Setting up
To download the Kanopy app on your Roku device, navigate from the Roku home screen to Streaming Channels > Search Channels > and Search for “Kanopy”. Select the Kanopy app and Add Channel. The Kanopy channel should appear on your Roku’s home screen.
If you get stuck, check out Roku’s guide to adding channels to your device.
When you first open the Kanopy app, you’ll be presented with two options:
- If you’re a new user and need to create an account, select “Get Started”
- If you’re a returning user and already have a Kanopy account, select “Log In”
New Users: Get Started
In order to play films, you’ll first need to create a new Kanopy account. Follow the instructions on the “Get Started” screen:
- Go to www.kanopy.com/tv on your computer or mobile device
- Enter the code on your TV
- Follow the steps to create your account
Once your account has been created, your TV screen will automatically refresh and log you into the app.
Returning Users: Log In
If you have an existing Kanopy account, select “Log In” to log into your account.
Log In to Kanopy using Email & Password
If you already have an email address and password associated with your Kanopy account, you can log in directly from your device.
- Enter your email address
- Enter your password
- Select “Log In”
See also: Changing your email address or password
Link Your Kanopy Account
- Go to kanopy.com/link on your computer or mobile device
- Log into your Kanopy account
- Enter the code on your TV screen
Once your account is linked, your TV screen should automatically refresh. To generate a new code, simply return to the previous screen and select “Get Started” again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Roku devices can I use to access Kanopy?
Kanopy will appear and play on any Roku device that is currently supported by Roku and receiving software updates. If you are unsure if your device is receiving updates, you can check on your Roku by going to Settings -> System -> About. If the Software version listed on this screen is 7.7.0 or higher, Kanopy will play on your device.
Where do I enter the linking code?
To enter your linking code, go to www.kanopy.com/link, or select “Link Your Device” from the Kanopy iOS or Android app. If you’re not signed in to your account, you’ll be prompted to log in before you can enter the code.
Kanopy partners with libraries to bring you access to films. Be sure you have a valid library added to your Kanopy account before linking your device.
See also: Creating a Kanopy account
Where can I find the settings?
You can access Kanopy app settings by navigating to the right from the top menu. Use your Roku remote to navigate to the Settings screen. From Settings, you can select a different library you’re a member of, check your account details, or log out of the app.
How can I access my other membership(s)?
Go to the channel settings and press the * button on your remote to display a list of your memberships. Select a membership (denoted by the green light) from the list to switch to access that membership's content on your Roku. Open the Settings menu and click Home to reload your screen.
Can I add multiple Kanopy accounts at a time to my Roku?
Only 1 Kanopy account can be linked to your Roku at a time. If you would like to access another account on your Roku, follow the instructions to log out of your account.
Can I link my account to multiple Roku devices?
Yes! You can link your account to as many Roku devices as you’d like.
How do I log out of my account?
Navigate to Settings from the top menu and select “Log Out” under “My Library”. Press OK to confirm.
If you’d like to relink your account or a different account, select “Link Device” and follow the onscreen instructions.
How do I know if a film is closed captioned?
Select a film to display its details. The CC icon will be displayed beneath the title if the title is closed captioned.
How do I access closed captions/subtitles?
Press the * button on your Roku remote while the film is playing. A screen will appear with "Captions mode" highlighted. While this is highlighted, press the OK button on the remote until "On always" appears. Click down and select "Close" to save and exit the caption options.
If you are having trouble viewing closed captions when viewing from your Roku, please ensure that you have the latest software version installed.
How do I add films to my Watchlist?
Select a film to open up the its details. Press the down arrow so that “+ Add to Watchlist” is selected then press OK to add the film to your Watchlist. Press OK again if you would like to remove the film.
Where do I access my Watchlist?
From the Kanopy home screen, navigate to “My Lists”. Click down to select between the “Continue Watching” and “Watchlist” tabs. The films you’ve added to your watchlist will appear under “Watchlist”.
How do I know how many play credits I have remaining?
The number of play credits you have remaining for the month will appear at the top right of your TV screen. To learn more about how these play credits work, go here.
How do I find films I’ve already viewed?
From the Kanopy home screen, navigate to “My Lists”. Click down to select between the “Continue Watching” and “Watchlist” tabs. The films you’ve previously started watching but haven’t completed will appear under “Continue Watching”.
The screen is being cut off and I cannot see the sidebar. How do I fix this?
Go to your TV settings and adjust the aspect ratio/picture size. Some TVs will display an option to fit to screen - select this option if it is displayed. Otherwise, you can select the listed aspect ratio of your TV.
Can I access Kanopy on Roku if I do not belong to a subscribing library?
In order to access the films on Kanopy, you will need a Kanopy account that has been linked to a subscribing library. To find out if your library participates, check here.
Can I access Kanopy on Roku if I don’t belong to a subscribing library?
Kanopy partners with libraries to bring you access to films. You’ll need to have a valid library added to your Kanopy account to start watching on Kanopy. Check if your library offers Kanopy by going to kanopy.com/signup.
See also: Creating a Kanopy account