Ever found yourself eager to watch the latest season of "Yellowstone," catch a live NFL game, or dive into the Star Trek universe, only to discover that getting Paramount Plus on your Samsung TV isn‘t as straightforward as you hoped? You‘re not alone. As streaming services continue to reshape our entertainment landscape, figuring out how to access specific platforms on different TV models can be challenging.
Samsung TVs are among the most popular smart televisions worldwide, with a 30% global market share as of 2023. Meanwhile, Paramount Plus has grown to over 63 million subscribers globally. Bringing these two powerhouses together shouldn‘t be complicated – and it doesn‘t have to be.
This comprehensive guide walks you through four proven methods to get Paramount Plus working on your Samsung TV, regardless of its age or model. From direct app installation to creative workarounds for older TVs, you‘ll find the perfect solution for your setup.
Understanding Paramount Plus and Samsung TV Compatibility
Before diving into installation methods, let‘s understand what we‘re working with and why compatibility matters.
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus launched in March 2021 as a rebranded and expanded version of CBS All Access. Owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), this streaming service combines content from multiple networks including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount Pictures.
The platform has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 36 million subscribers in Q1 2022 to over 63 million by Q2 2023 – a 75% increase in just over a year. This growth stems from its compelling content library, which includes:
- Original Series: "Halo," "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," "Tulsa King," "1883," and "Mayor of Kingstown"
- Exclusive Movies: Early access to Paramount theatrical releases
- Live Sports: NFL games, UEFA Champions League, and PGA Tour golf
- News Coverage: CBS News and local CBS stations
- Legacy Content: Over 30,000 episodes from Paramount‘s vast library
According to Nielsen‘s 2023 streaming data, Paramount Plus accounts for approximately 3% of total TV viewing time in the US, putting it in competition with services like Disney+ and HBO Max.
Paramount Plus Subscription Options
Paramount Plus offers several subscription tiers to match different viewing preferences and budgets:
Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Essential | $5.99 | $59.99 | • Ad-supported streaming • NFL on CBS • Limited downloads • No local CBS station |
Premium | $11.99 | $119.99 | • Limited ads • Local CBS station • Unlimited downloads • 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision content |
Paramount+ with Showtime | $11.99 | $119.99 | • All Premium features • Showtime content library • East/West Coast feeds |
All plans include a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. According to Paramount‘s financial reports, approximately 60% of subscribers choose the Premium plan, suggesting users value the enhanced features and ad reduction.
Samsung TV Compatibility Matrix
Samsung TVs use the Tizen operating system, and compatibility with streaming apps depends on both the TV‘s manufacturing year and the OS version. Here‘s a detailed compatibility matrix for Paramount Plus:
Samsung TV Year | Tizen OS Version | Native Paramount+ Support | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2023-2024 | 7.0+ | Yes | Full support with all features |
2021-2022 | 6.0-6.5 | Yes | Full support with all features |
2019-2020 | 4.0-5.5 | Yes | May lack some newer features |
2017-2018 | 3.0-3.5 | Yes | Basic functionality only |
2015-2016 | 2.0-2.4 | No | Alternative methods required |
Pre-2015 | 1.0 or non-Tizen | No | Alternative methods required |
To check your TV‘s manufacturing year and Tizen version:
- Press the Menu or Settings button on your remote
- Navigate to Support > About This TV
- Look for the model code and software information
The first two digits of your model code typically indicate the year (e.g., UN55NU7100 is a 2018 model).
