Frequently Asked Questions

What is LocalBTV?

If you live in one of our available US markets, LocalBTV brings local TV stations to your smartphone, laptop, or connected TV—simply launch and you’re live! The LocalBTV app makes it easy to change channels with a flick of your finger or your TV remote. It has a channel guide with two weeks of program information, a DVR with 1TB of storage, and is supported on all major mobile, tablet and connected TV platforms (Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku). Watch anytime, in your living room or on the go.



LocalBTV Features

LocalBTV brings the local television experience to the devices you love to watch!

  • Guide: Browse with a simple swipe of your finger. Swipe right or left, up or down — our fast, responsive guide lets you see what’s available now and even up to two weeks into the future.
  • Channel Surfing: Swipe the video to easily flip between local broadcast channels
  • Recordings: record your favorite shows to your cloud DVR, then play them back on your own schedule. The DVR has 1TB of storage, which holds 300 hours of programming!
  • Chromecast or AirPlay: “Cast” your favorite shows from your mobile device to the big screen.
  • Customized Channel List: Save time and effort by choosing to see only the channels you’re interested in watching
  • Closed Captions
  • Pause, rewind, fast-forward



The app says I can’t watch because of my location. Why is that?

LocalBTV content is only available to viewers in available US markets when they are currently their within the market they signed up for. If you are currently located in a zip code that is not in your market then content will be blocked, If you are a new user signing up, please check here if your zip code is in one of our markets. If you are already signed up and believe you are getting this message in error, please contact us to let us know.



I’m having problems with video quality

Most video problems are caused by low or inconsistent bandwidth from WiFi or your mobile provider’s data connection. If you are experiencing freezing or poor-quality video, try moving to an area with better mobile or WiFi coverage. If that doesn’t fix the problem, send us a note at support@localbtv.com.



Why should I get LocalBTV?

As people watch more video from nationwide streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, they are missing out on local TV programming, including local news. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get local stations so they can stay connected to the community, stay on top of important local issues and take advantage of everything living in their community has to offer!



How is LocalBTV different from cable or satellite?

LocalBTV streams local broadcast stations only, so it features channels you can only get in your area – local programming, comedy, movies, family-friendly channels, and classic TV shows as well as channels serving bilingual viewers. You’ll discover channels you probably didn’t know existed! The free version has 25 or more channels, but when we release our paid premium version you’ll get more than 50 local stations including the major network stations.



What channels will I be able to watch?

Please check our Markets page to see if we're in your area and currently available channels. Channels include local news and entertainment networks in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and more depending on your area. Other stations such as the major networks (ABC, NBC, etc) will be available in the future. No matter how far you are from TV transmitters or how many hills or buildings are in the way, there are no problems with antenna reception or interference with LocalBTV.



How do I activate LocalBTV on my Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV or Roku?

Please follow these steps to activate LocalBTV on your TV device:

  1. Install and start the LocalBTV app on your TV device (Roku, Apple TV, etc)
  2. The app will display a 6 digit “activation code”
  3. Using a web browser on your phone or computer, go to https://activate.localbtv.com
  4. If you are not already logged in, you will be asked to login to your LocalBTV account.
  5. Once you are logged in, you will be asked to enter your activation code.
  6. Enter the 6 digit code from step 2 and click “Submit”
  7. Within a few seconds, LocalBTV on your TV should detect the activation

If you’re still having issues, please contact us for further assistance.