As convenient as streaming services are, using them across multiple devices and locations takes a bit of planning. But with the right subscription plan and supported devices, enjoying Sling TV wherever you find yourself is possible.
The key to accessing Sling on different devices lies in their subscription plans. Some support streaming on multiple gadgets simultaneously, while others limit you to one stream.
As long as you choose a plan that allows streaming on multiple devices, you can watch shows on your phone on the train and pick them back up on your laptop at home.
Read on to learn more details about how you can watch Sling TV from multiple locations, wherever you go.
How does Sling TV’s multi-location streaming work?
Sling TV offers streaming on multiple devices depending on your subscription service plan. The number of concurrent streams allowed determines how many gadgets you can watch Sling on simultaneously when in different places. The plans are:
1. Sling Orange
You get access to over 30 channels with the option to add extras like specialty networks and premiums. With the base Orange plan, you can stream on one device at a time.
So, if you start watching CNN on your phone on the morning commute, you won’t be able to simultaneously stream ESPN on your laptop at home without interrupting the phone stream.
2. Sling Blue
This package unlocks over 40 channels plus the option for add-ons. The key advantage over Orange is getting three concurrent streams instead of just one. Hence, you can watch your shows on up to three devices concurrently.
3. Sling Orange + Blue
Gives you the best of both services, with one Orange stream and three Blue streams. You get access to over 50 channels plus extras with streaming flexibility.
The single Orange stream applies to the six channels exclusive to that package, allowing for only one concurrent viewer. The three Blue streams apply to the rest of the combined channel lineup.
What locations can I access Sling TV in?
The streaming service is currently only available directly in the United States and Puerto Rico. This covers all 50 states and the Caribbean territory for viewing on home Wi-Fi or mobile data connections.
The reason behind the regional availability is licensing restrictions. Content providers and networks have complex legal arrangements that dictate what platforms and areas their programming can appear on.
Since Sling partners with various major channels and studios to supply its lineups, it has to adhere to geographic limitations based on those distribution contracts.
How to watch Sling TV on multiple devices
To take advantage of Sling TV’s multi-device streaming, there are a few simple steps to follow:
1. Ensure you have a compatible device
You can access Sling through streaming sticks, smart TV platforms, mobile devices, and more. They include the following:
- Amazon Fire TV Devices
- AirTV Devices
- iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad)
- Apple TV (4th Gen. or later)
- Android Tablets/Smartphones (Android 5 Lollipop and above)
- Chromebook
- Chromecast
- Google Nest
- Google Chrome Browser
- Microsoft Edge Browser
- Safari Browser
- LG Smart TVs (webOS 3 and above)
- Samsung Smart TV
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Roku
- VIZIO SmartCast TV (2016 and newer models)
- XBOX
- Xfinity Flex
2. Download the Sling TV app
Once you have a compatible device, download the Sling TV app from the appropriate app store.
For example, get it from the Play Store on Android devices. The App Store serves Apple TV, iPhones, and iPads.
Smart TV platforms like Roku and Fire TV have their channel stores from which to fetch the app.
3. Select your streaming channels
Once the app is downloaded, pick the shows you want to watch. Based on your plan, consider the number of concurrent streams.
For example, if you have Sling Orange + Blue, channels exclusive to Orange have a limit of one stream, while Blue channels allow up to three, as we already mentioned.
4. Avoid overlapping streams
Be strategic in how you use streams across different devices. If two people try to watch the single permitted Orange stream simultaneously, one will be blocked.
So coordinate viewing schedules within your household to prevent overlapping restricted streams.
To do this, you can set up a unique Sling profile for each family member. This makes monitoring current streams very easy to avoid conflicts or overages. Plus, personalized profiles allow custom channel selections.
5. Sign out of unused devices
Always sign out of the Sling TV app when you are done streaming on any given device for the day. An unused but still signed-in TV Everywhere, for example, still counts as an active stream. So signing out frees up streams and gives you the most flexible access across gadgets.
6. Update your channel list to get local channels
Sling TV needs permission to pinpoint your location and provide your local broadcast stations if you travel.
On an iPhone:
- head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- enable location access for the Sling TV app.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Sling TV > Permissions.
- Turn on location access for the app.
Next, check your device’s settings to confirm the location is switched on. Finally, close out and restart the Sling TV app. This prompts Sling to check your location again and update your channel lineup with available locals in your viewing area.
FAQs
To help clarify a few key points about Sling TV’s multi-device streaming, here are some common questions:
Does watching on-demand content count as a stream?
Yes, viewing video-on-demand (VOD) programs through Sling is counted as one active stream.
So, if you are using your full stream allowance to watch live TV, launching an on-demand show would temporarily interrupt one of those feeds. Plan your VOD watching carefully within your allowed streams.
Can I have up to 4 simultaneous streams?
With a Sling Orange + Blue subscription, you can stream four shows concurrently across properly allocated channels.
You would select one single-stream Orange channel for device one and then pick three separate multi-stream Blue channels for gadgets two, three, and four.
Comedy Central, for example, is in both lineups, but trying to watch two Comedy Central streams at once would block the second feed.
Should I use a VPN to stream sling abroad?
Sling’s services are currently only authorized for viewer access in the United States and Puerto Rico.
While there may be the temptation to bypass this with a VPN or proxy, we strongly recommend abiding by the broadcasting rules and restrictions for ethical reasons.