Getting Starz set up on your preferred devices can unlock a world of great entertainment. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to start streaming the Starz catalog.
What is Starz and What Does it Offer?

Starz is an American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Lionsgate. It features original programming as well as theatrically-released motion pictures from Walt Disney Pictures and Sony Pictures.
Some of the popular Starz original series include:
- Power
- Outlander
- American Gods
- Spartacus
- Black Sails
Unlike other premium networks like HBO or Showtime, Starz does not require a cable subscription. You can access Starz as a standalone streaming service on many devices for $8.99 per month.
This gives you unlimited on-demand access to stream Starz series and movies without cable. You can even download shows for offline viewing.
Now let’s walk through exactly how to get Starz activated on all your go-to devices.
Activating Your Starz Account
Activating Starz simply requires signing up for a paid subscription or taking advantage of the free 7-day trial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to Starz.com and click “Try Free” to begin your 1-week free trial. No payment details needed upfront.
- Enter your email address and create a password. Make sure to use a valid email you can access.
- Select your preferred platform to start watching immediately. For example, Roku, Fire TV, iPhone, etc.
- Login on the selected device. Use the credentials you just created to sign into the Starz app.

Once logged in to the Starz app, you’ll have full access to stream movies, download shows, and more.
After the 7-day trial ends, you will be auto-billed $8.99 per month unless you cancel beforehand.
Tip: Starz offers special introductory plans like $5 per month for 3 months. Check their latest deals before signing up.
And that’s all you need to activate Starz and unlock thousands of hours of on-demand entertainment!
Now let’s go over how to get Starz set up across all the popular streaming platforms and devices.
How to Add Starz on Roku
Roku makes activating Starz a breeze with just a few steps:
- Turn on your Roku device and from the Home screen select Streaming Channels.

- Search for and select the Starz channel.

- Select Add Channel and click OK to confirm.
- Launch the newly added Starz channel from your list of channels.
- Enter your Starz login credentials from when you signed up on Starz.com.
- Start streaming your favorite Starz movies and originals!

And that’s all there is to it. Within minute you can sign into Starz and access on-demand content on your Roku.
Pro Tip: Starz offers offline downloads on Roku devices so you can watch shows later without WiFi or data.
Setting Up Starz on Apple TV
Apple fans can also get Starz up and running on the latest Apple TV models (4th gen or later).
Follow these steps:
- Using your Apple TV, open the App Store.

- Search for and download the Starz application. This is the gateway to all their programming.

- Launch the newly installed Starz app from your home screen.

- Sign in using the same Starz credentials you set up at activation.

- Start streaming Starz originals, old favorites, and new releases!

That’s really all there is to it on Apple TV. Within a few minutes you have thousands of on-demand movies, shows, and more at your fingertips courtesy of Starz. If you encounter glitches, refer to our guide on fixing common Starz app issues on Apple TV.
Activating Starz on Xbox Consoles
Gamers can also join in on the Starz streaming action thanks to compatibility with Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Here is the quick Xbox Starz activation process:
- First, power up your Xbox and sign-in to your profile.
- Navigate to the Microsoft Store.
- Search for and download the Starz Play app.
- Once installed, launch the Starz Play application.
- Login using your existing Starz account credentials.
- Start streaming Starz movies and original programming!

Between gaming sessions you can now catch up on hit Starz shows like American Gods and Power with this streamlined Xbox setup.
Watching Starz on Smart TVs
Modern smart TVs have app stores built right in for swift access to popular streaming services. Here is how to get Starz loaded on your smart TV:
- Turn on your smart TV and launch the app store.
- Search for and select the Starz Play app to install.
- Open the newly added Starz Play app.
- Sign in with your current Starz username & password.
- Start watching Starz on-demand & live content!
Starz has certified app support on leading smart TV models from top brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio.
So chances are high your television can start streaming Starz in just a few minutes. If you run into issues, check out our troubleshooting guide for fixing Starz app problems on Samsung TVs.
Adding Starz to Your iPhone
Thanks to the Apple App Store, getting Starz on your iPhone only takes a moment.
Follow these iPhone-specific steps:
- On your iPhone, open the App Store.
- Search for and download the Starz application. This unlocks all their movies & shows.
- Launch the newly-added Starz app from your home screen.
- Enter the same Starz login from initial signup to connect your iPhone.
- Start streaming unlimited Starz content!

