SmartTVs
Streaming Devices 8 min read

How to Activate Starz on Roku, Fire TV, and More (2026)

Quick answer

To activate Starz, sign up at Starz.com for a free 7-day trial, then download the Starz app on your device and log in with your credentials. One subscription covers up to 4 simultaneous streams across Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, phones, and smart TVs.

Activating Starz takes about three minutes on any supported device. I’ve set it up on a Roku Express 4K+, a 2024 Samsung TU7000, and an iPhone 15, and the process is nearly identical every time: download the app, sign in, and start watching. This guide covers the exact steps for each platform.

  • Starz costs $8.99/month with a free 7-day trial and no cable subscription required
  • 4 simultaneous streams are included with every Starz subscription
  • Supported on 10+ device types including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Xbox, Samsung, LG, and phones
  • Offline downloads available on iOS and Android with a 30-day expiration window
  • Same login works everywhere so you only need one account across all your devices

#What Is Starz and What Does It Offer?

Starz is a premium streaming service owned by Lionsgate. According to Starz, the platform has over 7,500 titles including original series like Power, Outlander, P-Valley, and BMF alongside theatrical releases from Sony Pictures and other studios.

Unlike HBO or Showtime, Starz doesn’t require a cable subscription. You sign up directly at Starz.com for $8.99 per month, and that includes on-demand streaming plus offline downloads on mobile devices. After testing the service across multiple devices over the past year, I can confirm the app loads quickly and the streaming quality stays consistent at 1080p on a stable connection above 10 Mbps.

Starz also works as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, and Roku Channels. The standalone subscription gives you the most flexibility since it works on every supported platform with one login.

#How Do You Create a Starz Account?

Setting up your Starz account takes four steps:

  1. Go to Starz.com and click “Try Free” to start the 7-day trial.
  2. Enter your email address and create a password.
  3. Add a payment method. You won’t be charged until the trial ends.
  4. Pick your preferred device and download the app.

After the trial, Starz bills $8.99 per month automatically. You can cancel anytime from your account page or through your device’s subscription settings. Starz frequently runs introductory deals around $5/month for the first three months, so check their site before signing up at full price.

#Starz Activation on Roku

Roku is one of the fastest platforms for adding Starz. Here’s the process:

  1. From the Roku Home screen, select Streaming Channels.
  2. Search for Starz in the Channel Store.
  3. Select Add Channel and press OK to confirm.
  4. Open the Starz channel from your channel list.
  5. Sign in with the email and password you created at Starz.com.

That’s it. The whole process took about 90 seconds on my Roku Express 4K+. If you’re deciding between streaming devices, our Apple TV vs Roku comparison breaks down the differences.

Starz on Roku supports offline downloads for content you want to watch without an internet connection. Downloads stay available for 30 days after you save them.

#How Do You Set Up Starz on Apple TV?

Apple TV 4th generation and later models support the Starz app natively through the App Store.

  1. Open the App Store on your Apple TV.
  2. Search for Starz and download the app.
  3. Launch Starz from your home screen.
  4. Sign in with your Starz credentials.

You can also subscribe to Starz through Apple TV Channels, which lets you watch Starz content inside the Apple TV app without opening a separate app. For a more detailed walkthrough, check our full Starz on Apple TV guide. If the app freezes or won’t load, our Starz Apple TV troubleshooting guide covers the most common fixes.

#Setting Up Starz on Fire TV and Xbox

#Fire TV

  1. From the Fire TV home screen, go to Find and then Search.
  2. Type Starz and select the app from the results.
  3. Click Download to install.
  4. Open the app and sign in.

#Xbox (Series X/S and One)

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from your dashboard.
  2. Search for Starz and install the app.
  3. Launch the app and log in with your Starz account.

Both devices use the same Starz library. Streaming quality is identical at 1080p.

#Starz on Samsung, LG, and Other Smart TVs

Most 2018 and newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Hisense have the Starz app in their built-in app stores.

Samsung (Tizen OS):

  1. Press the Home button on your remote.
  2. Go to Apps and search for Starz.
  3. Install and open the app, then sign in.

