How to Get Pluto TV for Free on Any Device

I’ll be honest—I’ve spent way too long staring at my TV screen, holding three different remotes, trying to figure out how to watch free classic shows on Pluto TV, and getting very frustrated.

Maybe you’ve been there too: Wanting to catch I Love Lucy or Perry Mason again without paying for another subscription, but not knowing where to start. Which remote should you use? Does your TV even connect to the internet? You’re definitely not alone.

I’ll show you how to get Pluto TV for free on your television, tablet and smartphone. We’ll walk through all the steps—step-by-step, and soon you’ll be enjoying the golden age of TV whether you’re on the go or curled up on your couch.

💡 Just getting started with free streaming?
Don’t miss our complete beginner’s guide — Watch Old TV Shows for Free Starting Tonight! — it walks you step-by-step through every option, from setup to finding your favorite 1950s and ’60s shows.

What Is Pluto TV?

Pluto TV brings back the feel of old-fashioned television — the kind where you just turned it on and something good was always playing. And it’s Free!

When you open Pluto TV, you’ll see hundreds of live channels organized by theme: Classic TV, Comedy, Westerns, Game Shows, and more. Each channel runs on a set schedule, just like cable used to.

That means:

• You watch what’s on right now — you can’t choose a specific episode or movie.
• On live channels you usually can’t pause or rewind, but Pluto also has an on-demand section where you can choose many shows and watch them when you want.
• You don’t need an account and you’ll never be asked for a credit card.

Think of it as flipping through your old TV dial, only now it’s free and online.

If you miss an episode, don’t worry — most shows repeat regularly, so you can catch them again later.

You just pick a channel and start watching. Pluto TV offers:

• Hundreds of live channels by theme
• No account needed
• Free with ads

So if you want free classic shows and movies, Pluto TV is a great choice.

Now let’s set it up.

If You Have a Smart TV (Here’s How to Check)

Step 1: How to Know If You Have a Smart TV

A Smart TV can connect to the internet and has apps (like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or Pluto TV).

Check these simple clues:

Clue #1 — Do you see apps on your TV screen?

When you turn on the TV, do you see colorful squares or icons for streaming apps?

If you see Netflix or YouTube → You have a Smart TV

Clue #2 — Does your remote have a Home or Apps button?

Look for buttons labeled:

• Home
• Smart
• Apps
• A symbol that looks like a house 🏠

If yes → Smart TV

If you already use those apps on this TV (for example, if you’re already watching Netflix), then you’re good to go. That means you can add the Pluto TV app right away.

Step 2: Make Sure Your Smart TV Connected to Wi-Fi

Before adding Pluto TV, make sure your Smart TV is online. Try opening Netflix or YouTube (using your TV remote, not a cable remote). If videos play, you’re online and ready to go. If not, you’ll need to connect your TV to your Wi-Fi network:

1. Grab your TV’s remote (the one with your TV brand on it).
2. Press “Menu” or “Settings.”
3. Go to “Network” or “Wi-Fi” settings.
4. Select your home Wi-Fi network.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password (using the on-screen keyboard).
6. Press “Connect.” Wait until you see a checkmark or the word “Connected.”

Now go back to your TV’s home screen.

Keen Tip: You may need to use the TV’s own remote (not the cable remote) for these steps.

Once connected, it’s time to install the Pluto TV app.

Step 3: Install Pluto TV (Smart TV Method)

If you have a smart TV with an app store, installing Pluto TV is simple:

1. Press the Home button on your TV remote.
2. Go to the Apps or App Store section of your TV.
3. Search for “Pluto TV.”
4. Select and install Pluto TV (it’s free).
5. Open Pluto TV from your Apps list.
6. Start browsing channels—just click any show to watch it.

If you can’t find the Apps section, make sure your TV is in Home or Smart mode (sometimes a “Home” button on the remote will switch modes). Older smart TVs sometimes hide the app store until you go Home.

