Updated August 16, 2026: The simplest option is Crunchyroll’s native Samsung TV app, provided your television is generally a 2017-or-newer model running Tizen OS 3.0 or later and the app is available in your region. If it is missing or unreliable, use a Google TV/Chromecast device, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, a PlayStation or Xbox, or an HDMI-connected computer.
The Crunchyroll app is free to download, but Premium membership and regional licensing determine which programs and features you can use. Compatibility and menu labels can change, so check the official device requirements before buying hardware.
Quick comparison
| Method | Extra hardware | Best for | Main drawback | Sign-in | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung TV app | None | Supported TVs | Regional and model restrictions | Email/password or activation code | Easy |
| Chromecast or Google TV | HDMI device and power | TVs without the app | Another device and remote | App sign-in; casting is device-dependent | Easy |
| Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV | Streaming device and power | Dedicated streaming setup | Some channel subscriptions are separate | QR code, code or credentials | Easy |
| PlayStation or Xbox | Console | Existing console owners | More power use and less TV-focused | QR code, code or credentials | Easy |
| Laptop by HDMI | Computer and HDMI cable | Older TVs or no streaming hardware | Computer must stay connected | Supported web browser | Moderate |
Crunchyroll’s current device requirements are listed at its supported-devices page.
Check Samsung compatibility first
Crunchyroll lists Samsung Smart TVs from 2017 onward using Tizen OS 3.0 or newer. That is a compatibility baseline, not a guarantee that every model will display the app: availability also depends on country, Samsung’s app store and the television’s edition. Samsung hospitality, commercial and region-specific models may differ.
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- HDR: Enjoy great contrast in all your content. High Dynamic Range (HDR) expands the contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of a scene, so you can enjoy a wide spectrum of colors and visual details.
- OBJECT TRACKING SOUND LITE: Feel like you're part of the scene with audio that follows the action on screen. Featuring a virtual top channel, every sound is precisely placed in space, placing you in the heart of the scene.
- SAMSUNG KNOX SECURITY: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- ONE UI TIZEN: Stream your favorite movies and shows and access your favorite apps and games on an intuitive smart TV platform, powered by Samsung Tizen OS.
- ENDLESS CONTENT: Access 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels with just your WiFiconnection. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more -live and on demand. With content frequently added, there’s always something new to discover.
- Find the model number and model year in Settings (usually Support or About TV; labels vary by firmware).
- Open Home and then Apps or Smart Hub. Search for “Crunchyroll.”
- If the listing appears, the TV can use the native method below. If it does not, verify firmware, region and Tizen version before assuming the TV is unsupported.
Crunchyroll’s Samsung requirements and limitations are documented in Crunchyroll’s Samsung Smart TV support article; Samsung also provides an app listing at Samsung’s Crunchyroll page.
1. Install the native Crunchyroll app
Installation and login
- Press Home on the Samsung remote.
- Open Apps or Samsung Smart Hub.
- Search for Crunchyroll, select it and choose Download or Install.
- Open the app from the Home menu.
- Select Log in, then choose Log in with Email or Log in with Code.
- For code login, scan the displayed QR code or visit crunchyroll.com/activate on another device and enter the six-character code.
Use the existing Crunchyroll account that holds your membership. Do not start another trial or subscription simply because entering credentials with a remote is inconvenient.
Settings and limitations
- Mature content is restricted by default; change the setting in Crunchyroll Profile Settings if appropriate for your household.
- Available closed captions can be toggled and styled. Subtitles embedded in a video cannot be customized in the same way.
- Catalogs, audio tracks and dubs vary by title and region.
- Crunchyroll says Samsung Smart View is not supported by its Samsung TV app, so do not treat Smart View as the standard casting route.
If Crunchyroll is absent
- Confirm the TV model year and Tizen version.
- Update the television firmware.
- Check the Samsung account and TV region.
- Restart the television fully, then search Apps again.
- Check Crunchyroll’s supported-device list.
- If the app remains unavailable, use one of the external or HDMI methods below. Do not sideload an unofficial Samsung package.
2. Use Chromecast or Google TV
Know the difference
A Chromecast receiver is primarily a casting destination. A Google TV device has its own operating system, remote and Crunchyroll app. Crunchyroll lists Android TV/Google TV 5.1 or newer and Chromecast version 1.36 minimum, with version 1.56 or newer recommended for the best experience.
Setup
- Plug the device into an HDMI port and connect its power supply.
- Complete the on-screen Wi-Fi and account setup.
- On Google TV, open its app store and install Crunchyroll.
- Open Crunchyroll and sign in.
- If casting is offered by your current phone, app and receiver combination, put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and choose the Chromecast destination.
Samsung supports general screen mirroring and casting on compatible models, but Crunchyroll’s Smart View limitation means phone-to-TV casting is not guaranteed. A Google TV device with the native app is the more predictable choice.
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3. Use Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV
These platforms avoid dependence on the Samsung app store. Crunchyroll lists Fire OS 6, Roku 11.0 and tvOS 17 as minimum platform versions.
Rank #2
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Fire TV
- From the Fire TV home screen, select Find.
- Search for Crunchyroll, select it and choose Free or Download.
- Open the app and sign in with the QR code, activation code or email and password.
