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Using crunchyroll without the mobile app: solutions

Crunchyroll | Users Battle Restrictions Without Mobile App

By

Mateo Vargas

Jul 16, 2025, 01:46 PM

Edited By

Sophie Chen

2 minutes (approx.)

A person watching anime on a laptop with a 'install the app' prompt visible on the screen
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A growing number of people are expressing frustration over accessing Crunchyroll, the popular anime streaming service, without its mobile app. Many are left pondering solutions as this issue continues to provoke discussions among the fandom.

The Crux of the Issue

Users are encountering a significant barrier when trying to utilize the Crunchyroll website. Specifically, they are bombarded with prompts urging them to install the mobile application. This is less than ideal for those unable to download the app due to various reasons.

Community Reactions

Comments from forums illustrate a mix of confusion and humor:

  • "Why canโ€™t you use the app?" one commenter asked.

  • Another quipped, "Parental restrictions? ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ"

  • Someone else suggested, "If it's an old iPad, you can try installing a different browser."

Exploring Workarounds

Users are scrambling for alternatives. One person shot out the idea of using bookmarklets to circumvent the mobile app restriction. Others suggested accessing the site via a desktop site request in Chrome.

Changing Browsing Tricks

"If you're in Chrome, go to their site, open the menu (three dots on the top right), and press request desktop site."

User Sentiment

Feedback from the community shows a combination of irritation and resourcefulness. Many feel it's unfair to pay for a service and hit a wall when seeking to access content. The variety of proposed fixes highlights a desperate attempt to keep enjoying their favorite shows.

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Most comments reflect dissatisfaction with app restrictions.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Users are sharing potential solutions, showcasing creativity.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "This shouldnโ€™t be a problem with a paid service" - top-voted response.

Despite the persistent hurdles, anime enthusiasts remain vocal and inventive, proving their dedication to keeping the anime streaming experience smooth. With the conversation ongoing, itโ€™s clear that this issue needs attention from Crunchyroll.

What Lies Ahead for Crunchyroll Users

There's a strong chance that Crunchyroll will need to respond to the concerns of its community. Users are frustrated, and that could lead to increased chatter on forums and social media. Experts estimate around a 70% possibility that Crunchyroll will either lift the app restriction or improve their website functionality within the next few months. The demand is clear, and with competitors continuously emerging, the pressure to maintain user satisfaction is mounting. As more people express their dissatisfaction, Crunchyroll may feel compelled to innovate, possibly even offering enhanced desktop features to improve the overall viewing experience.

A Reflection on Past Streaming Hurdles

This situation draws an interesting parallel to the music industry's early days of digital streaming. Back when services like Spotify first introduced global access to music, they faced backlash over similar restrictions. People used clunky workarounds, like sharing physical copies or resorting to third-party sites. Just as musicians had to adapt to a new digital landscape, Crunchyroll may find that engaging their audience creatively now is key to their longevity. The journey from limitation to accessibility has been a common thread in many technological advances, reminding us that change is often provoked by the very people it aims to serve.