Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add the Cascade PBS app?
The Cascade PBS app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Google/Android TV & Chromecast, and Samsung TVs. Visit cascadepbs.org/apps to learn more and download the right app for your device.
To install it, open the app store or channel store on your device and search for "Cascade PBS". Select the app and begin downloading. Depending on your device, you may be asked to enter your PIN or passcode to complete the installation.
What is the difference between the Cascade PBS app and the PBS streaming app?
The Cascade PBS app is a localized version of the general PBS, specifically designed to reflect the programming and branding unique to Cascade PBS. While both offer access to same library for Passport and free on-demand streaming content, the Cascade PBS app emphasizes programming relevant to viewers within our local broadcast area, including local news, documentaries, and programming featuring the Pacific Northwest.
How do I log into my account?
Once the app is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in. You’ll be prompted to log in using your PBS account email and password—this should be the same email linked to your Cascade PBS membership.
An account is required to use the Cascade PBS app on most devices.
After signing in, you’ll be able to access all available content, including Passport shows if you’re an active member.
If you have trouble logging in or forgot your password, visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/reset to reset your credentials.
Do I need to be a member to use the Cascade PBS app?
If you're located within our broadcast area, you do not need a membership to access much of the content. You can enjoy free video-on-demand and livestreams of Cascade PBS, WORLD, and PBS Kids* directly in the app.
However, if you're outside the local viewing area, or if you'd like to watch Passport-exclusive shows, you’ll need a Cascade PBS Passport membership (starting at $60 per year).
To sign up for Cascade PBS Passport visit https://cascadepbs.org/passport
*Livestreams are only available in the U.S. due to rights restrictions.
Can I watch Live TV through the Cascade PBS app?
Yes! If you’re in the Seattle-area broadcast region, you can watch livestreams of Cascade PBS, WORLD, and PBS Kids through the app at no cost.
If you're elsewhere in the United States, you can still stream live TV with an active Cascade PBS Passport membership.
Due to content rights restrictions, livestreaming through the web and apps is not available in Canada at this time.
Are casting features available for the Cascade PBS app?
No. Apple AirPlay and Google Casting are not supported at this time, however this feature is expected to be available for both by the end of the year.
Does the Cascade PBS app offer in-app purchases
No, the Cascade PBS does not offer in-app purchases. However, a membership through a donation of $60 or more annually is required to access Passport streaming.
If you're located within our broadcast area, you do not need a membership to access much of the content. You can enjoy free video-on-demand and livestreams of Cascade PBS, WORLD, and PBS Kids* directly in the app.
If you're outside the local viewing area, or if you'd like to watch Passport-exclusive shows, you’ll need a Cascade PBS Passport membership (starting at $60 per year).
Why am I blocked from Passport and being asked to donate?
From time to time, active Passport members will encounter an issue where they are blocked from streaming Passport programming and met with a display asking for them to donate and become a member.
The way to resolve the issue is to log out of cascadepbs.org and login with your account directly at pbs.org. Once you've logged in there, return to cascadepbs.org, login and try the program again.
If these steps do not work, please let us know.
Can I stream Passport with Comcast Xfinity?
Yes! While the Cascade PBS app is not available through Comcast Xfinity, the PBS app can be used to access the entire Passport and free on-demand streaming library directly through Comcast Xfinity devices. No activation fee is required to activate or use the PBS app.
The following Comcast devices are currently supported:
- Comcast X1 boxes (Comcast Cable subscribers)
- Comcast Flex boxes
- Xfinity Xumo Stream boxes (Please note: only Xfinity Xumo boxes are supported. Non-Xfinity Xumo boxes are not supported at this time.)
Searching the PBS App
In order to use the PBS app on your Comcast device, you will first need to locate it. The PBS app is already pre-installed on Comcast devices, so you will not be required to download or install it on your device.
Where or how you can search on your Comcast device will depend on the specific device you have. For Flex devices, there is a search icon at the top left of the Home screen. On Comcast X1 boxes, you will need to select the Xfinity button on your remote and then click to the right to select the Search option. If your device does not have a search option available, you will need to locate the Apps section on your device's Home screen and select the PBS app from the "New & Recommended" category.
If your Comcast remote has a built in voice search, you can press and hold the voice command button to search for "PBS app". You will specifically need to search by "PBS app" when using the voice search. While
Activating the PBS App
Once you have located the PBS app on your device, select the PBS app icon. A screen will appear prompting you to activate the PBS app. Select Activate Now.
Activation instructions will appear on the screen along with a 7-character, alphanumeric activation code.
Every device has its own unique code, so double-check your device's code before proceeding.
For Step 1, you will need to use a mobile device or computer to visit PBS.org/activate or use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code on the TV screen to be taken directly to PBS.org/activate.
Enter your unique code listed in Step 2 into the Activation Code box on PBS.org/activate. Select Continue.
You will then be prompted to sign in with a PBS account or through Google, Facebook, or Apple.
If you have the PBS Passport benefit, sign in with the same account you originally linked to your Passport benefit.
If you do not have one of these account options, select Not registered yet? Create a PBS Account. Click here to learn more about creating a PBS account.
Once you have signed in with an account, you'll received a message that your device was successfully activated.
Return to your Comcast device's PBS app. The screen will update to show the app's Home screen where you can begin exploring and viewing our available offerings.
Does Cascade PBS share my data?
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 Cascade PBS (locally) and PBS (nationally) to provide you the best online 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 Seattle goes to pbs.org, the IP address and zip are used to localize to cascadepbs.org).
Cascade PBS (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 viewers email address to offer programming suggestions or send emails about upcoming events, etc. 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.
Cascade PBS 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.