Crunchyroll currently documents a Mega Fan purchase flow on Fire TV. A subscription bought through Amazon is managed through Amazon, not the normal Crunchyroll billing page. Existing members should sign in rather than create a second membership. See Crunchyroll’s Fire TV instructions.
Roku
Install the Crunchyroll app on a Roku player running version 11.0 or newer. In the United States, Crunchyroll also offers a Roku Channel. A subscription purchased through that channel is limited to the channel and cannot be linked to an existing Crunchyroll account. That makes the regular Crunchyroll app preferable if you already subscribe directly. Details are in Crunchyroll’s Roku Channel guidance.
Apple TV
- Open the Apple TV home screen and select App Store.
- Search for Crunchyroll and choose Download.
- Open the app and sign in.
Use the normal app when you want your existing Crunchyroll account. The separate Apple TV Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, currently offers the Fan plan, and creates a membership separate from a normal Crunchyroll account. Read Crunchyroll’s Apple TV Channel information before subscribing there. Installation help is at Crunchyroll’s Apple TV setup page.
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This is usually the best no-new-purchase option if a console is already connected to the Samsung TV. Crunchyroll lists PS4 system version 10.008, PS5 version 6.00.00.00 and Xbox system version 10.0.17763.0 as minimums.
- Connect the console to the TV with HDMI and select that HDMI input.
- Install Crunchyroll from the console’s app store.
- Open the app and sign in with credentials, a QR code or the activation code at crunchyroll.com/activate.
Consoles use more electricity and are less convenient than a small streaming stick, but they avoid buying another device. Crunchyroll says PlayStation currently offers Mega Fan through PlayStation Store billing; PlayStation Wallet and account settings handle payment and cancellation. See the PlayStation subscription guide.
Rank #3
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
5. Connect a laptop or desktop by HDMI
HDMI is the dependable fallback for an unsupported Samsung TV when you already own a computer. Crunchyroll lists Chrome 123 or newer, Firefox 123 or newer, Edge 123 or newer and Safari 17.1 or newer on its current supported-device page.
- Connect the computer’s HDMI output to an HDMI input on the TV.
- Press Source on the Samsung remote and select that HDMI input.
- Open a supported browser, visit Crunchyroll and sign in.
- Duplicate or extend the computer display in the operating system’s display settings.
- Move the player to the TV and use browser full-screen mode.
- No signal: choose the correct HDMI source and reseat the cable.
- Only one display: enable duplicate or extend mode in display settings.
- Stuttering: reduce other network activity and close unnecessary tabs.
- Small controls or captions: use full-screen mode and increase display scaling before reducing video quality.
Which method should you choose?
- The app appears in Samsung Apps: install the native app; it requires no extra hardware.
- The app is missing and you own a streaming device: use Google TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV.
- You already own a PlayStation or Xbox: use the console instead of purchasing another device.
- You own neither but have a laptop: HDMI is the no-new-device fallback.
- You want the cleanest account management: subscribe directly through Crunchyroll and use the regular app on your chosen device.
Fix common problems
The app is missing
Check model year, Tizen version, firmware and region, then restart the TV and Smart Hub. If the listing still does not appear, the TV may be unsupported or the app may not be offered in that market. Move to an external device or HDMI rather than repeatedly searching for an unofficial installer.
Login works but playback fails
- Confirm the TV or external device is online.
- Restart the Crunchyroll app and fully restart the TV or device, not just return to Home.
- Try another title to determine whether the problem affects one program, audio track or subtitle language.
- Update the app, device firmware and browser where applicable.
- If playback remains unreliable, use a supported external device or HDMI computer connection.
Smart View or AirPlay does not work
Samsung supports general mirroring and AirPlay on compatible TVs, but support depends on the exact TV, phone, app, network and DRM behavior. Crunchyroll specifically says Smart View is not supported by its Samsung app. Use the native app or a device with its own Crunchyroll app instead of treating mirroring as guaranteed.
You accidentally created a second subscription
Billing follows the platform that sold the membership: Amazon for Fire TV, Roku for the Roku Channel, Apple for the Apple TV Channel and PlayStation for PlayStation purchases. Roku Channel and Apple TV Channel memberships cannot be linked to an existing normal Crunchyroll account. Check the platform’s subscription settings for cancellation and keep only the membership you intend to use. Direct membership is generally the least confusing option.
Before selling or replacing the TV
Open Crunchyroll’s account or device-management controls and sign out of the television. Also remove personal accounts from the Samsung TV and reset the television using Samsung’s account-removal and factory-reset options.
Rank #4
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Samsung Smart TV support Crunchyroll?
No. Crunchyroll generally requires a 2017-or-newer Samsung TV running Tizen OS 3.0 or later, with regional and model-specific availability.
Is Crunchyroll free on Samsung TV?
The app is free to download. Premium access, advertising, catalog availability and features depend on your membership and region.
Can I use Samsung Smart View for Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll says Smart View is not supported by its Samsung TV app, so use the native app or a supported external device instead.
The Bottom Line
Try the Samsung app first. If it is unavailable after checking compatibility, a dedicated streaming device is the most convenient replacement; use a console you already own or HDMI from a laptop when those options are available. Subscribe directly through Crunchyroll unless you deliberately want platform-managed billing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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