By Mo Harber-Lamond
published
Wondering how to watch ABC live anywhere? We got you
As one of the most popular networks in the US, plenty of people worldwide might be wondering how to watch ABC live. And, while you will have to go through a bit of a workaround, it's totally possible to watch ABC live if you're out of the country, no matter where you are.
Boasting a slew of original programming like Grey's Anatomy, American Housewife, Black-ish, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, plus comprehensive and reputable live news and even some sports action like the NBA playoffs (opens in new tab), there are a ton of reasons to seek out ABC when you're on holiday or a work trip.
However, while it's super simple to access the network back home in the US, without the right tools you might have trouble watching if you're outside the States – even if you pay for the service. So, here we'll explain how to watch ABC live anywhere in the world.
- Find out how to watch CNN live (opens in new tab) wherever you're located
- Check out our rundown of the best streaming VPN (opens in new tab) services
- If you want a different take, here's how to watch Fox News live (opens in new tab)
How to watch ABC live in the US
If you're in the USA, it couldn't be easier to watch ABC live.
At home, if you pay for a cable or OTT subscription package that includes ABC, you can simply turn over to the channel on your TV.
If you want to stream on your PC, all you need to do is head over to the ABC website (opens in new tab) and sign in. Once you've done that, you'll be able to watch ABC live just as you would on your TV.
You can also download the ABC app on Android and iOS, which is optimized for mobile streaming. You'll still need to sign in with your subscription details to access everything, though.
If you haven't got a TV package that includes ABC, we recommend AT&T TV Now (opens in new tab) as the best way to get access.
How to watch ABC live abroad
Watch ABC live abroad
ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation (opens in new tab) for accessing ABC outside the US. With excellent speeds, unrivalled location spoofing power and easy-to-use apps, it's the perfect choice. Plus, Tom's Guide readers can now claim three months free (opens in new tab) on any 12-month plan.
Things are a little different when you're outside the US.
You won't usually be able to access any of ABC's programming if you're not currently in the country. However, there is a way to watch ABC live abroad – as well as getting access to the network's back-catalogue of original shows on demand.
If you have cable or an OTT provider like AT&T that provides ABC and you're out of the US, the most efficient way of getting access is to use the best VPN to change your location. All you need to do is select a US VPN (opens in new tab) server, then head over to the ABC website as if you were back home. All that's left to do is sign in with your details, and get watching.
Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, thanks to its super simple yet powerful apps, excellent unblocking power, and a great number of server locations worldwide.
So, for example, if you're in Canada visiting family or for work, you won't be able to watch ABC, even though you've paid for it. But, by using ExpressVPN you can select a server in the USA and virtually relocate.
Once you've done that you can log in on the website with your cable details, and access everything ABC has to offer – even though you're physically located somewhere that the service doesn't cover.
How to sign up to ABC
For those in the US, signing up to ABC is really simple – in fact, you've probably already got it.
It comes with just about all basic cable and satellite TV subscriptions, and if you're wondering how to watch ABC live without cable, you can sign up to cord-cutting services like AT&T TV Now (opens in new tab), Hulu with Live TV (opens in new tab) and others – check out our full TV provider comparison (opens in new tab) to choose.
Plus, no matter how you get access to ABC on your TV, you can also sign in and watch ABC live online, as well as tons of on-demand shows.
How to sign up to ABC outside the US
If you're a US resident (or at least have a US credit card), you can sign up to any OTT provider that carries ABC wherever you are in the world.
All you need to do is sign up to ExpressVPN (opens in new tab), change your location to the US, and head over to the provider's website as usual. Then input your US credit card details and get watching!
However, if you don't have a US credit card, unfortunately you won't be able to watch ABC live this way, even if you use a VPN to change your location.
If you really want to watch something from ABC and can't sign up, there's a modest selection of free shows on the website. This is usually limited to a few clips and select full episodes of certain shows. While you won't be able to binge watch a whole season, it's a neat way of watching something that might not be available at all in the country you're in. You'll still have to use a VPN, but you won't have to pay for any TV subscription.
How to watch ABC live on Roku
If you've got a streaming or cable subscription that allows you regular access to ABC, you'll be able to watch it on your Roku, too. All you need to do is add the ABC channel on your Roku device, and then input your subscription information.
However, if you want to use a VPN to watch ABC on your Roku outside the US, you'll have to install a router VPN. This is because Roku devices don't support VPNs themselves. It's a little more complicated than on a desktop or smartphone, but our top choice ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) makes it super easy with a dedicated router app and clear walkthroughs.
How to watch ABC live on Fire TV stick
There are two different options if you want to watch ABC live on your Fire Stick, but both have the same setup. Pick between either the regular ABC app or the ABC News Live app on the Amazon Appstore (or download both). Then sign in with your details, and get watching.
Plus, because the Fire Stick is Android based, it supports VPNs. If you want to watch ABC on Fire Stick outside the US, check out our guide to the best Fire Stick VPN (opens in new tab) services available.
Why should you use an ABC VPN?
The first and most important reason to use a VPN with ABC is to get access to the content you pay for anywhere in the world. So, if you're in Canada, the UK, or anywhere else, you can connect to a US server and log in to ABC as if you were in your living room.
There's more to it than that, though. If you have a good Internet connection but still find that ABC is buffering or playing at a low quality, it could be because you're being subjected to network throttling.
This happens when your ISP detects high-bandwidth usage of your connection and intentionally slows you down to make sure everyone gets a similar speed. High-bandwidth uses include torrenting, gaming, and, of course, streaming HD content.
