When you access Hoopla for the first time, you will have to create an account with the service or log in to your account.
You require an email address, a password, and a public library card number to create an account.
Once your account is in excellent standing, you can use the service on devices compatible with Hoopla, including Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and iOS.
But before going further and accessing the content you want, you will have to activate your device.
How to activate Hoopla
The steps for activating Hoopla on your device are straightforward. All you have to do is download and install the Hoopla app, sign in to your account, get an activation code, and use the code to complete the activation at hoopladigital.com/link.
An advantage of activating your account is you will become the admin who can control all Hoopla TV channels and enable specific TVs to play a Hoopla TV channel.
iOS
You can activate Hoopla on your iOS device by following the steps below:
- Download and install the Hoopla app from the App Store
- Launch the app after installation
- Log in to your Hoopla account or create an account
- Pick your library system
- Agree to the terms and tap on Next
- Enter your library card number and PIN
- Tap on Next and then tap on Continue to start using the service.
If you launch the app and get an activation code, here is what you should do:
- Visit hoopladigital.com/link
- Log in to your account
- Enter the four-digit code displayed
The app will update automatically and allow you to access the content. Note that the steps above are the same for activating Hoopla on Android phones.
The difference is you will have to download the Hoopla app from Google Play Store.
Apple TV
You can access Hoopla content on your Apple TV by first following the steps below:
- Download and install the Hoopla app from the Apple TV app store
- Launch the application
- Log in to your account if needed
- A 4-digit code will display
- Go to hoopladigital.com/link from your computer
- Enter the 4-digit code
If the code is correct, the service will sync your Apple TV to your existing Hoopla account.
Chromecast
If you have a Chromecast, all you have to do is cast your TV to access Hoopla content. You can use your mobile device or tablet to cast. Also, you will have to activate Hoopla on your device before continuing. Do the following:
- Connect your mobile device, tablet, or computer to a Wi-Fi network
- Ensure the device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast or TV with Chromecast built-in
- Open a Chromecast-enabled app
- Tap on the Cast button
- Select the casting device
- Once connected, the Cast button will change color
At this point, you can cast all content from Hoopla directly to your TV. If you want to stop casting, tap on the Cast button and Disconnect.
Roku
You can also access Hoopla on Roku, but you will have to follow the steps below to install and activate it:
- Go to the Home screen using the Roku remote
- Open the Streaming Channels section
- Select Search Channels
- Enter the name Hoopla
- Select the channel after finding it
- Click on Add Channel
- Launch the channel
- Visit hoopladigital.com/link
- Log in to your Hoopla account or create one. You will see a 4-digit code
- Enter the 4-digit code
The Hoopla channel on your Roku will update automatically and sync with your Hoopla account, allowing you to watch movies and TV shows.
Amazon Fire TV
If you have a Fire TV, here is what to do to activate the device:
- Visit the Amazon app store
- Search the term Hoopla
- Install the application
- Launch the Hoopla app
- You will see a welcome page. Click on Next to open the next page
- A 4-digit code will display
- To link Hoopla to TV, visit hoopladigital.com/link
- Log in to your account
- Enter the 4-digit code in the spaces provided
The Hoopla app will sync with your existing Hoopla user account. You can now browse and borrow movies and other content.
Android TV
If you have an Android TV, here’s how to activate Hoopla:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android TV
- Enter the keyword Hoopla
- Click on Install
- Wait for the app to download and install
- Launch the app after the installation
- You will see a code displayed
- Go to hoopladigital.com/link
- Log in to your Hoopla account or create a new account
- Enter the 4-digit code provided
If the code you entered is correct, the app will sync with your Hoopla account and allow you to borrow content or watch Hoopla on TV.
Can you activate Hoopla on Samsung Smart TV?
Unfortunately, the Hoopla app does not support Smart TVs, including the Samsung TV. However, you can get the Hoopla app and stream from Roku, Apple, Fire TV, or Android.
Alternatively, you can cast from your phone to TV via AirPlay or Chromecast. But even for the supported devices, they must be compatible with Hoopla.
Note that Hoopla runs on:
- Windows devices running operating systems 10 and above
- Android devices running operating systems 4.4 and above
- Amazon devices running operating systems 5.0.0 and above
You can also access the service via a web browser. However, it only supports newer Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari versions.
Although Smart TVs have a browser, Hoopla does not run well on the browsers.
Is Hoopla free?
As a service, Hoopla is 100% free. However, you require a library card to access its content. In addition, your local library must be part of the Hoopla database for you to be granted access.
Check whether your local public library has signed up with Hoopla because you will need your library number or ID to access the service.
Can you use Hoopla without a library card?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Hoopla without a library card. When signing up for Hoopla, you have to provide a valid library card from a participating library or one that offers Hoopla as a service.
The participating library must be local and assign you a PIN for your account. Therefore, the first step is to register with your local library before accessing Hoopla Digital.
I can’t activate Hoopla! Solutions that work
If you cannot activate Hoopla, try the following:
- Check to ensure you have entered the correct activation code.
- Uninstall the Hoopla app from your device, reinstall it, and get a new activation code.
- Ensure you have entered the correct login credentials to your Hoopla account.
It is also helpful to ensure you are attempting to activate Hoopla from a compatible device.
Have you activated Hoopla?
You can activate Hoopla on Android, Roku, Fire, and Apple TVs. The service is also accessible on Android phones and iOS devices.
However, Hoopla is not available on Smart TVs. As an alternative, you can cast Hoopla on your TV using AirPlay or Chromecast.