WQED+ is a new streaming app, designed for our qualifying members* — the new home for watching PBS favorites and Pittsburgh stories, all in one place, anywhere you want to watch. Read more about WQED+ here.

*A donation of at least $5/month or $60/year unlocks access to everything WQED+ has to offer our members.

You can find and download through the WQED+ app on Amazon Fire, Android TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, and iOS and Android mobile devices. We’ll soon have WQED+ in LG TV and Samsung app stores as well. You’ll find instructions for getting started with the app on any of these devices further down on this page.

WQED+ is a modern, all-in-one streaming app created for our members. It’s the new home for PBS favorites and Pittsburgh stories, to stream wherever you like to watch.

You’ll find WQED+ re-imagined to be faster, smarter, and more personal. It provides thoughtfully curated collections, personalized recommendations, and the ability to pick up where you left off watching.

Passport is a benefit included in the WQED+ app for qualifying members that unlocks thousands of PBS and local programs on demand. It also works across multiple other platforms, including WQED.org, PBS.org, and the free PBS app. Think of “Passport” as a key. Members who donate at least $5/month or $60/year receive that key to unlock content wherever they want to watch.

If you are a member with a current qualifying donation and Passport account, you can simply download the WQED+ app, and login with that account, and enjoy the upgraded viewing experience. You can also continue to use your Passport account on the other platforms mentioned above.

The free PBS app is the earlier generation of streaming service for our members. It’s available on some, but not all, devices where you can find WQED+.

The free PBS app is not going away. You’re welcome to continue using it if you prefer. But we encourage you to try the WQED+ app to elevate your viewing experience and more easily discover new programs you’ll love to watch.

WQED is the local public television station serving Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. WQED+ is the streaming app that we designed for qualifying members — with our live TV channels as well as thousands of PBS and local programs on demand, complete series and special collections, early access to new episodes and exclusive content, personalized watchlists, curated collections and more. 

There is no change in how you can watch WQED’s broadcast channels on your television or internet-connected devices. Whether you watch via antenna, cable, satellite, or stream on WQED.org, PBS.org, or through Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, or Amazon Prime: nothing is changing. 

To improve your experience and access more content. You’ll find the WQED+ streaming experience to be faster, smarter, and more personal — enabling you to more easily find programs you love to watch, wherever you want to watch them.  

As a qualifying member* using WQED+, you’ll be able to access complete series and special collections and get early access to new episodes and exclusive content, personalized watchlists, curated collections and more. 

*A donation of at least $5/month or $60/year unlocks access to everything WQED+ has to offer our members. 

No. The free PBS app is not going away. We believe you’ll have the best experience with WQED+, but if you prefer to continue using your current app, you will be able to do so.

With the launch of WQED+, we have streamlined account activation so you can more quickly and easily start watching. There are no more four-word tokens and extra steps to log in. Simply log in with the email you used to donate and you’ll be on your way.

If you’re located within our broadcast area, and you are not already a qualifying member, you can still download the app for free and watch livestreams of five WQED channels, previews, and select recent episodes of programs. You will, however, need to create a free PBS.org account, or log in with an existing one, on most devices.

Members who donate at least $5/month or $60/year unlock thousands of PBS and local programs to watch on demand, complete series and special collections, and early access to new episodes and exclusive content. You can make your qualifying donation here.

There are other ways to watch live channels and select content for free. See our ways to watch page for more information. 

Yes, although most people prefer to donate through our secure online form, you can also call or text “GIVE” to 1-800-232-8813 to donate through our secure support center.

PBS Passport offers access to an exclusive library of on-demand streaming to qualifying members of local public television stations, including WQED. 

For members with qualified donations, WQED+ includes Passport and more. 

The Passport library offers thousands of episodes, with new programs being added weekly. The library features episodes from popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece. In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs, and a rotating selection of films. 

Look for the blue “compass rose” icon wherever you watch. (show compass rose image) It indicates content that is available for you to stream on WQED+ as a member donating at least $5/month or $60/year. 

