YouTube TV lets you record programs to watch later, and the feature works automatically once you set it up

YouTube TV includes a cloud DVR that records shows you select. When you mark a program to record, YouTube TV stores it on their servers, and you can watch it anytime within the storage window. You do not need any special equipment — the recording happens in the background, and you access your recordings through the YouTube TV app or website on any device where you are signed in.

Every YouTube TV account comes with 100 hours of storage space included at no extra cost. If you fill that space, older recordings are deleted automatically to make room for new ones, starting with the oldest. You can also delete recordings yourself at any time to free up space.

Key Takeaways

  • Mark a show to record by opening it in the YouTube TV guide or app and selecting the record button — it looks like a circle.
  • All future episodes of a series record automatically once you record the first episode, unless you change that setting.
  • Recorded shows stay available for up to nine months, even if they are no longer airing on the channel.
  • You can watch recordings on any device signed into your YouTube TV account, including phones, tablets, computers, and compatible smart TVs.
  • YouTube TV includes 100 hours of storage at no extra charge; you cannot buy additional storage.

How to Record a Single Show or Movie

Open the YouTube TV app or website and find the program you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse the guide by channel, or look in the "For You" section. Once you find the program, tap or click on it to open the details page.

Look for a circle icon (the record button) on the details page. Tap or click it, and the button will fill in or change color to show the recording is set. YouTube TV will record that episode when it airs. If the show has already aired and is available on demand, you may see a "Watch" button instead of a record button — in that case, the episode is already available without recording.

How to Record All Episodes of a Series

When you record the first episode of a series, YouTube TV automatically sets up recording for all future episodes. This means new episodes will record as they air without you having to do anything else.

If you want to stop recording a series, open the show's details page and look for a "Manage series" or "Series settings" option. You can turn off automatic recording there, or you can delete individual episodes from your library. Stopping the series recording does not delete episodes you have already recorded.

Where to Find Your Recordings

Your recorded shows appear in the "Library" section of YouTube TV. Open the app or website, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select "Library." All your recordings are listed there, organized by show name. You can also search for a specific recording using the search bar at the top.

Recordings stay in your library for up to nine months from the air date. After nine months, they are deleted automatically, even if you have not watched them. You can delete a recording yourself at any time by opening it and selecting the delete option.

Storage and What Happens When You Run Out of Space

Your YouTube TV account includes 100 hours of storage. This is enough for roughly 40 to 50 one-hour shows, depending on the length of each program. You cannot buy additional storage — 100 hours is the maximum for all accounts.

When you reach 100 hours, YouTube TV automatically deletes your oldest recordings to make room for new ones. If you want to keep a specific recording, watch it or delete other recordings you no longer need to free up space. You can check how much storage you are using by going to your account settings and looking for the storage or DVR section.

Recording on Different Devices

You can set up recordings from any device where YouTube TV is available — the phone app, the web browser, or a smart TV app. Once a recording is set, it appears in your library on all your devices. You can start watching on one device and pick up where you left off on another.

To watch a recording, open the YouTube TV app or website, go to your Library, find the show, and tap or click "Watch." The recording will play from the beginning, and YouTube TV remembers where you stopped if you pause and come back later.

Common Issues and What to Do

If a show you tried to record does not appear in your library, check whether it was actually scheduled to air. Some programs listed in the guide may not have aired yet or may have been cancelled. You can also check your account settings to make sure your subscription is active and in good standing.

If you see a "Not available to record" message, the network or content provider may have blocked recording for that program. This happens occasionally with certain movies or live events. In those cases, you may be able to watch the program on demand instead, or you can check back later to see if it becomes available to record.

If a recording stops partway through or does not record at all, your internet connection may have been interrupted, or there may have been a technical issue with YouTube TV. Try recording the show again, or if it has already aired, check whether it is available on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record live sports or breaking news?

Yes, you can record live events the same way you record regular shows. Keep in mind that some sports networks or special events may restrict recording, in which case you will see a "Not available to record" message. If recording is blocked, the event may still be available to watch on demand after it airs.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?

Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV does not store them after you cancel. If you want to keep a show, watch it before your subscription ends, or take a screenshot or recording of your screen if the content allows it.

Can I read recordings to watch offline?

No, YouTube TV does not offer a read feature. Recordings are stored on YouTube TV's servers and can only be watched through the app or website when you are signed in. You must have an internet connection to watch them.

Do I get charged extra for using the DVR feature?

No, the cloud DVR and 100 hours of storage are included with your YouTube TV subscription at no additional cost. There are no per-recording fees or storage upgrade charges.

How long does it take for a recording to show up in my library?

Recordings usually appear in your library within a few minutes after the program finishes airing. If a show is still airing, the recording will not be available until it ends. Check back after the air time if you do not see it right away.