Forum Discussion

casa26687's avatar
casa26687
Channel Surfer
2 years ago
Solved

How to activate the NBC App on my Roku?

So, I went to nbc.com/Roku and the third activation code worked, but NBC wanted my "provider".

I DON'T HAVE A PROVIDER SINCE I GOT THE ROKU TO STREAM.

Apparently, the NBC app is only a 1 hour trial service that can NOT be enabled on a Roku only TV.

Roku should either make a statement to that effect when installing the NBC 'app' or REMOVE THE APP FROM THE 'STORE'.

  • RokuERey's avatar
    RokuERey
    2 years ago

    Hello katt2,

    Thank you for joining the Roku Community. 

    We appreciate you reaching out to us regarding the NBC channel access issue and we would like to provide our support.

    The NBC channel on Roku offers a variety of free accessible content. However, there is some content that is locked, and you will need to log in to a participating pay-TV provider. Even without a paywall, you can still stream clips, highlights, and select episodes of NBC shows for free.

    If you want more information on how to watch NBC Live without cable on Roku devices, check out this link: How to watch NBC Live without cable on Roku devices

    Or you can contact the channel team for additional inquiries here: Contact Us

    Thank you,
    Rey

33 Replies

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      11 months ago

      Many streaming services have contracts with cable/satellite providers that do not permit them to offer streaming without a TV provider. There's no "scam" involved here. And if they don't have such a restriction, they will then require you to subscribe directly with them.

      Did you really think you could stream all the NBC/ABC/CBS content for no cost? The networks have spent millions developing and producing content for their broadcast affiliates. It's free over the air because of all the commercials that pay to keep the stations on the air. Even with streaming there's costs involved, with the servers that store the content and the Internet connections to feed the content to us. Someone has to pay for it, so of course the networks want a subscription of some sort.

      As to the descriptions you see for each channel/app in the Roku channel store, the provider of the channel writes those. Some are more clear than others about the need for a TV provider, but there are many providers that have such a requirement. 

      • preserobledo79's avatar
        preserobledo79
        Newbie
        11 months ago

        That's my Roku channels are working NBC is not working I want to watch Olympics 

         

  • PopsToliver's avatar
    PopsToliver
    Newbie
    11 months ago

    I am having the same problem, and it has me very angry. Yes, either it is or it isn't. Make up your mind. Even though it says it's free. I can't even find a way to even pay for it.

    ,

    • renojim's avatar
      renojim
      Community Streaming Expert
      11 months ago

      PopsToliver, in general, apps are free to add, but that doesn't mean they'll do you any good without a subscription or something similar.  The Netflix app is free to add, but you'll still need a subscription to get any use out of the app.  Other apps require a cable provider to access their content, so although the app is free, it won't do you any good if you don't have a cable provider.  The apps that require a cable provider don't have any way to pay for their content.  You have to have cable or a streaming provider like Fubu, Philo, YoutubeTV, etc.  There is no free lunch.

      6 cable alternatives and live TV streaming services (2022)

  • RokuJohnB's avatar
    RokuJohnB
    Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hi casa26687,

    Thank you for posting here in the Roku Community!
    You should get in touch with NBC Support directly if you have any additional questions about the functionality and authentication of that channel. A large number of Roku channels are created and updated by the channel provider.

    If you need anything else, please let us know.

    Best regards,

    John

    • casa26687's avatar
      casa26687
      Channel Surfer
      2 years ago

      Apparently, you didn't understand my reply.

      1. The 'app' is only a 1 hour 'trial', a bait & switch to purchase Peacock, not a real app and Roku should remove it.

      2. NBC wants my 'provider', which I got rid of after buying the Roku TV for streaming. Since I don't have a 'provider', NBC is not interested in supporting the app since they can't monetize without associating with the provider.

      Unless a Roku customer has a provider (cable / satellite), the NBC app does NOT work after 1 hour.

      The only 'option' seems to be paying for the Peacock app, which Roku will be happy to set customer up with... again, seemingly aware that the NBC app is a bait & switch that stops working after an hour.

      • Strega2's avatar
        Strega2
        Roku Guru
        2 years ago

        There’s nothing that makes TV providers and streaming mutually exclusive.   You can still have a cable, satellite, etc. provider when adding Roku, or you can add a streaming TV provider such as slingTV or YouTubeTV.  There are lots of ways to arrange your TV entertainment.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      10 months ago

      Bit don't just make a blank post without explaining the issue. Need to know what your issue is, what model Roku you have, and if you're located in the US or elsewhere. 

    • RokuCarly's avatar
      RokuCarly
      Community Moderator
      8 months ago

      Welcome to the Roku Community, Richsherman!

      We appreciate you reaching out for support and we'd be more than willing to help you with anything. 

      Could you please provide us with more details of your concern so we can better assess it and provide you with a swift resolution? 

      We'll be looking forward to your response.

      Best regards,
      Carly

  • Anonymous50's avatar
    Anonymous50
    Binge Watcher
    7 months ago

    Roku.  Your answers bounced around, but all you had to say is we do not offer free access to NBC on Roku. You’re stating you have free, but referring to paid Services means you should state you need to go through your main service provider not your streaming service. We only need a little bit of NBC today two to the Thanksgiving parade, he would think Roku would’ve worked with NBC to your kids got access. I have Roku TV and a Roku box. The TV is very difficult to use it fades in and out, the TV shows repeat the same scene two or three times, it just simply has too many issues to make it a worthy Television service built by Westinghouse. You guys need to really up your game because there are a lot of other free services. The other thing I have noticed is you offer Pluto with these enormously long ridiculous bubbles and the same bubbles on other programming that last forever for absolutely no reason Repeating a commercial is better. On Pluto, you can see the same shows without the long drawn out bubbles and the worst part for Roku the noise. Just thought I’d add the difficulties here.