The Download
- Open the App Store app, search and select YouTube TV > Get > Get.
- When the app has downloaded and installed, click Open > Sign In and follow on-screen directions.
- You have to sign up for YouTube TV via a web browser; you can’t subscribe from the Apple TV app.
This article explains how to set up and use YouTube TV on the Apple TV. The instructions in this article are specific to Apple TVs running tvOS 14 and up. Earlier versions of tvOS support YouTube TV, too, but the exact steps and menu names may differ slightly.
How to Set Up YouTube TV on Apple TV
Want to use YouTube TV on Apple TV? First, you need to install the app and link it to your subscription. Here’s what to do:
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On your Apple TV, open the App Store app.
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Search for YouTube TV and click the search result.
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Click Get (and then Get again) to download and install the YouTube TV app on your Apple TV. When the app has downloaded and installed, click Open.
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You can’t subscribe directly from inside the app. Subscribe to YouTube TV and then click Sign In.
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Open a web browser on another device and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your YouTube TV account.
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Once you’ve completed the sign-in to your account on your computer or device, your account is linked to the Apple TV app. At this point, the app will automatically take you to the homepage, and you can start watching TV.
How to Watch Live TV on YouTube TV
Watching live TV using YouTube TV is quick and easy. The home screen of the app offers a set of suggestions for shows that are airing live. Select one and click on it to start watching.
- To browse channels: See what’s airing on YouTube TV channel guide by clicking Live and then scrolling through the results until you find what you want to watch.
- To search for shows and movies: Click on the magnifying glass icon and then enter the thing you’re searching for. You can also use Siri to search by holding down the microphone on the Apple TV remote and speaking.
How to Add TV Shows to Your Library on YouTube TV
Adding shows and movies to your library is basically like a DVR: It records them so you can watch them when you want and adds new episodes when they air live. Here’s what to do:
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Select the show you want to add to your library.
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In the panel that appears from the right, click Add +.
Click More info to see all available show episodes, when it airs live, and recommendations for similar shows.
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The panel will change to show a plus icon and read Added to library. Future episodes of the show will be automatically added to your library.
In some cases, the YouTube TV app may need to confirm your geographical location to confirm whether you can add to show to your library. If so, open the YouTube TV app on your mobile device and then tap your icon > Settings > Area > Current Playback Area > Update.
How to Use Your Library on YouTube TV
Once you’ve added some content to your library, you’ll need to access and manage your library. Start by clicking Library. On the Library screen, some of the most commonly used options are:
- Catch Up On Your Favorites: Recently added shows appear here.
- Scheduled: All of the episodes of shows scheduled to be recorded to your library appear here.
- Series: All of the shows that you’ve added to your library appear here. To see more info about the show, select it. To remove the show from your library and stop recording new episodes, click Added to Library to toggle it off.
- Purchased: If you buy or rent TV shows or movies through YouTube, they’ll appear here.
How to Record Live Shows on YouTube TV
If you’re watching a show on live TV and want to record YouTube TV to your library, follow these steps:
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Tap the trackpad on the Apple TV remote to reveal the playback controls.
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Swipe down and click the Add + icon. The current and future recordings will be added to your library.
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To remove all recordings, select Remove beside the show or live event.
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