Method 1: Installing Paramount Plus from Samsung TV App Store
For Samsung TVs manufactured in 2017 or later, installing Paramount Plus directly from the Samsung App Store is the most straightforward approach.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Access the App Store
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote
- Navigate to and select Apps (usually on the bottom row of the Smart Hub)
Search for Paramount Plus
- Select the Search icon (magnifying glass) in the top-right corner
- Using the on-screen keyboard, type "Paramount+" or "Paramount Plus"
Download and Install
- When Paramount+ appears in the search results, select it
- Click the Install button
- Wait for the download and installation to complete (typically 1-3 minutes depending on your internet speed)
Launch and Sign In
- Once installed, open the app
- Select "Sign In" if you already have an account
- Enter your Paramount+ credentials (email and password)
- If you‘re new to Paramount+, select "Subscribe" to create an account and choose a subscription plan
Start Streaming
- After signing in, you‘ll have full access to the Paramount+ content library
- Browse categories or use the search function to find specific shows or movies
App Performance on Different Samsung TV Models
The Paramount Plus app performance varies across different Samsung TV generations. Based on user reports and technical analysis:
TV Generation | App Launch Time | 4K Streaming | UI Responsiveness | Memory Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022-2023 Models | 2-3 seconds | Excellent | Very smooth | 150-200MB |
2020-2021 Models | 3-5 seconds | Good | Smooth | 200-250MB |
2018-2019 Models | 5-8 seconds | Limited | Occasional lag | 250-300MB |
2017 Models | 8-12 seconds | Not supported | Noticeable lag | 300-350MB |
These performance metrics highlight why newer TVs provide a better streaming experience. The app is optimized for recent Tizen OS versions, taking advantage of improved processing power and memory management.
Troubleshooting App Store Installation Issues
If you encounter problems during installation, try these solutions:
App Not Found in Store
- Region Restrictions: Paramount Plus is available in the US, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and parts of Europe. If you‘re outside these regions, the app may not appear in your store.
- VPN Solution: Some users report success using a VPN set to a supported country, then creating an account with a payment method from that region.
- Store Cache Issues: Clear your Samsung App Store cache by going to Settings > Support > Device Care > Memory > Clean Now.
Installation Errors
- Error Code 105: Indicates network connectivity issues. Reset your router and ensure your TV has a strong Wi-Fi signal (minimum 5Mbps).
- Error Code 102: Suggests insufficient storage. Free up space by removing unused apps.
- Error Code 107: Server communication problem. Wait 30 minutes and try again, as this typically resolves when server load decreases.
App Won‘t Open or Crashes
According to Samsung support data, approximately 35% of app issues are resolved by a simple TV restart:
- Unplug your TV from the power source
- Wait 60 seconds (this fully clears the memory cache)
- Plug it back in and turn it on
- Try launching the app again
For persistent crashes, try reinstalling the app or checking for TV firmware updates in Settings > Support > Software Update.
Method 2: Accessing Paramount Plus via Apple TV App
Samsung and Apple formed a partnership in 2019, making Samsung the first non-Apple device manufacturer to offer the Apple TV app. This provides an alternative way to access Paramount Plus content.
Setting Up Apple TV App for Paramount Plus
Launch Apple TV App
- Press the Home button on your remote
- Find and select the Apple TV app (pre-installed on Samsung TVs from 2019 onwards)
- For 2018 models, you may need to download it from the Samsung App Store
Sign In to Apple TV
- If you haven‘t already, sign in with your Apple ID
- If you don‘t have an Apple ID, you‘ll need to create one
- Two-factor authentication may be required for security
Subscribe to Paramount+ through Apple TV Channels
- Go to the "Watch Now" tab
- Scroll down to "Apple TV Channels"
- Find and select Paramount+
- Choose "Try It Free" or "Subscribe"
- Complete the subscription process using your Apple payment method
Access Paramount+ Content
- Once subscribed, Paramount+ content will appear in your Apple TV app
- You can browse dedicated Paramount+ sections or find content mixed in with other recommendations
Apple TV App vs. Native Paramount Plus App Comparison
The experience differs between using the native app and accessing through Apple TV:
Feature | Native Paramount+ App | Through Apple TV App |
---|---|---|
Content Library | 100% of catalog | Approximately 95% (some live events excluded) |
User Interface | Paramount+ branded | Apple TV design language |
Video Quality | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 4K HDR (device dependent) |
Audio Support | Dolby Atmos on compatible content | Dolby Atmos on compatible content |
Offline Downloads | Yes (Premium plan) | Yes (through Apple TV app) |
Multiple Profiles | Yes (up to 6) | Uses Apple TV profiles |
Billing | Direct with Paramount | Through Apple (15-30% premium) |
According to streaming analytics firm Reelgood, approximately 18% of Paramount Plus subscribers access the service through Apple TV Channels rather than the native app, citing the integrated experience as the primary reason.