You’ll now have unlimited on-the-go access to stream or download Starz content on your iPhone.
Enabling Starz on Android Phones & Tablets
Android users can tap into the entire Starz lineup using the Google Play store.
Here are the steps for Android devices:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for and select the Starz application to install.
- Open the newly added Starz app from your device’s app drawer.
- Sign in with your existing Starz account to activate your Android.
- Start watching Starz live streams, originals, and on-demand content!

Just like that, your Android device is ready to stream thousands of Hollywood movies, catch Starz original hits, and much more.
Starz Supported Devices List
Beyond the detailed platform instructions above, Starz apps can be added to a wide assortment of streaming devices.
Here is a quick list of supported Starz platforms:
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Xbox One
- Android & iOS phones/tablets
- Web browsers
- Chromecast

And many smart TVs have direct Starz app integration including models by:
- Samsung
- Sony
- Hisense
- Sharp
- Vizio
So chances are very high your streaming devices can install Starz directly. But if not, casting via mobile devices provides a handy workaround.
Comparing Starz to Other Premium Networks
Wondering how Starz stacks up vs other premium entertainment services? Check out our head-to-head comparisons:
- Starz vs Starz Encore – What’s the difference?
- Starz vs Showtime – How the two premium networks compare on price, shows, movies and more.
- Starz vs Cinemax – See which service is the better fit for your streaming preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Starz offers a popular standalone streaming service with originals, theatrically-released movies and licensed content.
- Access requires a $8.99 monthly subscription after any free trials end. Offline downloads available.
- The Starz platform is widely supported across devices like Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, phones, tablets and web browsers.
- Enabling Starz follows the same general steps: Create account, install app, login with credentials.
- Detailed activation instructions are provided in this guide for major platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, iPhone, Android and smart TVs.
And those are the essential points for getting Starz streaming on your platforms of choice without the need for cable or satellite subscriptions!
Frequently Asked Questions About Activating Starz
Here are answers to some of the most common Starz activation questions:
Can I activate Starz on multiple devices?
Yes! Your Starz login can be used to activate up to 4 concurrent streams. So feel free to enable Starz across phones, media players, tablets and computers for flexible viewing.
What’s the difference between Starz and StarzPlay?
Starz Play was the former name of the Starz streaming service. So any references to StarzPlay really mean today’s Starz streaming platform available as a standalone app on many devices.
Does Starz require a TV provider login?
No. One of the best aspects of Starz is not requiring any cable, satellite or live TV subscription. You can sign up directly with Starz and stream using your created credentials.
What internet speed do I need for Starz?
Starz recommends a minimum download speed of 3Mbps for smooth standard definition streaming. For the best HD 1080p streaming experience, you’ll want speeds over 10Mbps.
Can I use Starz abroad or when traveling?
The Starz streaming service and offline downloads are unfortunately restricted to within the United States only. So you can access Starz domestically but not abroad due to rights limitations.
Is the Starz app free?
The Starz app itself if free to install and access. However full Starz content does require a paid subscription starting at $8.99 per month after any free trials expire.
How do I cancel Starz streaming?
You can cancel and manage your Starz subscription by visiting your account page on Starz.com. Or cancel through your mobile app store’s subscription page, like the App Store for iPhones. For more details, see our guide on how to cancel a Starz subscription.
Tips for Getting The Most Out of Starz
Now that you (hopefully) have successfully activated Starz across your go-to platforms, here are some power tips:
- Take advantage of offline downloads for when wifi/data is limited. Just remember shows expire after 30 days.
- Check the Starz schedule online for quick access to air dates/times of new movies and Starz originals.
- Try bundling Starz as an Amazon Prime add-on for a potentially discounted combo rate.
- Get the most value by mixing Starz with companion Lionsgate services like the STARZPLAY Arabia and Pantaya apps which have some unique programming.
- Visiting the Starz social media pages on Facebook & Twitter can provide updates on new releases, deals and breaking news.
- Don’t forget about the built-in subscription management in your devices app store and Starz account page for controlling billing dates, cancelling, etc.
- You can get Starz as an add-on for some on-demand base packages like with FuboTV, Sling TV, DISH and DirecTV. But standalone remains the most flexible option.
We hope these tips help you become a Starz streaming pro in no time!