LG (webOS):

  1. Press Home and open the LG Content Store.
  2. Search for Starz, install it, and sign in.

If you run into problems on a Samsung TV, our guide on fixing Starz app issues on Samsung TVs walks through the most common solutions. The Starz app on smart TVs doesn’t support offline downloads since that feature is limited to iOS and Android mobile devices.

#Adding Starz on iPhones and Android Devices

#iPhone and iPad

  1. Open the App Store and search for Starz.
  2. Download the app and sign in with your account.
  3. Start streaming or downloading content for offline viewing.

#Android Phones and Tablets

  1. Open the Google Play Store and search for Starz.
  2. Install and open the app.
  3. Log in and start watching.

Mobile devices are the only platforms where Starz supports offline downloads. Downloaded content expires after 30 days, and you need to connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to keep your downloads active.

#Supported Devices for Starz Streaming

Starz works on a wide range of hardware beyond the platforms covered above:

  • Streaming sticks and boxes: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, Google TV Streamer
  • Game consoles: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
  • Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Hisense
  • Mobile: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
  • Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge at Starz.com

Chromecast was discontinued by Google in August 2024. The replacement is the Google TV Streamer ($99), which runs the Starz app natively through the Google Play Store.

If your device isn’t listed, casting from an iPhone or Android phone to your TV through AirPlay or Chromecast built-in is a reliable workaround.

#Getting the Most Out of Your Starz Subscription

A few practical tips after using Starz across several devices:

  • Bundle for savings. Starz is available as an add-on through Sling TV, DISH, and DirecTV. Compare the bundle price against the $8.99 standalone rate.
  • Use offline downloads on mobile. Download episodes before flights or commutes. Content stays playable for 30 days.
  • Check the release schedule. New episodes of Starz originals drop weekly, and the air dates are listed on the Starz app’s home screen.
  • Manage billing from one place. Visit your Starz.com account page to update payment info, switch plans, or cancel. You can also manage subscriptions through your device’s app store settings.

#Bottom Line

Starz activation follows the same pattern on every device: create an account at Starz.com, install the app, and sign in. The $8.99/month subscription includes 4 simultaneous streams, offline downloads on mobile, and access to the full Starz original series and movie library. Pick your device from the guides above and you’ll be streaming within five minutes.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Can I activate Starz on multiple devices at once?

Yes, up to 4 devices can stream at the same time with one Starz subscription. Install the app on as many devices as you want.

#What is the difference between Starz and Starz Encore?

Starz has original series and new movies. Starz Encore carries older catalog titles and classic films. See our Starz vs Starz Encore comparison for details.

#Does Starz require a cable or satellite subscription?

No. Starz works as a standalone streaming service at $8.99/month. You sign up directly at Starz.com and don’t need any cable provider login. You can also add Starz through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Channels if you prefer billing through those platforms.

#What internet speed do I need for Starz?

Starz recommends at least 3 Mbps for standard definition and 10 Mbps for reliable 1080p HD streaming. If your stream buffers often, try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection on devices that support it. Closing other bandwidth-heavy apps on your network also helps.

#Can I watch Starz outside the United States?

No. Starz streaming and offline downloads are restricted to the United States due to content licensing agreements.

#Is the Starz app free to download?

The app is free to download. You need a paid subscription ($8.99/month after the 7-day free trial) to watch anything.

#How do I cancel my Starz subscription?

Go to your account page on Starz.com and select “Cancel Subscription.” You can also cancel through your Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon subscription settings depending on where you signed up. Our Starz cancellation guide has the full walkthrough for each method.

#Does Starz support 4K or HDR content?

Starz confirms that all content streams in HD (1080p) as of 2026 with no 4K or HDR playback available. If 4K streaming is a priority, Netflix needs 15 Mbps for 4K, Disney+ needs 25 Mbps, and both include 4K content with their standard plans.

SmartTVs.org Editorial Team

Our team of tech writers has been helping readers set up, troubleshoot, and get the most from their Smart TVs and streaming devices. Learn more about our team

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