Benefits and Limitations of the Apple TV Method
Benefits:
- Unified Interface: Access multiple streaming services in one app
- Superior Recommendation Engine: Apple‘s algorithm often surfaces content you might miss
- Family Sharing: Share your subscription with up to six family members
- Simplified Authentication: No need to remember another password
- Offline Viewing: Download shows directly in the Apple TV app
Limitations:
- Price Premium: Apple takes a 15-30% cut, sometimes resulting in higher subscription costs
- Content Delays: New releases occasionally appear on the native app first
- Live TV Limitations: Some live events may not be available
- Less Direct Support: Customer service issues may require contacting both Apple and Paramount
Method 3: Using External Streaming Devices
For older Samsung TVs or those preferring a dedicated streaming experience, external devices offer a reliable solution. According to a 2023 Parks Associates report, 56% of US households own at least one streaming media player in addition to their smart TV.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon‘s Fire TV platform holds approximately 36.5% of the global streaming device market, making it one of the most popular options.
Setup Process:
Connect Fire TV Stick
- Plug the Fire TV Stick into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV
- Connect the power adapter and turn on your TV
- Select the correct HDMI input source
Complete Initial Setup
- Follow on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi
- Sign in to your Amazon account (required)
- Complete any software updates (typically 5-10 minutes)
Install Paramount+
- From the Fire TV home screen, select the search icon
- Type "Paramount+"
- Select the Paramount+ app from the results
- Click "Download" or "Get"
- Wait for installation to complete
Launch and Sign In
- Open the Paramount+ app
- Sign in with your existing credentials or create a new account
Fire TV Models Comparison:
Model | Price | Resolution | Storage | RAM | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fire TV Stick Lite | $29.99 | 1080p | 8GB | 1GB | Basic remote (no TV controls) |
Fire TV Stick | $39.99 | 1080p | 8GB | 1GB | TV controls, voice remote |
Fire TV Stick 4K | $49.99 | 4K | 8GB | 1.5GB | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $54.99 | 4K | 8GB | 2GB | Wi-Fi 6, Live View Picture-in-Picture |
Fire TV Cube | $139.99 | 4K | 16GB | 2GB | Hands-free Alexa, built-in speaker |
For optimal Paramount Plus streaming, the Fire TV Stick 4K offers the best value, supporting all content quality levels while remaining affordable.
Roku Streaming Device
Roku devices account for approximately 30% of the streaming device market and are known for their platform-neutral approach.
Setup Process:
Connect Roku Device
- Plug your Roku device into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV
- Connect the power and turn on your TV
- Select the appropriate HDMI input
Complete Initial Setup
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi
- Create or sign in to a Roku account
- Activate your device using the code displayed on screen
Add Paramount+ Channel
- From the Roku home screen, select "Streaming Channels" to open the Channel Store
- Search for "Paramount+"
- Select "Add Channel" to install Paramount+
- Wait for the channel to download and install
Launch and Sign In
- Go to your Roku home screen
- Find and select the Paramount+ channel
- Follow prompts to sign in or subscribe
Roku Models Comparison:
Model | Price | Resolution | Special Features | Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roku Express | $29.99 | 1080p | Basic remote | Budget-conscious, secondary TVs |
Roku Express 4K+ | $39.99 | 4K | Voice remote, HDR | Primary TVs, good value |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $49.99 | 4K | Portable design, Dolby Vision | Travel, hidden installation |
Roku Ultra | $99.99 | 4K | Ethernet port, USB, headphone jack | Power users, best performance |
Roku Streambar | $129.99 | 4K | Built-in soundbar | Audio upgrade + streaming |
The Roku Express 4K+ offers the best balance of features and price for most Paramount Plus viewers.
Google Chromecast
Chromecast takes a different approach, using your mobile device as both the content source and remote control.
Setup Process:
Connect Chromecast
- Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV
- Connect the power cable
- Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input
Set Up Chromecast
- Download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet
- Open the app and follow instructions to set up your Chromecast
- Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device
Cast Paramount+ Content
- Download the Paramount+ app on your mobile device
- Sign in to your Paramount+ account
- Tap the Cast icon in the app
- Select your Chromecast device
- Choose content