Once the app is installed, you can skip the device setup below. If your Smart TV menus feel slow or confusing, a Roku stick often makes Pluto easier to search and use day-to-day. Enjoy your free TV!

If Your TV Isn’t Smart (No Apps)

No problem! You can still watch Pluto TV, but you’ll need a small extra device (often called a streaming stick or streaming box) that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. These devices are very affordable (often under $30) and make any TV “smart.” Some common options are:

• Roku Box (a small square box that sits near your TV)
• Roku Stick (a USB-stick-sized device that plugs into the HDMI port)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick (similar to Roku Stick, but made by Amazon)
• Google Chromecast (for streaming from your phone or tablet to the TV)

Look on the back or side of your TV for one or more flat slots labeled “HDMI.” That’s where a streaming device will plug in. The steps below will help you set up a Roku or Fire Stick.

Step 1: Set Up a Streaming Device (Non-Smart TV Method)

If your TV isn’t smart, follow these steps to use a streaming device. We’ll use Roku as the example.

Using a Roku Box

A Roku Box is a small square unit that connects to your TV. It comes with an HDMI cable, a power cable, and its own remote. The HDMI cable is 3 to 6 feet long and has the pins you see below, on both ends of the cord, one plugs into the back of the TV and the other into the Roku box.

🎯 Tip: If your Roku remote seems unresponsive, try fresh batteries and move closer to the TV. Some remotes require a clear path, while others work without pointing.

Plug in the Roku Box:

• HDMI cable: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the back of the Roku box (there’s a port labeled “HDMI”) and the other end to an HDMI slot on your TV (for example, “HDMI 1”).
• Power: Plug the Roku’s power adapter into the Roku box and into a wall outlet.

1. Turn on your TV.
2. Switch TV to the Roku input: On your TV’s remote, press “Input” or “Source.” A list will pop up (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Select the number where you plugged in the Roku Box (e.g., HDMI 1).
3. Roku setup: You should see the Roku welcome screen. Use the Roku remote (it usually has purple buttons) to:
   • Choose your language and press OK.
   • Connect to Wi-Fi: It will show available networks. Select your home Wi-Fi, press OK, then type your Wi-Fi password using the arrow buttons and the on-screen keyboard. Choose “Connect.” Wait for the checkmark.
   • Let Roku update: The Roku may download an update. Just let it restart if it does.
4. Install Pluto TV on Roku:
   • From the Roku Home screen, go to “Streaming Channels” (this is Roku’s app store).
   • Select “Search Channels” (or the search icon) and type “Pluto TV.”
   • When you see Pluto TV, select it and choose “Add Channel.” It will download.
   • Once done, select “Go to Channel.”

Now Roku will launch Pluto TV, and you can start watching.

Using a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick

If you’re choosing between the two most common options, this Roku vs Firestick guide makes the decision simple.
No separate HDMI cable is needed for the stick itself, but you will use the USB power cable:

1. Plug in the Stick: Plug the Roku or Fire Stick directly into an HDMI port on your TV (for example, HDMI 2).
2. Power the Stick: Connect the USB power cable (micro-USB or USB-C) from the stick to the included power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
3. Turn on your TV and use the TV remote to set the input/source to that HDMI port.
4. Setup: You’ll see the Roku or Fire TV welcome screen.
   • On the Roku Stick, use its remote to choose language and connect to Wi-Fi (same as above).
   • On the Fire Stick, the process is similar (it will ask for language and Wi-Fi).
5. Install Pluto TV:
   • Roku Stick: From the Home screen, go to Streaming Channels > Search Channels, type “Pluto TV,” then add the channel and open it.
   • Fire Stick: From the Home screen, go to Search (magnifying glass icon), type “Pluto TV,” select the app, then click Get or Download, then open it.

That’s it—you’ll have Pluto TV on your TV.

