AARP Streams: The Official AARP Roku Channel
While you won't find a generic "AARP Channel," the organization offers a specific application called AARP Streams in the Roku Channel Store. This free app serves as the primary hub for AARP's video content on Roku devices. Within this app, you can access a variety of entertainment curated for a grownup audience, such as:
- Movies for Grownups: Browse and watch virtual screenings of hidden gems, new releases, and beloved classics.
- AARP Theater: Enjoy special virtual shows, including plays, musicals, and ballets, from the comfort of your home.
- AARP Member Content: For AARP members, the app provides access to exclusive and premium content, including additional films and documentaries.
How to Install the AARP Streams Channel on Roku
Installing the AARP Streams app is a straightforward process that anyone with a Roku device can complete. No AARP membership is needed to download the app or create the necessary AARP online account.
- On your Roku home screen, navigate to the Search feature.
- Type "AARP Streams" into the search bar.
- Select the AARP Streams app when it appears in the search results.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- Once installed, open the app to begin the pairing process.
The AARP Account and Pairing Process
To access content after installation, you will need to link the Roku app to an AARP online account. This account is free to create for both members and non-members.
- Account Creation: If you don't have one, visit the AARP website to create a free online account.
- Pairing: When you first open the AARP Streams app on your Roku, it will display a unique 6-character pairing code.
- Linking: On a computer or mobile device, go to watch.aarp.org/tv. Log in with your AARP online account and enter the 6-character code from your TV to connect your accounts.
AARP Content Availability: Streams vs. Website
It's important to understand the differences in how AARP content is offered. The AARP Streams app and the website provide access to different types of programming.
| Feature | AARP Streams Roku App | AARP Website (aarp.org) |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Curated movies (Movies for Grownups) and virtual theater productions (AARP Theater). | Wider variety of videos, including news, health, and lifestyle topics. Also hosts livestreams and special events. |
| Availability | Available on Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. | Accessible on any device with a web browser, including mobile phones and computers. |
| Live Events | Watch AARP Theater events, which often require pre-registration on the website first. | Register for and watch AARP Theater shows and other virtual events. |
| Playback | Full-screen TV experience controlled by the Roku remote. | Typically viewed within a browser, though casting to a TV is possible. |
| Registration | Requires pairing with an AARP online account after installation. | Requires a login for specific features like event registration. |
Troubleshooting and Tips for Watching
If you encounter issues while setting up or watching content on the AARP Streams app, consider these tips:
- Internet Connection: Ensure your Roku device has a strong and stable internet connection to prevent buffering or playback issues.
- Account Verification: Double-check that your AARP online account is correctly logged in on the pairing website (watch.aarp.org/tv) before entering the 6-character code.
- Captioning: To enable closed captions, navigate to the Accessibility & Language menu on your Roku device and turn them on.
- Eventive App: Some AARP Theater shows are hosted on the Eventive platform. For these specific shows, you may need to install the Eventive TV app and use it to watch the content you registered for on the AARP website.
Conclusion
In summary, AARP does offer a dedicated Roku channel called AARP Streams. This free app provides access to a curated selection of movies, virtual theater productions, and other video content for viewers. To get started, simply search for and install "AARP Streams" from the Roku Channel Store and pair the app with a free AARP online account. While the AARP Streams app focuses on specific entertainment, a broader range of videos and virtual events is available on the AARP website. This dual approach ensures that viewers have multiple ways to engage with AARP's content, whether through their TV or a web browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the AARP Streams app? A: AARP Streams is the official Roku channel and app for AARP, providing access to exclusive movies, documentaries, and virtual theater productions for a grownup audience.
Q: Do you need an AARP membership to watch content on Roku? A: No, an AARP membership is not required to download the AARP Streams app or watch the general content. You only need to create a free AARP online account to link your devices.
Q: How do I find the AARP channel on Roku? A: You can find the AARP channel by going to the search function on your Roku home screen and typing "AARP Streams".
Q: Are AARP Theater shows always available to watch? A: No, AARP Theater shows are often live, one-time events that are not available on-demand. You must pre-register for them on the AARP website and watch at the scheduled time.
Q: What is the pairing code for the AARP Streams app? A: The pairing code is a unique, 6-character code that appears on your TV screen when you first open the app. You must enter this code at watch.aarp.org/tv to link your device.
Q: Is AARP Streams available on other devices besides Roku? A: Yes, AARP Streams also has dedicated apps for Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV devices.
Q: What if I lose my internet connection during a live show? A: A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is recommended to avoid interruptions during live events. Since most theater events are not available on-demand, you may miss content if your connection is lost for an extended period.
