Why am I receiving the error, "You need to upgrade to the ad-free version of [steaming service] to watch this title on this device."?
This means you have a subscription plan that includes advertisements. Roku has rules for streaming services with commercials that we can’t fulfill as an add-on service. The VidAngel Roku app can only work with ad-free plans.
Streaming service plans that will not work on the Roku app
Ad-supported streaming services are becoming increasingly popular. These services typically offer either a reduced charge or no charge to view content interrupted by commercials. Roku has unique rules for streaming services with commercials that we can’t fulfill as an add-on service (meaning, we don't provide the content--just the filters). We're not the cake, but we are a delious layer of frosting.
Because of this, content from these service plans will not play on the VidAngel Roku app:
- Netflix Standard with ads
- Prime with Ads
- Paramount+ Essential
- Amazon Paramount+ Essential
- Amazon AMC+ with ads
- Peacock Premium
Only able to watch the first episode
Sometimes, the first episode of a TV series plays on Roku (or on other devices), even if you don’t have an ad-free play, or even if you don't have a subscription! Why? Because it’s like a free sample at the grocery store—enticing, but then you want more. This is often a promotional feature to let users watch the first episode ad-free or at no cost.
This means that it is possible to be able to watch the first episode on the VidAngel Roku app, but to then get this error for subsequent episodes.
How to watch shows on your Roku
To watch with VidAngel filters on your Roku, you will need to upgrade to an ad-free subscription.
You're probably already frustrated (you're here reading a troubleshooting Help Center article, after all), but we want to help! Here is how you can upgrade each streaming service to an ad-free plan:
UPGRADE NETFLIX
If you would like to watch Netflix content on the VidAngel Roku app, then you will need to upgrade your Netflix subscription to Standard (without ads) or Premium.
You can upgrade here: Netflix Change Plans
- Select the profile icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select "Account" from the drop-down menu.
- Under the "Membership Details" section, you can view your current plan.
- To change, you can select "Change plan."
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Netflix connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please log out and back in to the VidAngel app.
UPGRADE PEACOCK
If you would like to watch Peacock content on the VidAngel Roku app, then you will need to upgrade your Peacock subscription to Premium Plus.
You can upgrade to Premium Plus here: Peacock Account: Plans & Payment
- Select the profile icon in the upper-right corner. You'll be brought to a new page.
- Select "Account" in the upper-right corner.
- If needed, input your Peacock credentials and click "Sign In."
- Under the "Plans & Payment" tab, you can view "Your Plan":
- To change, you can select "Change Plan."
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Peacock connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please log out and back in to the VidAngel app.
UPGRADE AMAZON PRIME
If you would like to watch Prime content on the VidAngel Roku app, then you will need to upgrade your Prime subscription to be Ad-free. Please be aware that Amazon has stated that even if you upgrade your Prime to ad-free, this does not impact possible ads on your other Amazon Channels, such as Paramount+ and AMC+. If your show is from one of those services, it requires a separate upgrade.
You can upgrade to Ad-Free Prime Video here: Amazon Prime Account & Settings
Or to manually navigate, go to:
- Sign in at www.amazon.com
- Select "Prime Video" from the top menu bar.
- Select your account profile icon (near top left)
- Select "Account & Settings."
- Select the "Go ad free" button.
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Amazon connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please try to log out and back into the VidAngel app.
UPGRADE AMAZON AMC+
Please be aware that Amazon has stated that even if you upgrade your Prime to ad-free, this does not impact possible ads on your other Amazon Channels, such as Paramount+ and AMC+. Both Prime and Amazon AMC+ need to be upgraded separately to ad-free.
IMPORTANT: Some AMC+ shows include pre-roll commercials for their own content, even on ad-free plans. Titles with these pre-rolls ads won't work when casting on VidAngel. |
You can upgrade to Ad-free Amazon AMC+ here: Amazon Channel's AMC+
Or to manually navigate, go to:
- Sign in at www.amazon.com
- Select "Prime Video" from the top menu bar.
- Select your account profile icon (near top left)
- Select "Account & Settings."
- Select the "Subscriptions" tab.
- Select "Change Plan."
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Amazon connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please try to log out and back into the VidAngel app.
UPGRADE AMAZON PARAMOUNT+
Please be aware that Amazon has stated that even if you upgrade your Prime to ad-free, this does not impact possible ads on your other Amazon Channels, such as Paramount+ and AMC+. Both Prime and Paramount+ need to be upgraded separately to ad-free.
| IMPORTANT: Some Amazon Paramount+ shows include pre-roll commercials for their own content, even on ad-free plans. Titles with these pre-rolls ads won't work when casting on VidAngel. |
You can upgrade to Ad-Free Amazon Paramount+ here: Amazon Channel's Paramount+
Or to manually navigate, go to:
- Sign in at www.amazon.com
- Select "Prime Video" from the top menu bar.
- Select your account profile icon (near top left)
- Select "Account & Settings."
- Select the "Subscriptions" tab.
- Select "Change Plan."
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Amazon connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please try to log out and back into the VidAngel app.
UPGRADE PARAMOUNT+ (standalone)
If you would like to watch Paramount+ content on the VidAngel Roku app, then you will need to upgrade your Paramount+ subscription to Premium.
You can upgrade here: Paramount+: Switch your plan
- Select the profile icon near the upper-right corner.
There may be a Go Ad-Free button right there! - Select "Account" from the drop-down menu.
- Under the "Subscription & Billing" section, you can view your current plan.
- To change, you can select "Upgrade"
Once you've upgraded, you will need to refresh your Paramount+ connection on VidAngel. If you continue to see this error even after upgrading and refreshing the connection, then please log out and back in to the VidAngel app.
Other options
Rent/Buy on Amazon Video
If a title is also available via Amazon Video rent/buy, then you can rent/buy that title to watch it without ads on the VidAngel Roku app.
Watch on a different device
Consider giving your Roku a break. VidAngel works seamlessly with ad-based plans on the following devices:
- Apple TV
- Google or Android TV
- Fire TV or Firestick
- Android mobile
- Apple mobile
- Computer on our website
To see how to use VidAngel on these devices, go here: DEVICE SET UP