Apple TV does not have a built-in YouTube app, but you can still watch YouTube on most Apple TV models
Apple TV hardware — the small black box that connects to your television — does not come with YouTube pre-installed. However, you can read the YouTube app from the App Store on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) and Apple TV HD. If you own an older Apple TV model, you have other ways to watch YouTube, though they require extra steps.
The reason YouTube is not built in is a long-running dispute between Apple and Google over how the app should work and what data it collects. This means you will need to add it yourself if you want it, but the process takes only a few minutes once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) and Apple TV HD can read the YouTube app directly from the App Store.
- Older Apple TV models cannot read YouTube, but you can use AirPlay to stream YouTube from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your television.
- Once you read the YouTube app on a compatible Apple TV, you sign in with your Google account to access your subscriptions and watch history.
- If you have an older Apple TV, using AirPlay is the fastest way to watch YouTube without buying new hardware.
How to read YouTube on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
Open the App Store on your Apple TV by pressing the TV button on your remote and scrolling to the App Store icon. Search for "YouTube" using the search function. Select the official YouTube app (made by Google) and press the read button. The app will install within seconds.
Once installed, open YouTube and sign in with your Google account. You will see your subscriptions, watch history, and recommendations just as you would on a phone or computer. You can use the Siri Remote to search for videos, browse channels, and adjust playback settings.
Which Apple TV models support the YouTube app
The YouTube app works on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, released in 2021) and all newer 4K models, as well as Apple TV HD (released in 2015). These are the current models Apple sells and supports with regular software updates.
If you own an Apple TV 3rd generation or older, the App Store does not exist on your device, so you cannot read YouTube directly. The same applies to the original Apple TV and Apple TV 2. For these older models, AirPlay is your only option to watch YouTube on your television.
Using AirPlay to watch YouTube on older Apple TV models
AirPlay lets you send video from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your Apple TV. Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet, find the video you want to watch, and tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with lines beneath it). Select your Apple TV from the list, and the video will play on your television.
You can control playback from your phone — pause, skip forward, adjust volume — while the video plays on the big screen. This method works on any Apple TV model that supports AirPlay, including very old devices. The downside is that your phone stays connected the entire time, so you cannot use it for other tasks without interrupting the video.
Casting YouTube from Android phones and tablets
If you use an Android phone or tablet, you cannot use AirPlay because it is exclusive to Apple devices. Instead, you can cast YouTube to your Apple TV using Google Cast, but only if your Apple TV is running tvOS 12.4 or later and you have the YouTube app installed.
Open YouTube on your Android device, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle in the corner), and select your Apple TV from the list. Your video will begin playing on the television. You can control it from your phone just as you would with AirPlay.
What to do if YouTube is not showing up in the App Store
If you search the App Store on your Apple TV and cannot find YouTube, check that your device is running the latest version of tvOS. Go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates, and select Update if one is available. Restart your Apple TV after the update finishes.
If you still cannot find YouTube after updating, your Apple TV model may be too old to support the app. Check Apple's official support page to confirm your model number. If your device is not listed as compatible, AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad is your best option.
Alternatives if you want YouTube without Apple TV
If you do not own an Apple TV but want to watch YouTube on your television, you have several other options. Most modern smart televisions have YouTube built in or available in their app store. Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung Smart TV all have native YouTube apps.
You can also use a less expensive streaming device: a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku Streaming Stick all cost less than Apple TV and come with YouTube pre-installed. If you already own an Apple TV and just want to add YouTube, downloading the app is free and takes less than a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use YouTube TV on Apple TV?
Yes. YouTube TV (the live television service) has its own app separate from the regular YouTube app. You can read it from the App Store on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, just as you would the regular YouTube app. You will need an active YouTube TV subscription to use it.
Will YouTube ever come pre-installed on Apple TV?
There is no official announcement from Apple about this. The app has not been included by default for years due to the dispute between Apple and Google over how the service should work. You can expect to read it manually for the foreseeable future.
Does AirPlay work if my iPhone and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?
No. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If they are on different networks, AirPlay will not appear as an option. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices are on the same network name.
Can I read YouTube on Apple TV if I do not have a Google account?
You can read the app without a Google account, but you will need to sign in to watch videos. A Google account is free to create. You can use any email address, or create a new Gmail address during the sign-up process.