How to Set Up YouTube TV and Watch Live TV on Your Devices
Set up YouTube TV on a supported TV or streaming device, or cast from a phone or computer, with device-specific limits and fixes explained.
Install the YouTube TV app from your TV or streaming device’s app store, then sign up for YouTube TV before watching live TV. The YouTube TV app is separate from the regular YouTube app.
Before you start
Choose a supported device. The official YouTube TV setup and device help explains that supported smart TVs and media players can use the service. Check its device list before installing; availability depends on the device.
Sign up for YouTube TV. The help material says to sign up first if you have not already. It does not specify current prices, trial eligibility, or a free viewing tier, so check the official page for those details rather than assuming access is free.
Have a way to install or open the app. You can use the YouTube TV app on supported TVs and streaming devices, or watch on a phone or computer. Casting from a phone or computer to a TV is another option when the receiving device is supported.
Set up YouTube TV on a television or streaming device
Install the app
Open the app store on your smart TV or streaming device.
Search for YouTube TV, not just YouTube. The two apps are different.
If the app is not already installed, download it from the device’s app store.
Open YouTube TV and follow its sign-in or membership prompts. The supplied setup information does not provide a universal sign-in sequence, so the screens may vary by device.
Expected result: YouTube TV opens on the television, and you can browse its program guide if your account has access.
Device-specific notes
Chromecast with Google TV: Search for YouTube TV and install the app. The supplied help text does not specify additional menu steps.
Xbox: YouTube TV is listed for Xbox Series X, Series S, One X, One S, and Xbox One. Install it through the Xbox app store. The setup information does not establish a more specific store menu path.
Other smart TVs and streaming devices: Use the device’s app store if the model is supported. For model-specific steps, consult the official YouTube TV setup help. If you are preparing a Roku TV, see how to set up Roku TV; YouTube TV availability still depends on the device being supported.
Watch and control live TV
Open YouTube TV on the supported device and browse the program guide for a channel or program.
Select a program to start watching.
Use the device remote to control playback. The supplied help describes play, pause, fast-forward, and rewind controls, as well as channel up/down buttons for moving between live channels.
To return to recently watched programs, use the options below the video player. The TV app also provides access to your library.
The source describes these remote controls for the TV app; remote buttons and behavior can vary by device.
Watch on a TV by casting
You can cast YouTube TV from a mobile device or computer to a supported TV or streaming device. The supplied help confirms this option but does not include the complete casting menu sequence, so use the instructions for your specific device in the official YouTube TV setup help.
iPhone or iPad note: If your device runs iOS 14 or later, YouTube needs permission to connect to streaming devices on your local network for casting. If casting is unavailable, check that permission in the device’s settings; the supplied material does not specify a menu path.
Troubleshooting and verification
YouTube TV does not appear in the app store: Confirm the device model is supported, and search for the exact name YouTube TV. Do not assume the regular YouTube app includes the TV service.
The app opens but live programs are unavailable: Check that you have signed up for YouTube TV and are using the account associated with the membership. The source does not document account recovery or billing steps; use the official help page for support.
Casting cannot find the TV: Confirm the TV or streaming device supports casting. On iPhone or iPad running iOS 14 or later, allow YouTube to connect to devices on the local network. For model-specific instructions, use the official setup help.
Video buffers or does not start: Check the device’s internet connection. You can use this guide to check internet speed on your devices; the supplied YouTube TV information does not give a minimum speed or a guaranteed fix.
You’re set up when YouTube TV opens on the device, you can browse its program guide, and selecting an available live program starts playback. Remote channel controls can then be used to switch between live channels.
