Amazon MyTV Code Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
You attempt to activate Amazon Prime Video on your television set using what should be a valid Amazon MyTV code, but it's not working... you do the activation steps and nothing happens - it can be very frustrating when all you want to do is sit back, lean back and relax by watching your favorite TV show.
The good news is that the problem is almost always easily-fixable - incorrect/expired activation code, browser glitch, poor internet connection, or Prime Video app hiccup could all be the culprit in an activation failure.
Here is a helpful guide to what could be causing the problem, and how to resolve it.
What Is the Amazon MyTV Code?
The Amazon MyTV code is an activation code displayed via the Amazon Prime Video app on supported smart televisions and set-top boxes.
When you first launch Prime Video on your TV, you will likely be prompted to register your device by entering the activation code displayed on the television into Amazon's activation portal.
Once accepted, your television will be linked to your Amazon account and you'll be able to enjoy Prime Video!
Sometimes, though, the activation code is not accepted.
Why is my Amazon MyTV code not working?
There are many potential causes for an invalid Amazon activation code.
1. The Code Has Expired
Activation codes are only valid for a limited time, and if you left the activation code portal open after the initial activation attempt failed, the code may have expired.
Luckily, it's easy to fix - simply go back to Prime Video on your TV, get a new code, and try again.
2. You Entered the Wrong Code
Amazon activation codes for televisions can be a bit of a pain to enter, as it's easy to accidentally enter an "O" instead of a "0" or vice versa.
Double-check that you have entered the activation code correctly, and that you're not using an old code from a previous, failed activation attempt.
3. You're Using the Wrong Activation Page
Please ensure that you are using the correct activation link provided by the Prime Video app on your TV.
Never attempt to activate your television via a 3rd-party website unless you're absolutely certain that it's a legitimate, official Amazon activation page, and never enter your Amazon password or other personal information on a website that you're not familiar with.
If you're unsure about which activation page to use, return to the Prime Video app on your television and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Your Amazon Account Is Not Signed In Correctly
Ensure that you're using the Amazon account that you want to use with Prime Video.
If you're already signed in but the activation is failing, try signing out and back in again.
Also ensure that you're using the correct Amazon account, and not a second, unrelated account, if you have more than one account.
Activation failure may also occur if you attempt to activate Prime Video with a different account than the one you've used to sign in with on your TV.
5. Your Prime Video App Has a Problem
Sometimes the 3rd party app that you're trying to activate is at fault and not Amazon's activation page.
Try the following steps:
- Close Prime Video.
- Restart your TV.
- Open Prime Video.
- Sign in or register your TV.
- Generate a new activation code.
- Try activating your television again.
If your television has an app update option, check to see if there are any available updates for the Prime Video app.
6. Check Your Internet Connection
Your television must have a stable internet connection in order to activate Prime Video.
If your internet connection is slow or unstable, activation may fail even with a correct activation code.
Try opening another streaming service app on your TV - if these aren't working, try restarting your WiFi router and re-connecting your TV to the internet. You can then try activating Prime Video again using another activation code.
7. Your Browser Could Be the Culprit
If you're activating via a web browser, and the activation page is not responding correctly after entering a valid code, your browser may be the culprit.
Try the following:
- Refresh the activation page.
- Use another browser.
- Open the activation page in a new tab or window.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
- Disable your browser extensions.
- Try activating the TV from another device entirely, such as a mobile phone.
Sometimes a fresh session is all that's needed for the activation to work properly.
8. Try Restarting Your TV
Sometimes all that's needed is a simple restart of your television to clear up any glitches or connection issues.
Turn your television off, and if possible, unplug it from the power source for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on again.
Open Prime Video and attempt to generate a new activation code.
Now try going through the activation steps again.
Pro Tip: Use the QR Code Instead
Many newer TVs show a QR code alongside the text code. Scan it with your phone's camera, and it should take you straight to the activation page with the code pre-filled. Way faster and less error-prone than typing.