Passport is a benefit included in the WQED+ app for members who donate at least $5/month or $60/year. It cannot be purchased separately. 

1. Go to the Amazon Fire TV Home screen by selecting the Home button on your remote. Then select the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the left side of the screen and search for WQED+. 
2. Click on the WQED+ App.  
3. Click Download.  
4. Wait for the app to install, then proceed to create your account or login (see instructions below). 

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app. 

1. On the remote control, press the HOME  button.

2. Select the Google Play store app in the Apps  category.

Note:  For Android™ 8.0 and some Android 9 models: If the Google Play store is not in the Apps category, select Apps, and then select Google Play store or get more apps.

You will then be taken to Google’s applications store: Google Play, where you can browse applications and download and install them on your TV.

3. On the Google Play store screen, use the navigation buttons of the TV remote control and select the Search icon (looks like a magnifying glass)

Note: If you do not find the Search  icon, press the UP arrow button on the remote control once, then the Search  icon will display on the screen.

4. The input field is displayed on the upper side of the screen. Use the microphone on the remote control or the on-screen keyboard on the TV to search for the app name you want to install.

Using Voice Search

Note: The color and shape of the icon may differ depending on the model or OS version.

1. With the remote control, select the Microphone icon and press the Enter button.

2. When the color of the Microphone icon changes to white  or red, say the name of the app you are searching for in the microphone on the remote control.

Using the on-screen keyboard

1. On the remote control, at the input field on the screen, press the Enter button. The on-screen keyboard will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Note:  The on-screen keyboard is displayed with the following method depending on the model. The color and shape of the icons may also differ depending on the model or OS version.

• On the remote control, if the Microphone icon is white, press the Right arrow button once.
• On the remote control, if the Microphone  icon is red, press the Right  arrow button twice.

2. Enter the name of the app you want to search for (“WQED+”) by using the navigation buttons of the TV remote control and then press the Enter button.

Note:  The Google Play store app may automatically display the apps corresponding to your search phrase. Select the app you wish to install from the search results, and then select Install.

Wait for the app to install, then proceed to create your account or login (see instructions below).

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app.

1. On your Apple TV home screen find the App Store. This will appear as a blue square with a white, stylized “A” made from a pencil, a ruler, and a paintbrush.
2. Select the Magnifying Glass button to Search. It will appear in the upper right corner.
3. Using the onscreen keyboard, enter “WQED”. Press the blue search button to complete the search
4. Select the WQED+ app from the list of results.
5. Select “Get”  to begin downloading the app.
6. Once the app has successfully downloaded, select the Open button.
7. Proceed to create your account or login (see instructions below).

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app.

1. On the left side of the screen, locate the magnifying glass. This will bring up the search function.
2. Using the onscreen keyboard, type in “WQED”.
3. Under the section labeled “Apps and Games” you will see the WQED+ App.
4. Click on the app and you will be taken to the Install screen. Click on the “Install” button and the app will begin to download.
5. Proceed to create your account or login (see instructions below).

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app.

1. On your Roku home screen or on your Roku remote, select the Search option, then use the onscreen keyboard to search for “WQED.”
2. Select the WQED+ app from the list of results.
3. Select ”Add Channel” to begin downloading the app.
4. Once the app has successfully been downloaded, select “OK.” Select the “Go to channel” option, or go back to the home screen of Roku, and click on the WQED+ icon that appears there when you are ready to create your account or sign in (see instructions below).

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app.

If you would like to move the WQED+ app icon to be more prominent on your home screen:

1. Press “Home” on your Roku remote.
2. Press “OK” or the right button on the directional pad to access your app list. The directional pad is plus-shaped and is in the center of your Roku remote.
3. Using the directional pad, highlight the WQED+ app icon.
4. Press Star (*) on your remote to open the Options menu, then select “Move app.”
5. Move the app using the directional pad and press “OK” on your remote when you are satisfied with the new location.

