How to watch TV for free on your cell phone

Find out how to watch TV for free on your phone and turn any boring moment into instant entertainment.

When I realized I needed TV on my phone

It all started on a super stressful Tuesday — stuck on the subway, no Wi-Fi, just data and endless boredom.
I scrolled through Instagram, checked emails, watched saved videos… but nothing helped.
Then I thought: “What if I could watch free TV on my phone right now?”
It wasn’t just a random idea — it felt like something I truly needed.
That same night, I started searching.

The moment everything changed

I Googled “watch free TV on phone” expecting shady sites, but ended up finding a few gems.
The first app I tried was Pluto TV — free, easy to use, with live channels and classic shows.
I watched old sitcoms while making dinner and couldn’t believe it was completely free.
Then I found iHeartRadio — not exactly TV, but great for live talk shows, news, and music.
It gave me that “TV in the background” vibe while I cleaned or went for a walk.

Watching free TV became a habit

Soon it became part of my routine — news in the morning, cooking shows at lunch, sitcoms at night.
Sometimes I even rewatch cartoons just for nostalgia or binge reality shows when I need a break.
It turned boring moments into something fun and helped me enjoy little pockets of time.

My favorite apps and tricks

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is still my favorite
Pluto TV is a free streaming platform that offers live channels, movies, series, and classic shows — all without having to create an account or pay a subscription.

Tubi

But I also use Tubi for free movies and shows.

Tubi is a free streaming platform that offers thousands of movies and series on-demand, including classics, old releases, and independent productions — all without the need for a subscription.

Xumo Play

Also great is Xumo Play packed with live events and niche channels that are super fun to explore.

Xumo Play is a free streaming platform that offers live channels, movies, series and news in real time — all without registration or monthly fees.

I check The Verge for the latest streaming tips and new free apps.
Here’s my trick: create a folder called “📺 TV Time,” add your apps, and keep it on the home screen.
And of course, always carry your earbuds.

I even watch during work breaks

One time I had a 10-minute break between meetings — I opened Pluto TV and caught part of a late-night show.
It was enough to laugh, relax, and feel recharged for the rest of the day.
Now I do that everywhere: coffee breaks, waiting rooms, lines, even during lunch.