can I use that and streaming services on the same TV?** A: Absolutely. Your antenna plugs into the "Antenna/Cable" port on your TV, and your streaming device plugs into an HDMI port. Use your TV remote's Input or Source button to switch between them. Press it once to watch antenna channels, press it again to switch to streaming services.