How to Set Up and Use Sling TV for Live Streaming

Sling TV is a cable alternative starting at $40 a month with live sports, news, and entertainment — no contract required. Here's how to get started.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Sign Up for Sling TV
2.Install the Sling App on Your Device
3.Browse the Guide and Watch Live TV
4.Set Up Cloud DVR
5.Watch On-Demand Content

Sign Up for Sling TV

~18s

Go to sling.com in your web browser. Click "Start Watching" or look for a free trial offer. Choose Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or the combined package. Enter your email, create a password, and add your payment information. You can cancel before your trial ends if you decide it is not for you.

Install the Sling App on Your Device

~17s

On a Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV, go to the app store and search for "Sling TV." Install the app. On iPhone, search the App Store for "Sling TV." On Android, search Google Play. Sign in with the email and password you used to sign up.

Browse the Guide and Watch Live TV

~19s

Open the Sling app and tap "Guide" to see what is currently on — this works just like a cable TV guide. Tap any show to start watching. The guide updates in real time.

Quick Tip

Tap the star icon next to channels you watch most often to add them to your "My Channels" favorites list.

Set Up Cloud DVR

~18s

Sling TV includes 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage. To record a show, open the Guide, find the show, and tap the "Record" button. Your recordings appear in the "My TV" or "DVR" section of the app.

Quick Tip

You can record whole seasons by tapping a series, then selecting "Record all new episodes."

Watch On-Demand Content

~23s

Many channels include on-demand episodes — shows you can watch at any time, not on a schedule. Look for the "On Demand" section in the app. You can also search for a specific show title to see if any episodes are available on demand.

Warning

Sling TV does not carry every local channel in every city. Check sling.com/local-channels and enter your zip code to see what local channels are available in your area.

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Sling TV is a live television streaming service that gives you many of the same channels as traditional cable — CNN, ESPN, HGTV, Fox News, AMC, and many more — but over the internet without a cable box or annual contract. You pay month-to-month and can cancel at any time.

Sling TV offers two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each starting around $40 per month. Sling Orange focuses on sports (ESPN, Disney Channel). Sling Blue focuses on news and entertainment (Fox News, NBC, USA Network). You can also subscribe to both combined for more channels.

Unlike Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV primarily streams live channels on a schedule — like traditional TV. Some shows can be recorded to a cloud DVR, and many channels offer on-demand episodes. This makes Sling feel familiar to people transitioning away from cable.

You can watch Sling TV on almost any device: a streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast), a smart TV with the Sling app, an iPhone or Android phone, or a computer browser. All you need is a decent internet connection — Sling recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming.

Sling does not require a technician visit or equipment rental. You sign up online, pay with a credit card, and start watching within minutes. There is frequently a free trial offer available at sling.com.

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