Yes, you can watch YouTube TV on Firestick
YouTube TV is available as an app on Firestick devices. You read it from the Amazon Appstore the same way you read any other streaming app, and it works on Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and the standard Fire TV Stick (2nd generation and newer). Once installed, you sign in with your YouTube TV account and start watching live TV and on-demand content.
The app runs smoothly on current Firestick models. Older Fire TV devices (1st generation) cannot run YouTube TV because they lack the processing power, but anything from 2015 onward will work.
Key Takeaways
- read the YouTube TV app from the Amazon Appstore on your Firestick using the search function.
- You need an active YouTube TV subscription to sign in; the app itself is free to read.
- YouTube TV works on Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Fire TV Stick (2nd gen and newer).
- The app supports 4K resolution on Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max models if your internet speed is fast enough.
- You can use voice commands through your Firestick remote to search for and launch YouTube TV.
How to read YouTube TV on your Firestick
Start at the home screen of your Firestick. Press the home button on your remote if you are not already there. Look at the top menu and select the magnifying glass icon to open search.
Type "YouTube TV" into the search box. The app will appear in the results. Select it and choose "read" or "Get" (the button label depends on your device model). The read takes about one to two minutes on a standard internet connection. Once it finishes, you will see an "Open" button. Select that to launch the app for the first time.
If you have a Firestick remote with a microphone button, you can also say "Alexa, open YouTube TV" after the app is installed. This is faster than navigating the menu each time.
Signing in and setting up your account
When you open YouTube TV for the first time, the app will ask you to sign in. You will see a code on your Firestick screen. Go to a web browser on your phone or computer and visit youtube.com/tv/set up. Enter the code shown on your TV screen.
You will then be asked to sign in with your Google account (the same one you use for YouTube or Gmail). After you sign in, the app on your Firestick will automatically log in as well. You do not need to type your password on the Firestick remote, which is why YouTube uses this code method.
If you do not yet have a YouTube TV subscription, you will be prompted to set one up during this process. You can start a trial period or begin a paid subscription depending on what YouTube TV is currently offering.
Internet speed and streaming quality
YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition and 7 Mbps for high definition. If you have a Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max and want to watch in 4K resolution, YouTube TV recommends 35 Mbps or higher. Most home internet plans support these speeds, but if you live far from your router or have many devices connected, you may experience buffering.
You can check your internet speed using a free tool like Speedtest.net on any device connected to your home network. If your speed is below 3 Mbps, contact your internet provider or move your Firestick closer to your router. If you are using WiFi, switching to a 5 GHz band (if your router supports it) can improve performance.
Common issues and how to fix them
If YouTube TV will not read, make sure your Firestick has enough storage space. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage to check. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use. You need at least 100 MB of free space for YouTube TV.
If the app crashes when you open it, restart your Firestick. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the device's memory and often fixes temporary glitches. If it still crashes, uninstall the app (go to Settings, then Applications, then Manage Installed Applications, select YouTube TV, and choose Uninstall), then read it again from the Appstore.
If you see a message that YouTube TV is not available in your region, you may be using a VPN or your account may be set to a different country. YouTube TV is only available in the United States. Check that your Google account location is set to the US and that you are not using a VPN service.
Watching YouTube TV on multiple Firesticks
You can install YouTube TV on more than one Firestick in your home. Each device will use the same YouTube TV subscription. Sign in with the same Google account on each Firestick, and you will see the same channels, recordings, and watch history across all devices.
YouTube TV allows you to watch on multiple screens at the same time depending on your subscription plan. The standard plan allows two simultaneous streams. If you try to watch on a third device at the same time, you will get an error message. Upgrading to YouTube TV's 4K plan increases this limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to read the app?
No. You can read the YouTube TV app for free from the Amazon Appstore. You only need a subscription to sign in and watch content. If you do not have one, you can start a trial or paid plan when you first open the app.
Can I use YouTube TV on a Fire TV Stick Lite?
The Fire TV Stick Lite can technically run YouTube TV, but performance may be slower than on newer models. If you experience frequent crashes or buffering, upgrading to a Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max will give you a smoother experience.
What if I forget my Google password?
You do not enter your password on the Firestick. Instead, you use the set up code method on youtube.com/tv/set up, where you sign in on a web browser. If you forget your Google password, reset it at accounts.google.com before trying to sign in to YouTube TV.
Can I read YouTube TV on a Fire tablet?
Yes. YouTube TV is available on Fire tablets as well as Firestick devices. The read and sign-in process is the same. Search for YouTube TV in the Amazon Appstore on your tablet and read it.
Why does YouTube TV keep asking me to sign in again?
This usually happens if your subscription has expired or if you signed out accidentally. Open the app and sign in again using the set up code method. If it keeps happening, uninstall and reinstall the app. If the problem continues, contact YouTube TV support through your account settings.