1. Go to your Smart TV’s Home menu by selecting the Home button on your remote.
2. Using your remote’s arrow buttons, highlight the Apps option on the bottom row your Samsung Smart TV’s Home screen. Select the Apps option.
   • If you have a newer Samsung TV model, your Samsung Smart Hub may show on the icons on the side instead of the bottom.If so, select the magnifying glass icon on the left to search the Samsung Smart Hub or select APPS along the middle row to open the apps menu on your smart hub.
3. If you selected the apps option, using your remote arrow buttons again, highlight the magnifying glass icon or search feature within your Smart TV’s Apps screen.
4. If you instead selected the magnifying glass icon to start with, you will already be on the search screen
   • Search Samsung’s available offering by typing “WQED” into the search bar and looking for the WQED+ app.
5. Select the WQED+ app and an option to Install WQED+ will appear in the center of the screen. Select this option.
6. WQED+ will begin installing on your Samsung Smart TV. When the download is complete, you will have the option to open the app from this screen. Proceed to create your account or login (see instructions below).

The WQED+ app icon has also been added to your device. In the future, when you wish to use the WQED+ app, you can simply locate it amongst the other apps on your home screen and click it to open the app.

To start using the app, you’ll need to create an account or sign in using an existing account.

If you already have a PBS or Passport account, you can log into WQED+ using that account – there is no need to create a new account!

Click the app icon to open it. When you first open the app, you will see a screen asking you to sign in or create an account. Select the option that applies to you. (Apple TV also offers an option to skip sign in; note that doing so will limit the functionality of the app and your ability to access the full range of content that’s available for qualified members).

Amazon TV, Android TV, LG, Samsung, Apple TV (with sign-in) only — not Roku:

Next, you will be taken to a page showing you a 6-digit code and telling you to go to WQED.org/activate on your cell phone, tablet or computer. If you prefer, you can instead scan the QR code on the screen with your phone.

Once on wqed.org/activate you will need to enter the code, and you will be taken to a screen confirming if you want to sign in or create a new account. Select the option that applies to you.

If you select “Sign in with a PBS account”, you will be prompted to enter your existing PBS account information.

Roku ONLY:

If your existing account is tied to Facebook, Apple or Google, you will see instructions on the right side of the screen to unlink them by pressing Passport reset. Please follow these instructions, and then sign in.

If you choose to “Create a PBS account”, you will be asked for a first name, last name, email address, and to create a password. Please note that if you are an existing WQED member and have not previously created a Passport account, this is the option for you. Please use the same email address you used for your existing donation when creating your account.

If you signed in with an existing account AND you are a member with a qualifying donation, you will be taken to a screen thanking you for your support. Click “Start watching” to finish the sign-in process and go to the WQED+ member home screen.

If you signed in with an existing account or created a new account, and you are not already a qualifying member, you will be taken to a screen where you can choose from “WQED+ with Passport & more” (the full member unlock of all WQED+ has to offer) on the left, and “WQED+ with limited content” (a free, limited version) on the right.

If you choose “WQED+ with Passport & more”, you will be taken to a screen with a QR code or hyperlink to our donation page (note: on Apple TV, your screen will show an alert that you are being taken to an external website to donate; scan the QR code to be taken to our donation page). Once your donation is received, your app will automatically update to WQED+ with Passport and more. If you choose not to donate, you can click “Maybe later” and still get the free WQED+ limited version.

If you choose to skip sign in by clicking “Maybe later” on your Apple TV, you will be taken to a screen that confirms you are a guest user with limited access to content and personalized functionality. At any time if you would like to sign in or create an account, you can go to Account Settings in the WQED+ app to do so.

To start using the app, you’ll need to create an account or sign in using an existing account.

If you already have a PBS or Passport account, you can log into WQED+ using that account – there is no need to create a new account!

Android / Apple

Click the app icon to open it. You will see a screen showing you a button to “Sign up or sign in.” Click on it.