Remember: A Roku Stick or Fire Stick plugs into an HDMI port for video, but it still needs power. You’ll connect the included USB power cable to the stick and plug the other end into a wall outlet — just like you would charge a phone.

If you’re not sure whether a Roku Stick or Amazon Firestick is the better choice, our step-by-step comparison guide makes the decision simple.

You can also check out our guide on installing Tubi with a Roku Stick — a simple way to access thousands of classic TV shows for free.

Watch Pluto TV on Your Phone or Tablet

You don’t even need a TV to enjoy Pluto TV.

The steps for installing and using Pluto TV on a tablet are the same as on a smartphone. You just need to:

• Open the App Store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS)
• Search for “Pluto TV”
• Download and install the app
• Open Pluto TV and start watching

The app interface and features are nearly identical on both tablets and phones: No account required, free access, and easy navigation. The only difference is the screen size—tablets may display more content side-by-side or larger menus, but all the main buttons and setup steps are the same.

If you’d rather play Pluto from your phone onto the big screen, this casting guide shows the simplest method on Roku, Fire Stick, and Smart TVs.

What to Watch First on Pluto TV

Here are some classic channels to try for instant nostalgia:

• I Love Lucy (24/7)
• The Twilight Zone
• Leave It to Beaver
• Gunsmoke
• Perry Mason

Each of these channels plays episodes back-to-back, just like old-school TV.

Quick Tips & Troubleshooting

• No sound? Make sure the volume is turned up on both your TV and your streaming device’s remote (e.g., Roku or Fire Stick remote). If voices still sound muffled after basic volume checks, these free TV audio settings usually make dialogue clearer in minutes.
• App keeps freezing or buffering? Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or turn the TV/device off and on again.
• Can’t find a search feature? Look for a magnifying glass icon or a search box in the menu.
• Picture is a bit blurry? Many classic shows are over 60 years old, so video quality might look grainy. That’s normal for vintage TV.

FAQ’s

Is Pluto TV really free?

Yes! Pluto TV is completely free. It’s supported by occasional commercials, just like traditional TV.

Do I need an account?

No account or login is needed. Just install the app and start watching.

Can I use Pluto TV outside the US?

Pluto TV is available in many countries, but the channel lineup might be different depending on where you are.

Will Pluto TV work on my old TV?

Yes — if your TV has an HDMI port, you can add a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast as described above.

My smart TV has apps but won’t connect to the internet — what should I do?

Try reconnecting to your home Wi-Fi (see steps above). If that still doesn’t work, you can use a streaming stick instead.

Can I record shows on Pluto TV?

Unfortunately, you can’t record live channels on Pluto TV. However, many shows are available on-demand in the app, so you can still watch what you missed.

💡 Want even more free classics — but without waiting for a show to come on?

If you’d like more classic TV choices — especially rare favorites you won’t always find on Pluto — visit Best Classic TV Shows on YouTube (Free & Legal).
You’ll find thousands of vintage episodes from The Lucy Show, Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, and many more — all free to stream anytime.

Next, check out Install Tubi for Free Classic TV — it lets you choose exactly what you want to watch, whenever you like, with pause and rewind just like a DVD.

And for a truly ad-free experience, one of my favorite hidden gems is The Internet Archive — a completely free online library filled with restored TV shows, newsreels, and vintage ads from the 1950s and ’60s.
Be forewarned: once you start browsing this wonderful time capsule of television history, you may never want to leave!

Wrap Up

Getting Pluto TV on your screen—whether your TV is brand new or a couple of decades old—is easier than it seems. The key is knowing what kind of TV you have, making sure it’s connected to the internet, and then installing the Pluto TV app or hooking up a streaming device.

Once it’s set up, you can relax and enjoy those classic shows for free. And if you ever get stuck, just remember: You’re definitely not the only one!

These simple steps should guide you through the confusion of remotes and streaming devices, so you can focus on watching what you really want. Give it a try—and enjoy the classics!