Setting up
To get started, download the Kanopy app from the Amazon Fire TV store to your device. You will need a Kanopy account that is connected to a participating library in order to use the app. To learn how to do this, please go here. To access the Amazon Fire TV FAQs, click here.
The first time you open the app you will be able to browse content, however you will not be able to watch any films until you link your Kanopy account to your Fire TV device. To do this:
- Go to Settings
- Select “Link My Account”
- Go to www.kanopy.com/link OR to the “Link Your Device” section of the Kanopy iOS/Android/Fire Tablet app and enter the code that you see on your TV screen
- If the linking is successful, your TV screen will update to confirm that your account has been successfully linked
- Select “Start Watching”
If you have multiple memberships on your account you will always be connected to your default membership first. If you would like to access a different membership you will be able to select one on this screen. Once completed, select “Home” at the top of the screen to go back to the film selections and begin watching.
What Fire TV devices can I use to access Kanopy?
Kanopy can downloaded to any Fire TV device running at least Fire OS 5.1.
Where do I enter the linking code?
To enter your linking code, go to www.kanopy.com/link, or select “Link Your Device” from your Kanopy iOS, Android, or Fire Tablet app. If you are not signed into your account, you will be prompted to log in before you will be able to enter the code. In addition, your account will need to be linked to a subscribing library in order for you to successfully link your device.
What Dashboard features are available, and how do I access these?
You will be able to access your Watchlist and Memberships through the Amazon Fire TV app. To access, go to the Settings located at the top of your screen.
How can I access my other membership(s)?
Go to Settings in the menu bar and select “My Library”. Select the name of the membership you would like to use on Amazon Fire TV. The page will reload to save your selection. Select “Home” to start watching from that membership.
Can I add multiple Kanopy accounts at a time to my Amazon Fire TV?
Only 1 Kanopy account can be linked to your Amazon Fire TV at a time. If you would like to access another account on your Amazon Fire TV, follow the instructions to log out of your account.
Can I link my account to multiple Amazon Fire TV devices?
Yes! You can link your account to as many Amazon Fire TV devices as you would like.
How do I log out of my account?
Go to Settings in the menu bar and select “My Library”. Select the “Log Out” button on the right side of the screen. You will then be logged out of your account.
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 it is closed captioned.
How do I access closed captions/subtitles?
While the video is playing, select “Subtitles” located on the top left of the screen to see available options. Select the language option or select “Off” to turn subtitles off. Please note: not all films may have subtitles available.
How do I add films to my Watchlist?
Select a film to open up its details. Select the + button to add the film to your Watchlist.
Where do I access my Watchlist?
Select “Watchlist” from the menu bar that appears at the top of your screen. The films that you have added to your Watchlist from any device will appear there.
How do I access the full film description?
Select a film then click on “More info” on the left side of the screen. The synopsis will expand to include the full synopsis, supplier of the film, filmmaker, cast, and language. Use the directional buttons on your remote to navigate through the synopsis. If you would like to collapse the information again, select “Less info”.
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 access Kanopy Kids?
Select “Kids” from the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select “Enter Kanopy Kids”. The screen will refresh to display the films that have been specially curated for Kanopy’s Kids Mode.
Note that the content in Kids Mode is still available without entering Kids Mode.
How do I exit Kanopy Kids?
While you are in Kids Mode, the menu bar will change to display “Exit Kids”. Select “Exit Kids” then “Exit Kanopy Kids” to return to the default Kanopy screen.
How do I enable parental controls?
Follow the instructions here to set up a parental controls PIN on your account if you have not already done so. Once set, this will carry over to your mobile and TV apps so that whenever a non-Kanopy Kids item is selected, you will be prompted to enter the PIN.
How do I browse by category?
Select Browse from the menu and you will be able to navigate a selection of categories. Once you select a category, you will also be able to browse by subcategories.
Popular categories will also be available below the menu bar.
How do I search for a title?
Select the magnifying glass from the menu. Enter your search query using the keyboard with your remote to populate results.
Can I access Kanopy on the Amazon Fire TV app 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.