You will be taken to a screen asking if you want to sign in or create a new account. Select the option that applies to you. (iOS also offers an option to skip sign in by clicking “Maybe later”; note that doing so will limit the functionality of the app and your ability to access the full range of content that is available for qualified members).

If you select “Sign in with a PBS account” you will be prompted to enter your existing PBS account information.

If you choose to “Create a PBS account”, you will be asked for a first name, last name, email address, and to create a password. Please note that if you are an existing WQED member and have not created a Passport account, this is the option for you. Please use the same email address you used for your existing donation when creating your account.

If you signed in with an existing account AND have an active Passport account, you will be taken to a screen thanking you for your support. Click “Start Watching” to finish the sign in process and go to the WQED+ member home screen.

If you signed in with an existing account or created a new account, and you are not already a qualifying member, you will be taken to a screen where you can choose from “WQED+ with Passport & more” (the full member unlock of all WQED+ has to offer) shown on the screen or “WQED+ with limited content” (a free, limited version) when you swipe left to see the second option.

If you choose “WQED+ with Passport & more”, you will be taken to a screen with a QR code or hyperlink to our donation page. Once your donation is received, your app will automatically update to WQED+ with Passport & more. If you choose not to donate, you can click “Maybe later” and still get the free WQED+ limited version.

If you choose to skip sign in on your iOS mobile device, you will be taken to a screen that confirms that you are a guest user with limited access to content and personalized functionality. At any time if you would like to sign in or create an account, you can go to Account Settings in the WQED+ app to do so.

An account is required to use the WQED+ app on most devices. However, Apple devices —Apple TV, iOS – iPhones and iPads — offer an anonymous user option with limitations on functionality and content.

After creating an account and signing in, you’ll be able to access all available content and functionality. If you are signed in and you are a member with a qualifying donation, you’ll unlock thousands of PBS and local programs to watch on demand, complete series and special collections, and early access to new episodes and exclusive content.

In the app, there is a sidebar with icons on the right of the screen. From top to bottom the icons mean:

Magnifying glass is the search feature. Use this to search for shows you know the name of.

House is “Home”, takes you back to the home screen of the WQED+ app.

The TV is “Series”. Use this to see all our TV show selections.

The Clapperboard is “Movies”. Use this to see all our Movie selections.

The next icon looks like a signal icon. This is our “live” option. Use this to watch all 5 WQED channels as you would on traditional television.

The plus in a circle symbol is your “My list.” This is where you can see any series or movies you added to your “My List” as well as your watch history.

The gear is the “setting” option. Go here to check your account status and find contact information for tech support.

FOR FREE ACCOUNTS ONLY: The blue “compass rose” icon at the bottom is the Passport symbol. Go here if you want to donate to WQED and activate WQED+ which includes PBS Passport. You can also donate by clicking on a Passport restricted show indicated by the icon.

Yes! If you’re in our southwestern Pennsylvania broadcast region, you can watch livestreams of WQED TV, PBS KIDS, World, Create, and The 412. 

If you’re elsewhere in the United States, you can still stream live TV if you are a member with a qualifying donation (at least $5/month or $60/year) and have created and logged into your account in the app. 

Due to content rights restrictions, livestreaming through the web and apps is not available in other countries. 

PBS Kids programs are not available to stream on demand in WQED+ or other WQED platforms. Instead, the PBS KIDS Video app gives viewers access to thousands of free videos, including full episodes and clips from top PBS KIDS series. With these options you can watch your favorite PBS KIDS shows anytime, anywhere, in viewing experience designed exclusively for kids. Also, a choice of PBS Kids programming can be found streaming on pbskids.org.

WQED does broadcast PBS Kids 24/7, which is also streaming live in the WQED+ app and on our website and is available for viewing if you’re in our Southwestern Pennsylvania broadcast area.

Unfortunately, international copyright restrictions significantly impact streaming including the PBS Passport benefit outside of the US.

Apple AirPlay is available, and Google Casting is coming soon.

