Yes, you can watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries the network that broadcasts the Super Bowl each year, so you can watch the game live on your TV, phone, or computer. The broadcast network changes annually—sometimes it's CBS, sometimes Fox, sometimes NBC—but YouTube TV includes all three in its base package. You do not need any add-on or premium tier. If you have a YouTube TV subscription, you have access to whichever network is showing that year's game.

The Super Bowl airs on a Sunday in early February. Kickoff is typically around 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, though the exact time varies by year. YouTube TV's live TV feature lets you tune in at game time just as you would on cable, and you can also use the YouTube TV app on your phone or tablet if you are away from home.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base subscription includes CBS, Fox, and NBC, so you will have access to whichever network broadcasts the Super Bowl that year.
  • You can watch on any device—your TV, phone, tablet, or computer—using the YouTube TV app or website.
  • The Super Bowl airs live on a Sunday in early February, with kickoff typically around 6:30 p.m. Eastern time.
  • YouTube TV does not require you to pay extra or add any premium channels to watch the Super Bowl.
  • If you do not have a YouTube TV subscription yet, you can start one before the game; most new accounts set up within minutes.

Which network shows the Super Bowl and when to find it

The Super Bowl rotates among CBS, Fox, and NBC each year. To find out which network is broadcasting the upcoming Super Bowl, check the NFL's official website or search for "Super Bowl [year] channel." Once you know the network, open YouTube TV and navigate to that channel's live feed on game day.

YouTube TV displays live TV channels in a grid layout. You can search for the channel by name at the top of the screen, or scroll through the channel list to find it. The Super Bowl will appear in the channel's schedule as the main event on that Sunday. Start watching a few minutes early if you want to catch the pre-game coverage.

Watching on different devices

YouTube TV works on most devices you already own. On your TV, you can use the YouTube TV app if you have a smart TV (Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV, or Fire TV), or you can cast from your phone or computer to a Chromecast device. On your phone or tablet, read the YouTube TV app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your YouTube TV account, and tap the live TV icon.

On a computer or laptop, go to tv.youtube.com, sign in, and select the Super Bowl broadcast from the channel grid. The video player will fill your screen, and you can adjust the quality if your internet connection is slow. YouTube TV automatically adjusts video quality based on your connection speed, so you should not have to change settings unless you experience buffering.

Internet speed and streaming quality

YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition and 7 Mbps for high definition. The Super Bowl is broadcast in HD, so 7 Mbps is the target speed for a smooth picture. If you have multiple people streaming on the same network at the same time, add another 3 to 7 Mbps per device.

You can check your internet speed using a free tool like speedtest.net. If your speed is lower than recommended, try moving closer to your router, closing other apps that use the internet, or asking others in your home to pause streaming temporarily during the game. YouTube TV will lower the video quality automatically if your connection drops, but the picture may look blurry.

What to do if you do not have YouTube TV yet

If you do not currently subscribe to YouTube TV, you can start a subscription before the Super Bowl. YouTube TV offers a free trial period for new members—the length varies, so check the YouTube TV website for the current offer. After the trial ends, the subscription costs a set monthly fee (check YouTube TV's pricing page for the current rate).

To start, go to tv.youtube.com and select "Try it free" or "Sign up." You will need a Google account and a payment method. The account activates within minutes, and you can start watching live TV right away. If you sign up close to Super Bowl Sunday, make sure your trial period covers that date, or have your payment method ready so your subscription is active by game time.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If the video keeps stopping or buffering during the game, restart the YouTube TV app or refresh the web page. Close any other apps running in the background, especially those that use the internet. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This often fixes connection issues.

If you see an error message saying the content is not available in your region, YouTube TV may be experiencing a technical issue or there may be a licensing restriction. Try signing out and signing back in. If the problem continues, contact YouTube TV support through the app or website. If the broadcast is delayed or interrupted due to breaking news or other events, YouTube TV will show the delay on the channel—you can usually watch the game after the interruption ends.

Using YouTube TV's DVR feature for the Super Bowl

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record the Super Bowl if you cannot watch it live. To record, open the channel showing the Super Bowl and look for a record button (usually a circle icon). Tap it to record the broadcast. The recording will appear in your library under "Recordings" or "Library," depending on your device.

You can watch your recording anytime after the game airs, and it will stay in your library for up to nine months. Keep in mind that if you watch a recording after the game has already aired, you may see spoilers on social media or news sites. YouTube TV also lets you fast-forward through commercials when watching a recorded game, which is not possible during live broadcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable or a TV antenna to watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV is a streaming service, so you only need an internet connection and a YouTube TV subscription. You do not need cable, a satellite dish, or an antenna. The Super Bowl is broadcast over the internet through YouTube TV's servers.

Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV if I am traveling or outside the United States?

YouTube TV is available only in the United States. If you are traveling within the U.S., you can watch on any device with your YouTube TV account. If you are outside the U.S., YouTube TV will not work, even with a VPN. Check your destination's local broadcasters for Super Bowl coverage.

What if my internet goes out during the Super Bowl?

If your internet connection drops, YouTube TV will pause. Once your connection is restored, you can resume watching from where it stopped. If you want to watch the game later, you can record it using YouTube TV's DVR feature, or the network may offer a replay or on-demand version after the broadcast ends.

Is there a way to watch the Super Bowl for free on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV offers a free trial period for new members. The length of the trial varies, so check the YouTube TV website to see the current offer. If the trial covers Super Bowl Sunday, you can watch the game free. After the trial ends, you will need to pay for a subscription to continue watching.

Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV with subtitles or closed captions?

Yes. Most broadcasts of the Super Bowl include closed captions. To turn them on, look for a "CC" button or settings icon in the YouTube TV video player. The exact location depends on your device, but it is usually in the bottom right corner of the screen.