In 2026, the way we watch Canadian television has reached a turning point. As Bell Media consolidates its streaming platforms, the process of “unlocking” content on CTV activate has become a bit more nuanced. Whether you are seeing a lock icon on a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy or trying to access the live feed of your local news, unlocking episodes is the key to a full viewing experience.
Here is the comprehensive guide to unlocking episodes on CTV in 2026, covering everything from the 7-day free window to the mandatory migration to Crave.
1. Understanding the “Lock” Icon
When browsing the CTV app or website, you will notice that some thumbnails have a small padlock icon while others do not. This is CTV’s way of distinguishing between “Open” and “Premium” content.
- Unlocked (No Icon): These episodes are available to anyone in Canada with an internet connection. Usually, these are “FAST” channels (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) or episodes within their initial release window.
- Locked (Padlock Icon): These episodes require a verified TV subscription or a Bell Media account. This typically applies to older episodes, specialty channels (like CTV Comedy or Sci-Fi), and live streams.
Read More – How to Activate TSN on Popular Streaming Devices Via tsn.ca/activate.
2. The Seven-Day Grace Period
One of the most common questions is: “Why was this episode free yesterday but locked today?” CTV operates on a rolling window for its broadcast hits. For the first seven days after an episode airs on television, it is typically “unlocked” for all viewers. Once that seventh day passes, the episode moves behind the “lock,” requiring you to sign in with a TV provider to continue watching.
2026 Strategy: If you want to watch for free without a cable sub, make sure to catch your shows within the first week of their broadcast date.
3. How to Unlock Episodes with a TV Provider
The most common way to remove those padlock icons is by “Linking” your TV service provider. This doesn’t cost extra; it simply proves to CTV that you already pay for the channel through a company like Bell, Rogers, Shaw, or Telus.
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Steps to Unlock on a Computer or Mobile:
- Visit CTV.ca or open the CTV App.
- Click on a locked episode. A prompt will appear asking you to sign in.
- Select “Sign in with TV Provider.”
- Choose your provider from the list (Bell, Rogers, Cogeco, etc.).
- Enter the username and password you use to pay your monthly cable bill.
- Once verified, the lock icons will disappear for all content included in your cable package.
Steps to Unlock on a Smart TV or Roku:
- Open the CTV app on your TV and select a locked show.
- An Activation Code will appear on the screen.
- Go to Ctv activate roku on your phone or laptop.
- Enter the code and log in with your TV provider credentials.
- Your TV will automatically refresh, and the content will be unlocked.
4. The 2026 Crave Migration: A New Way to Unlock
By early 2026, Bell Media began a significant shift, moving much of the CTV library into the Crave app ecosystem. If you find that the standalone CTV app is no longer updating or is prompting you to “Move to Crave,” don’t panic.
- Unlocking via Crave: You can now sign into the Crave app using those same TV provider credentials.
- Free Tiers: Even if you don’t pay for a premium Crave subscription (which includes HBO and Showtime), you can often unlock the “CTV Hub” within Crave just by linking your cable account.
- Consolidated Watchlists: Unlocking episodes through Crave allows you to keep your CTV, Noovo, and Discovery episodes in one single “Continue Watching” list.
5. What if I Don’t Have Cable?
If you are a “cord-cutter” and don’t have a traditional TV provider, you still have options to unlock content:
Read More – How to sign in with a code Via https//signin.samsung.com/key.
CTV Throwback and Movies
CTV has a massive section called Throwback (classic TV) and Movies. In 2026, these remain 100% unlocked for all users. You do not need to sign in or pay a fee; you simply have to sit through a few advertisements.
Creating a Bell Media Account
While it won’t unlock everything, creating a free Bell Media Account (using just an email address) can sometimes unlock “Catch-Up” episodes that are otherwise restricted. It also allows you to pause a show on your phone and pick it up where you left off on your Roku or Samsung TV.
6. Troubleshooting: “I’m signed in, but it’s still locked!”
This is a frequent frustration for users. If you have logged in but the padlock remains, check these three things:
- Package Limitations: If you pay for a basic cable package that doesn’t include CTV Comedy or CTV Sci-Fi, those specific episodes will stay locked even after you sign in. You can only unlock what you pay for on your cable bill.
- App Cache: Sometimes the app “forgets” you are logged in. Try signing out and signing back in to refresh the token.
- Regional Restrictions: If you are using a VPN or are physically outside of Canada, the content will be locked regardless of your subscription status. CTV is geofenced to Canadian IP addresses.
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Summary of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Content Unlocked | Requirement |
| 7-Day Window | Newest Episodes | None (Free) |
| TV Provider Login | Live TV & Full Library | Cable/Satellite Sub |
| CTV Throwback | Classic Series & Movies | None (Ad-supported) |
| Crave App | Consolidated CTV Hub | TV Provider or Crave Sub |
Unlocking episodes on CTV is all about knowing your “window” and having your provider credentials handy. As we move further into 2026, keeping the Crave app updated will become the most reliable way to ensure your favorite Canadian content stays accessible.