Use the PBS Passport Reset Tool (https://www.pbs.org/passport/reset/) to change the email address you use to access your WQED+ account. If you are a WQED member with a current donation of at least $5/month or $60/year, use the email address you used when you donated to unlock all the content available in the app.

Due to rights and restrictions, some programs do occasionally expire from the PBS Passport catalog. WQED+ for members with qualifying donations of at least $5/month or $60/year has the broadest and deepest programing collections available.

If you are served by another PBS station, please contact your local station or check out their website to find out if they offer a streaming app that includes the PBS Passport benefit. WQED+ with Passport & more is only available to eligible WQED+ members.

Please visit this page or see these instructions on the PBS website.

Issues surrounding privacy and data sharing are extremely important to us. As a not-for-profit institution, our goal is to collect only the information that enables WQED (locally) and PBS (nationally) to provide you with the best viewing experience possible.

For example, a user’s IP address and zip code are used to identify their region so PBS can offer the local station’s content (in other words, when a user in Pittsburgh goes to pbs.org, the IP address and zip are used to localize to wqed.org).

WQED (and likely many other station affiliates) also regularly integrate email addresses from PBS into our database so that if these viewers do choose to further identify themselves to our station (by starting a membership, signing up for one of our newsletters, or RSVPing to an event), we don’t duplicate information and can keep track of their contact preferences. We occasionally use a viewer’s email address to offer programming suggestions or send emails about upcoming events, but one can opt out or unsubscribe from these emails at any time.

We also use viewing data (watch history data) and demographic data, but this information is primarily stored without personally identifying information.

WQED and PBS are committed to protecting viewer and member privacy. To review PBS policies and procedures related to the privacy and data sharing agreement, please visit, https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/privacy-policy/.

PBS Passport is currently available only to a station’s eligible donors who authorize PBS and their local station to share viewing data with each other and their authorized service provider, which is necessary for the delivery of this service. If you do not authorize the sharing of this viewing information, we cannot initiate access to this member benefit. This agreement must be renewed every two years for continued access to the PBS Passport membership benefit. When it is time to renew your agreement, the next time you log in with your Passport-enabled PBS account you will be greeted with a prompt asking you to accept the terms and conditions you have previously agreed to. If you accept the terms and conditions, you will be taken to the PBS.org home page where you can continue to watch your favorite programming. If you decline the terms and conditions, you will be signed out of your Passport-enabled PBS account, and on your next login you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions or decline. Selecting the decline option does not automatically cancel your Passport membership benefit.

No. We only ask that you share your viewing history in the WQED+ app and on WQED.org and PBS.org. The purpose of this is so that we can see what types of content our viewers like and base future programming decisions upon that. Also, it offers a way for WQED to easily communicate with its members and recommend content they may enjoy

We understand that issues of privacy and data sharing are extremely important. As a not-for-profit institution, our goal is to collect only information that enables us to provide the best viewing experience possible.

WQED is committed to protecting users’ privacy. Our policies and procedures can be reviewed in more detail on our website. Click here to read more about our privacy policy.

PBS Passport is currently available only to a station’s eligible donors who authorize PBS and their local station to share viewing data with each other and their authorized service provider, which is necessary for the delivery of this service. If you do not authorize the sharing of this viewing information, we cannot initiate access to this member benefit.

This agreement must be renewed every two years for continued access to the PBS Passport membership benefit. When it is time to renew your agreement, the next time you log in with your Passport-enabled account, you will be greeted with a prompt asking you to accept the terms and conditions you have previously agreed to.

• If you accept the terms and conditions, you will be taken to the PBS.org home page where you can continue to watch your favorite programming.
• If you decline the terms and conditions, you will be signed out of your Passport-enabled account, and on your next login you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions or decline. Selecting the decline option does not automatically cancel your Passport membership benefit. To cancel, please contact us by email at plus@wqed.org or call 412-622-1370 or 888-622-1370 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm).