Passport Frequently Asked Questions
Showcase
OVERVIEW
- What is Passport?
PBS Passport is a new UNC-TV member benefit that gives eligible supporters extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. The PBS Passport library currently offers more than 1,000 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs being added weekly.
- How can I sign up for Passport?
Passport is a benefit for members of UNC-TV who contribute a minimum of $5 a month as a sustaining donor or who make a one-time gift of at $60 per year or more. To become a member, make your donation. Once your gift is processed, you’ll receive an activation key and instructions on setting up your Passport account. (Note: If you are already an existing member at these donation levels, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm to activate your Passport benefit.)
Watch the Passport video tutorial to become more familiar with Passport.
ACTIVATION
- I just made my donation but haven’t received my activation key. What should I do?
Please call our Audience Services department at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm for help in obtaining your activation key.
- I’m already a donor at levels required for Passport. How do I find out if I have the benefit?
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5/month or more or have made a one-time gift of $60 or move this year, it’s possible that our system generated a Passport activation key for you! To check, please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in at which point you can set up your account.
- I can’t remember my activation key. How do I find it?
Please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in. If not, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and they’ll be happy to help you get set up.
- I know that I am a Passport member but my account cannot be found in the system. What should I do?
Please make sure that the email address that you used to activate your account is the same. If you’re still having trouble, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and they’ll be happy to help.
- I can’t remember if my Passport account is active. How do I check?
Simply go to pbs.org and sign in. If your account is activated properly, you’ll see a small blue and white compass rose symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen.
PASSPORT PROGRAMS
- What kinds of programs can I see with Passport?
The library features episodes from popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece — including all six seasons of Downton Abbey. In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs.
- How can I view Passport programs?
Passport programs can be viewed on your computer or devices by visiting pbs.org/video. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the PBS app for an even better viewing experience. You can access PBS Passport programs through Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Amazon Fire Stick. Passport is even compatible with Chomecast!
- How can I search for Passport programs only?
Visit pbs.org/video and enter a search term, such as “masterpiece” or “nova”. Click on ”Show Filters” and then click on the UNC Center for Public Television Passport Videos link under “Filter by Access.” In addition to Passport videos, you can filter by shows, types or video link.
DEVICE SETUP
- How do I set up my Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV?
Passport is available on these devices through the PBS channel or PBS app. Before starting, ensure that your account on pbs.org is activated with your Passport key. (You will do this at the time of your contribution to UNC-TV. See questions above.) Find the PBS channel on your device. You will receive code to link your device to your account at pbs.org/activate.
Online Tutorials Are Available! View the Apple TV tutorial video or the Roku tutorial video. (Instructions are similar for Amazon Fire.)
Unable to connect to the PBS channel or app? Please make sure your operating system is updated. Learn more...
- Can I view Passport videos on my XBox?
Unfortunately, the PBS app on the Xbox was retired. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- What if I can’t afford Passport. Can I still watch videos?
Yes! UNC-TV and PBS offer hundreds of wonderful programs online. You can watch them by visiting pbs.org/video, which will feature more of the national programs, or video.unctv.org, which features more of UNC-TV’s locally produced programs.
If you have more questions about specific programs or shows on Passport, or any other questions not answered above, please visit the PBS Help home page or call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Return to the Passport Information Page
OVERVIEW
- What is Passport?
PBS Passport is a new UNC-TV member benefit that gives eligible supporters extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. The PBS Passport library currently offers more than 1,000 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs being added weekly.
Watch the Passport video tutorial to become more familiar with Passport.
- How can I sign up for Passport?
Passport is a benefit for members of UNC-TV who contribute a minimum of $5 a month as a sustaining donor or who make a one-time gift of at $60 per year or more. To become a member, make your donation. Once your gift is processed, you’ll receive an activation key and instructions on setting up your Passport account. (Note: If you are already an existing member at these donation levels, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm to activate your Passport benefit.)
ACTIVATION
- I just made my donation but haven’t received my activation key. What should I do?
Please call our Audience Services department at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm for help in obtaining your activation key.
- I’m already a donor at levels required for Passport. How do I find out if I have the benefit?
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5/month or more or have made a one-time gift of $60 or move this year, it’s possible that our system generated a Passport activation key for you! To check, please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in at which point you can set up your account.
- I can’t remember my activation key. How do I find it?
Please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in. If not, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and they’ll be happy to help you get set up.
- I know that I am a Passport member but my account cannot be found in the system. What should I do?
Please make sure that the email address that you used to activate your account is the same. If you’re still having trouble, please call our Audience Services team at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and they’ll be happy to help.
I can’t remember if my Passport account is active. How do I check?
Simply go to pbs.org and sign in. If your account is activated properly, you’ll see a small blue and white compass rose symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen.
Simply go to pbs.org and sign in. If your account is activated properly, you’ll see a small blue and white compass rose symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen.
PASSPORT PROGRAMS
- What kinds of programs can I see with Passport?
The library features episodes from popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece — including all six seasons of Downton Abbey. In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs.
- How can I view Passport programs?
Passport programs can be viewed on your computer or devices by visiting pbs.org/video. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the PBS app for an even better viewing experience. You can access PBS Passport programs through Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Amazon Fire Stick. Passport is even compatible with Chomecast!
- How can I search for Passport programs only?
Visit pbs.org/video and enter a search term, such as “masterpiece” or “nova”. Click on ”Show Filters” and then click on the UNC Center for Public Television Passport Videos link under “Filter by Access.” In addition to Passport videos, you can filter by shows, types or video link.