What to Do If the Amazon MyTV Code Still Doesn't Work
If the above steps don't resolve your issue, try restarting the activation process from scratch.
Close the Prime Video app and restart your television. Open the app again and get a new activation code.
Next, sign in to the Amazon account that you want to use on your phone or computer, and enter the activation code that's shown on your television screen.
If you're still having problems, double-check your internet connection, and ensure your Prime Video app and television firmware are up to date.
You can also check the Amazon support website for any known issues with your account or service.
Common Amazon MyTV Activation Problems
| Problem | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Code expired | Get a new activation code |
| Wrong code | Check the code on your TV |
| Activation page won't load | Refresh the page or try another browser |
| Prime Video app is frozen | Restart your TV and the Prime Video app |
| Internet connection is unstable | Restart your router and reconnect your TV |
| Wrong Amazon account | Sign out and use the correct account |
| App is outdated | Check for updates for the Prime Video app |
| Activation keeps failing | Restart the activation process |
Don't Share Your Amazon Password
Your Amazon activation code and password are not one and the same, so be wary of 3rd-party websites or people who ask for your Amazon password in order to activate Prime Video on your TV; always use Amazon's official services when activating Prime Video or any other Amazon service.
If you have already shared your Amazon password, be sure to change it and update your account's privacy settings.
⚠️ One Big Warning — Read This
There's a nasty scam going around where people enter their MyTV code and then get a popup saying their account is compromised and they need to call a "support number." Amazon will never ask you to call a phone number to validate your account. If you see that, close the window immediately. Don't call the number. Don't download anything they tell you to download. It's a scam, and people have lost hundreds of dollars to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Amazon MyTV code not working?
Your Amazon MyTV code may not be working due to an expired code, incorrect code entry, or a hiccup in your Prime Video app, browser, or internet connection. Generate a new Activation Code and try again.
How do I get a new Amazon MyTV code?
Open the Prime Video app on your TV and sign in or register your TV. The activation code should appear on your television screen.
How long is an Amazon MyTV code valid for?
The activation code is only valid temporarily, and may expire if the activation fails. If your code is rejected, return to the Prime Video app and generate a new activation code.
Why does Amazon say my activation code is invalid?
The activation code may have expired or been entered incorrectly, or you're trying to use an old activation code. Generate a new activation code on your TV and try again.
Can I use my phone to activate Amazon Prime Video on my TV?
Yes, you can typically use a phone or computer to activate Amazon Prime Video on your TV. Follow the on-screen instructions provided via the Prime Video app on your television.
What should I do if the Amazon activation page isn't working?
Try refreshing the activation page, or try using another browser or device. You can also try using private/incognito mode browsing or clear your browser's cache and cookies.
Why is my Prime Video TV app not showing an activation code?
Restart the Prime Video app and your TV, then open the app and try again. If the problem persists, check for Prime Video and TV software updates and ensure that your TV has a stable internet connection.
Can I reuse an old Amazon MyTV code?
It's best to use the latest activation code displayed by the Prime Video app on your TV, as old activation codes may no longer be valid.
Do I need an Amazon Prime membership to use Prime Video?
Prime Video availability depends on an Amazon account, subscription, and location. If activation is working but you cannot access the content, check your account and subscription.
What if my Amazon MyTV code still doesn't work?
Restart your TV, get a new activation code, check your internet connection, and try activating the device again using another browser or device. If the issue continues, contact Amazon customer support for assistance.
Final Thoughts
An Amazon MyTV code that is not working can be frustrating, but it's usually easy to fix.
Start by generating a new code and making sure you've entered the code correctly.
Then try restarting your television and Prime Video app, check your internet connection, and try using another browser if you're having issues activating the app.
If you're still unable to activate Prime Video, ensure that you're using the correct Amazon account and that your television and the Prime Video app are up to date.
Always use the current activation code that's displayed by your TV, and never share your Amazon password.
With these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot most Amazon MyTV activation problems.