How to Stream Live TV on Xbox Series X or S
Since Xbox Series X and S don’t work with USB TV tuners, the only way to watch live television is to use an app that streams live television. These apps have subscription services that you can also use on your computer, phone, and other devices. In addition to a subscription, you also need a high-speed internet connection. Here’s how to stream live television on your Xbox Series X or S:
Xbox Series X or S Television Streaming Apps
The Xbox Series X or S store has apps for many different streaming services that include live television. If you already have a subscription to a television streaming service, you can go ahead and search for that service in the store. If it has an app on Xbox Series X or S, you’ll find it there. If you don’t find one, check with your service provider to see if they have an app or plan to introduce one. If you don’t already subscribe to a live television streaming service, here are some options that work on Xbox Series X or S:
YouTube TV: This television streaming service from YouTube offers more than 85 channels of live television, including Fox, NBC, and ABC in most markets, and a ton of basic cable channels. fuboTV: This sports-centric service offers over 200 channels depending on your location, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in many areas, a bunch of basic cable channels, and international sports channels. Sling TV: This flexible service offers two different plans that are both cheaper than most live television streaming services. They only provide local channels in a limited number of markets, though. Pluto TV: This free service lets you stream live television, but it’s slightly different from the others. Instead of streaming live versions of existing cable channels, it has live streams of programming taken from Viacom’s properties and arranged into channels like History, Cars, and Military. Spectrum: This app allows you to stream live television, but only if you’re a Spectrum television subscriber. It isn’t available to non-subscribers or people who don’t live within Spectrum’s territory.
Your Xbox Series X or S can also access a ton of on-demand television shows through a variety of apps. If you have a favorite streaming service, it probably has an app. These apps don’t stream live television, but they do let you stream shows on demand. Here are some options:
Why Can’t You Watch Live TV on Xbox Series X or S With a TV Tuner?
The Xbox One included an HDMI input that allowed you to plug in your cable box, another game console, or just about any other HDMI device, which would then pass through the Xbox to your television. Because of that option, Microsoft included an app called One Guide. If you bought a compatible USB TV tuner and plugged it into your Xbox One, you were able to watch over the air live television through the One Guide app. Then you could stream and pause live tv, to your phone or computer, and several other valuable features. While most Xbox One accessories work just fine with the Xbox Series X and S, USB TV tuners won’t function without One Guide. Unless Microsoft releases One Guide for the Series X and S, or someone makes an app that Microsoft approves, you won’t be able to watch live TV on your Xbox Series X or S with a TV tuner.
