The ABC app was discontinued on mobile devices and Connected TV platforms on September 23, 2024, and ABC.com is now the official streaming home for full episodes, live TV, and 24/7 streaming channels. To watch ABC shows online, you need to go directly to ABC.com, where you can stream content either for free or by signing in with a participating TV provider.
What happened to the abc app?
As of September 23, 2024, the ABC app is no longer available on mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets) and Connected TV platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Tizen, Google Chromecast). ABC’s official update directs all viewers to ABC.com, which now provides full episodes, Live TV, 24/7 streaming channels, and more. The older mobile-app workflow documented in ABC’s help pages no longer applies because the app itself was discontinued.
How to watch ABC shows on ABC.com
Navigate to ABC.com in any web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. Find a show by browsing the main menu or using the search bar. Each episode page displays either a play button for free unlocked content or a lock symbol for episodes that require a TV provider sign-in. Free unlocked content is available immediately with no sign-in required, while locked episodes show a “VERIFY TO WATCH” label. Show and episode availability are subject to change.
Sign in with your TV provider to unlock everything
To access every available episode and live TV, you must sign in with a participating TV provider account. Follow these steps:
- Select any episode that displays a lock symbol, or go to the LIVE page on ABC.com.
- A pop-up list of participating TV providers in your area appears. You can search for your provider if it is not immediately visible.
- Select your provider and sign in using the username and password provided by your cable or satellite company.
- Once signed in, the lock icons on episodes are removed, and you can stream full episodes and live TV immediately.
Signing in once links your TV provider account, so you do not need to re-enter credentials each time. Access to every available episode depends on this sign-in, and your TV provider’s programming package must include ABC.
What you can watch for free without a TV provider
ABC.com offers free “Unlocked Channels” that require no sign-in at all. These are 24/7 streaming channels featuring select ABC content. Additionally, some individual episodes are marked as free and can be watched without a TV provider account. However, full recent episodes and the majority of on-demand content are locked behind the TV provider sign-in. Live TV streaming may be one of the app's coolest features, but this is also the origin of one of their biggest downsides. As mentioned earlier, the live streaming option is only available in selected areas. To know if your area supports the service, you would need to contact your local ABC station. If you are looking for other free streaming options, you might explore the 15 best free TV streaming apps that are legit and safe, or check out the top 16 free movie apps you should try out for additional entertainment without a cable subscription.
Troubleshooting TV provider sign-in problems
If you encounter an authorization error when trying to play locked content or live streaming, the official fix is straightforward. First, go to your account settings on ABC.com and sign out of your TV provider listing. If account authorization fails on locked content or live streaming, ABC support says to tap Account, tap Sign Out under the TV provider listing, confirm Sign Out, force quit the app, relaunch, then go back to Account and sign back in. If the error persists, contact your TV provider directly to verify that your programming package includes ABC and that your login information is current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ABC shows without cable?
Yes, you can watch free unlocked channels and select free episodes on ABC.com without any cable subscription or TV provider sign-in. For full recent episodes and live TV, you need a participating TV provider account. There is no standalone subscription option for ABC.com itself.
Is ABC.com available outside the United States?
ABC.com and all ABC streaming services are only available within the United States and its territories. Using a VPN may technically allow access, but it is not officially supported and may violate ABC’s terms of service.
Can I download episodes from ABC.com for offline viewing?
No, ABC.com does not offer offline downloads. The ABC app does not have an offline playback option so you would really need an internet connection before you could watch anything there. You must have an active internet connection to stream any content, whether free or unlocked via TV provider sign-in.
What devices can I use to watch on ABC.com?
The discontinued ABC app previously supported iOS 14.0 and above and Android 7.0 and above, but those requirements are historical and no longer apply to current streaming.
Why do some episodes still show a lock after I signed in?
This usually means your TV provider’s programming package does not include ABC, or your login credentials are outdated. If the issue continues, contact your TV provider to verify your package.
