How to watch DISH Anywhere on Fire Stick, Roku, and smart TVs

What you need before you start

Before trying to put DISH Anywhere on your smart TV, make sure you have the following:

• An active DISH subscription. DISH Anywhere is included with qualifying DISH service.
• A compatible Hopper, such as a Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3, connected to the internet.
• An original Hopper may require a Sling Adapter to work with DISH Anywhere.
• Your DISH Online ID and password.
• A compatible streaming device that is already connected to your TV and internet.

DISH Anywhere connects your compatible device to your DISH service. For many features, the stream comes from your connected receiver, so your Hopper's internet connection matters. If possible, connect the Hopper to your home network with Ethernet rather than relying on Wi-Fi.

How do I install DISH Anywhere on a Fire Stick?

Installing the DISH Anywhere app with a Fire Stick is straightforward, since Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick is a supported DISH platform.

To install it:

1. From the Fire TV home screen, open Find and select Search.
2. Search for DISH Anywhere.
3. Select the official DISH Anywhere app from the results.
4. Select Get or Download.
5. Once installation finishes, open the app.
6. The TV should display an activation code. Keep that screen open while you complete activation.

The same basic process applies across compatible Amazon Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick models and other supported Fire TV hardware. The exact menus can vary slightly depending on your Fire TV software version.

If you search for the app and it doesn't appear, first check that your Fire TV software is up to date and that your device meets DISH compatibility requirements. Fire TV/Stick OS 7 is the current minimum supported version.

How do I activate DISH Anywhere with a code?

Once you install the app, you'll need to connect the TV to your DISH account. This is where the DISH Anywhere activation code shown on your TV comes in.

Follow these steps:

1. On a computer, go to dishanywhere.com/activate.
2. Sign in using your DISH Online ID and password.
3. Enter the activation code shown on your TV.
4. Select ACTIVATE DEVICE.
5. Wait for the TV to refresh and load the DISH Anywhere home screen.

DISH's current activation instructions also reference using an internet-connected computer or smart device to visit the activation page.

One important detail: don't try to activate the TV through the DISH Anywhere website on the TV itself. DISHAnywhere.com is supported on desktop and laptop browsers, while phones, tablets, Fire TV, and Android TV devices should use the app. Chrome and Safari are the currently supported browsers; Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Silk are not supported.

If activation fails, make sure you're using the correct DISH Online ID and entering the code exactly as it appears on the TV.

Is there a DISH Anywhere app for Roku?

No. Roku does not currently have a native DISH Anywhere app in the Roku Channel Store.

That means you shouldn't expect to find DISH Anywhere by searching Roku's channel library, and you should be cautious about websites or videos promising unofficial channel codes or workarounds.

This is particularly important if you're searching for DISH Anywhere Roku instructions and finding conflicting advice. A Roku TV is still a Roku device, so having a smart TV does not automatically make the DISH Anywhere app available.

What about mirroring DISH Anywhere to Roku?

You may find instructions online for DISH Anywhere screen mirroring with Roku, but mirroring isn't the same as having a native Roku app, and it isn't a reliable solution for all DISH content.

Copy-protected programming can prevent video from appearing even when audio continues to play. In other words, you could end up with a black screen instead of the program you're trying to watch.

For a more dependable TV experience, a compatible Fire TV device or Android TV device is the better choice. If you specifically want to cast from a phone or tablet, you can watch DISH Anywhere with Chromecast.

Can I watch DISH Anywhere on a smart TV?

It depends on the smart TV platform.

Android TV and Google TV

Android TV is one of the supported platforms for DISH Anywhere. DISH lists Android TV OS 7 as the minimum supported version.

If you have a compatible Android TV device or television, search for DISH Anywhere in the available apps, install it, and follow the on-screen activation instructions.

Compatible Android TV hardware can include televisions and streaming devices from manufacturers such as Sony and other Android TV brands. Always check the device's current software version before troubleshooting an installation problem.

Samsung and LG smart TVs

If you're searching, “Can I watch DISH Anywhere on Samsung TV?” or “DISH Anywhere on LG TV”, don't assume the TV's built-in app store will have the service.

Currently, Samsung and LG smart TV operating systems are not native DISH Anywhere platforms.

To watch DISH Anywhere on your Samsung or LG smart TV, connect a supported external device, such as a Fire TV Stick or compatible Android TV device. You can also cast your app from another device with Chromecast.

Roku TVs

A Roku television follows the same rules as other Roku devices: there is no native DISH Anywhere app. For the most consistent experience, use a supported external streaming device instead.

DISH Anywhere not working? Common fixes

Having trouble after installing the app? Start with the issue that best matches what you're seeing.

• The app won't load: Make sure your Fire TV or Android TV device is connected to the internet and that your Hopper is powered on and connected. DISH Anywhere relies on the connected DISH system for many of its features. Also check that the software is up to date.
• The activation code is rejected: Make sure you're using the correct DISH Online ID and entering the code displayed on your TV. If you're using the website, use a supported browser such as Chrome or Safari on a desktop or laptop.
• You see a black screen: If the problem occurs while trying to mirror content to another device, content protection may be preventing the video from displaying. A native DISH Anywhere app on a supported device is the better option.
• The app is missing channels: Not every program is necessarily available in every situation. Content availability can vary based on programming and subscription restrictions.
• The video keeps buffering: Check the internet connection on the device and the Hopper. Also make sure the software and supported device are up to date when troubleshooting buffering and quality issues.