A VPN anonymizes what you're using your connection for, which means your provider can't tell you're streaming. Subsequently, it can't choose to slow down your connection.
Plus, a VPN gives unrivalled privacy and security for any kind of browsing, so if you want to watch ABC live abroad as well as keep your personal info safe, a secure VPN (opens in new tab) is the perfect solution.
What is the best ABC VPN?
(opens in new tab)
THE #1 VPN FOR ABC
If you're looking to stream ABC live outside the US, a VPN is essential – and our #1 choice is ExpressVPN (opens in new tab). With searing speeds and easy-to-use apps that work on tons of devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Apple TV, as well as desktop and mobile, it's the perfect solution for accessing blocked content. Plus, you'll have 30 days to test the service before you commit.
Try the best ABC VPN risk-free for 30 days (opens in new tab)
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Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor
Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.
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FAQs
Can I watch ABC live if I have Disney plus? ›
Stream a free feed of breaking news from ABC, as well as live channels from NBC News, FOX, Newsy, and more. Disney+ – Naturally, you can stream many classic ABC shows like Grey's Anatomy on Disney+, from ABC's parent company.
Can you watch ABC on Amazon Prime? ›All available NOW - no sign-in required. CONTINUE WATCHING: Never lose your place again! Pick up right where you left off in an episode. LIVE TV: Enjoy ABC shows, breaking news, or popular events.
How much does ABC live stream cost? ›No, the ABC App is free to access. However, you will need to log in to your TV provider in order to access select content.
Is ABC live on peacock? ›Peacock will feature content from NBC, Bravo, USA Network, SYFY, Oxygen, E!, CNBC, MSNBC, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Universal Kids, A&E, ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, HISTORY, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Universal Pictures, DreamWorks, Focus Features, Illumination, ViacomCBS, Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and Blumhouse.
Is ABC live free on Hulu? ›If you're looking to watch ABC programming live, you will need a Hulu + Live TV subscription. * In addition to Hulu's entire streaming library, Hulu + Live TV subscribers gain access to 75+ live channels, including ABC.
Why can't I stream ABC live in my area? ›The ABC live stream is available only in a handful of US cities. To watch the ABC live stream from anywhere — either on ABC.com or with the Watch ABC app — you need to bypass their location detectors. The way to do this is with a VPN.
Is ABC on Peacock premium? ›What can you watch live on Peacock? You can watch tons of content on demand on Peacock. That includes titles from channels like NBC, Bravo, USA Network, SYFY, Oxygen, E!, MSNBC, Golf Channel, Universal Kids, A&E, ABC, CBS, The CW, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and more.
Can you watch ABC live on Paramount plus? ›They also provide live sports coverage from a number of networks at the local and national levels, including ABC, ESPN, FOX, and NBC.
Is ABC live free on Roku? ›ABC News Live is completely free.
Can I get the ABC app for free? ›ABC iview is the 24/7, free video on demand streaming service from the ABC. Available across Android devices and Android TV.
Can you watch ABC live on Smart TV? ›
Live streams are available on: ABC iview website. Mobile devices — iOS & Android. Smart TVs.
How much is ABC on Hulu? ›$1.99/month for a year! Hulu's $7.99 Ad-Supported Plan & the $14.99 Ad-Free Plan Offer the Best…
How do I change my location on ABC? ›To set your location and correct timezone for the TV listings in the ABC TV Guide, click on Location icon (top right) and select your region from the dropdown options. We're sorry to hear that!
Is ABC on Sling TV? ›Streaming Local Channels on Sling TV
Starting March 1st, customers in select markets will also have local channel access to ABC! For those living in areas with access to FOX, NBC and ABC customers will notice a price increase to accommodate this access on their bill on/after March 1, 2023.
These include tablets, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Xbox, Chromecast FireTV, etc. ABC provides free service to all the users living in the regions where the channel is available. It is provided free of charge and is mostly bundled with the TV subscription service.
How do I get ABC live on Roku? ›If you do not subscribe to one of the streaming services that carry ABC, you can also download the ABC Go app to your Roku. This won't be the same as having your local ABC channel, but you will at least have access to ABC TV shows.
Why is ABC locked on Roku? ›The lock symbol identifies which episodes require you to sign in to your participating TV provider account in order to stream. The locked episode(s) for many shows will become available to watch without linking a participating TV provider account 8 days* after the episode first airs on TV.
Why doesn't Disney Plus have ABC shows? ›Syndication Rights Issues. Many ABC series haven't or can't be added to Disney+ due to syndication rights. Many deals for shows now owned by Disney have been licensed for syndication by rival networks, which could be keeping certain shows from streaming on Disney+.
Can I live stream ABC for free? ›Watch Anytime, Anywhere.
Stream and watch full episodes1 of hit ABC shows such as The Bachelor and Modern Family, discover new ABC originals2, binge on throwback classics, and enjoy live TV3 — all within the free ABC app. Stream across a broad variety of devices, see full list below!
Paramount Plus Compared to Other TV Streaming Services
They also provide live sports coverage from a number of networks at the local and national levels, including ABC, ESPN, FOX, and NBC. They also provide cloud DVR so you can record games to watch later.
Is ABC free on Roku? ›
ABC provides free service to all the users living in the regions where the channel is available. It is provided free of charge and is mostly bundled with the TV subscription service.
Can I watch ABC on Hulu Plus? ›You can also stream live TV to enjoy your favorite ABC shows, local news or major events like The Oscars, LIVE! You can also stream your ABC favorites on Hulu!