Where to find the activation code on your device
The activation code is not printed on the box or sent by email. The app creates a new one on your TV each time you choose to sign in with another device. If you cannot see one, you are usually one menu away. Here is where to look on each kind of device.
Independent guide - not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Roku, Amazon, Apple, Google, Sony, Microsoft or any streaming service. Last updated 17 October 2026.
Open the app and choose "Sign in"
A code only appears once the app knows you want to log in. Open the app on your device, then pick Sign in, Log in, Activate or Already a member?. Many apps then offer two paths: "Sign in on this device", where you type your email and password with the remote, and "Sign in on the web", "Use your phone" or "Activate on another device". Choose the second path to get a code.
What the code screen looks like
Once you are on the right screen it is hard to miss. You will usually see:
- a short code in large letters or numbers, sometimes split by a dash;
- a web address on the service's own domain, often ending in /activate, /tv or /link;
- a QR code on many newer apps, which opens the same page with the code already filled in;
- sometimes a "get a new code" or refresh option, and occasionally a timer.
The code is not your TV's serial number, model number, Wi-Fi password or parental-control PIN, and it is not a redeem code printed on a gift card. Those are entered in different places. The activation code only ever comes from the app's own sign-in screen.
Where the code shows up, by device
- Samsung TVs: install the app from Apps in Smart Hub, open it and choose the sign-in option for another device. Details in activating an app on a Samsung TV.
- LG TVs: open the app from the webOS home screen, choose Sign in, then the web or phone option. See activating an app on an LG TV.
- VIZIO TVs: open the app from the VIZIO Home screen and choose Sign in. See activating an app on a VIZIO TV.
- Other smart TVs (Sony, Hisense, TCL and more): these often run Google TV, Roku TV or Fire TV, so follow that platform's steps. Our smart TV guide helps you work out which one you have.
- Roku: add the app from the Streaming Store, open it and pick Sign in or Activate. The code and web address fill the screen. See Roku activation.
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick: open the app and choose Sign in or Register, then the option to sign in on another device. See Fire TV activation.
- Apple TV: open the app, select Sign in, then "Sign in on mobile device" or "Sign in on the web". See Apple TV activation.
- Android TV and Google TV: open the app, choose Sign in, then "Use your phone or computer". See Android TV / Google TV activation.
- Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox): launch the app and choose Sign in or Link account; the code shows with the activation address.
Menu wording changes between app versions, so the exact label may differ slightly from the list above. The pattern stays the same: Sign in, then the "another device" option.
Network apps: the code appears after "Sign in with TV provider"
Apps from TV networks often lock some shows until you sign in with a cable, satellite or live TV service. In those apps the code usually appears after you choose a locked show or select Sign in with TV provider, Unlock or Activate in the settings. You then sign in on the activation page with your TV provider account. See how TV provider sign-in works.
When you see a QR code instead of a code
Some apps put the QR code first and the text code in smaller print underneath or behind a "Can't scan?" link. Scanning the QR code with your phone camera opens the same activation page with the code already filled in, so you do not need to find the text version. See signing in with a QR code for step-by-step help.
When there is no code option at all
- The app only offers email and password: some apps do not support code sign-in on every device. Type your details with the remote instead, or check whether an app update adds the option.
- The app sends you an email or text instead: a few services sign the TV in with a one-time link or a number sent to you. Follow those instructions; there is no code to find on screen.
- The app will not open or is missing: update the device software and the app first. For device problems, use the maker's official help site, for example Samsung Support, LG Support, VIZIO Support, Roku Support, Amazon Fire TV Help, Apple TV Support, Google TV Help, PlayStation Support or Xbox Support.
Make a fresh code appear
Codes time out by design. To get a new one, back out of the sign-in screen and open it again, use the refresh or "get a new code" option if there is one, or fully close and reopen the app. If the code screen freezes, restart the TV or streaming device. Then enter the new code straight away; the how to enter a code guide covers the next step, and activation code not working covers codes that are rejected.
Only use a code your own screen shows
A genuine code always comes from the app on the device in front of you. If a website, email, text or caller gives you a code and asks you to enter it, or offers to "find" your code for a fee, it is not your activation. Close it and read how activation code scams work.
Frequently asked questions
The app only asks for email and password, not a code.
Look for a smaller option such as sign in on another device or activate on the web. That is what produces a code. If there is no such option, sign in directly with your email and password on the TV.
Is the activation code printed on the TV box or receipt?
No. The app creates the code on screen when you choose to sign in with another device. Serial numbers, PINs and gift card codes are different things and will not work on an activation page.
Does the activation code change every time?
Yes. Each code is temporary and works once. When you ask for a new code or reopen the sign-in screen, the old code stops working, so always use the one currently on screen.
My code disappeared before I could use it.
Re-open the sign-in screen or restart the app to generate a new code, then enter it promptly on your phone or computer.
Why does my TV show a QR code instead of a code?
The QR code is a shortcut to the same activation page with the code already filled in. Scan it with your phone camera, or look for the text code in smaller print on the same screen.