YouTube TV works on Roku, and the setup takes about five minutes
Yes, YouTube TV is available on Roku devices. You can read the YouTube TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store and sign in with your Google account. The app works on most Roku models made in the last several years, including Roku streaming sticks, Roku boxes, and Roku TVs with built-in Roku software.
The app gives you access to the same live channels and on-demand content as YouTube TV on other devices. You can pause and resume live TV, record shows to your library, and use the same account across multiple devices in your home.
Key Takeaways
- read the YouTube TV app from the Roku Channel Store using your Roku remote, then sign in with your Google account.
- YouTube TV works on Roku devices from roughly 2014 onward, though older models may not support the app.
- Your YouTube TV subscription and recordings sync across all your devices, so you can start watching on Roku and pick up where you left off on your phone or computer.
- If the app does not appear in the Channel Store, your Roku model may be too old, and you can check your device's model number in the Roku settings menu.
Finding and installing the YouTube TV app on Roku
Open the Roku home screen and navigate to the Channel Store using your remote. Search for "YouTube TV" in the search box. When the app appears in the results, select it and choose "Add Channel." Roku will read and install the app automatically, and it will appear on your home screen once installation is complete.
The first time you open YouTube TV on Roku, you will be asked to sign in. You can either enter your Google account credentials directly on the TV using the remote, or Roku will give you a code to enter on a phone or computer, which is faster if you have a long password. After you sign in, the app will load your YouTube TV account with all your channels and settings.
Which Roku devices support YouTube TV
YouTube TV works on most Roku devices manufactured around 2014 or later. This includes Roku Express, Roku Premiere, Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku TVs with built-in Roku software. The app also works on Roku devices sold through other brands, such as TCL and Hisense TVs that run Roku.
If you own an older Roku device and the YouTube TV app does not appear in the Channel Store, your model may not be supported. To check your Roku's model number and software version, go to Settings > System > About on your device. You can then search online for your specific model to confirm whether YouTube TV is available for it.
Signing in and using your account on Roku
Once you are signed in, your YouTube TV account is active on that Roku device. You can watch live TV, browse your saved shows, and access your library of recordings. The remote controls playback with standard buttons for play, pause, fast-forward, and rewind.
If you have multiple Roku devices in your home, you can sign in to YouTube TV on each one using the same Google account. Your watch history, saved shows, and recordings will appear on all of them. If you want to remove YouTube TV from a Roku device, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Apps, find YouTube TV, and select "Remove Channel."
Troubleshooting common Roku and YouTube TV problems
If the YouTube TV app crashes or freezes, restart the app by pressing the Home button on your remote, then opening YouTube TV again. If that does not work, restart your Roku device by going to Settings > System > Power > Restart. Wait about 30 seconds for the device to fully restart before opening the app again.
If you cannot find the YouTube TV app in the Channel Store, make sure your Roku is connected to the internet and your software is up to date. Go to Settings > System > System Update to check for updates. If your Roku is very old, the app may not be available for your model, and you would need a newer device to use YouTube TV on Roku.
If you are signed in but see an error message about your subscription, sign out of the app and sign back in. Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV > Remove Channel, then reinstall the app from the Channel Store. This usually clears temporary sign-in problems.
Using YouTube TV features on Roku
The YouTube TV app on Roku includes most of the features available on other devices. You can browse live channels, search for shows and movies, and add programs to your library. The app shows you what is on now and what is coming up, so you can decide what to watch.
When you record a show, it is saved to your library for up to nine months. You can access your recordings from any device signed into your YouTube TV account, including phones, tablets, computers, and other Roku devices. If you pause a show on your Roku, you can resume it on your phone later, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use YouTube TV on a Roku TV that came with the TV built in?
Yes. If your TV has Roku software built in, you can read the YouTube TV app from the Channel Store the same way you would on a Roku streaming device. The process is identical, and your account will work across all your Roku devices.
What internet speed do I need for YouTube TV on Roku?
YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second for standard quality and 13 megabits per second for 4K quality. If your internet is slower, the app may buffer or drop the connection. You can test your speed through your Roku settings or on a computer connected to the same network.
Can I watch YouTube TV on Roku without a subscription?
No. You must have an active YouTube TV subscription to use the app on Roku. You can start a subscription through the YouTube TV website or through the app itself, and the same subscription works across all your devices.
Does YouTube TV on Roku support 4K streaming?
YouTube TV offers 4K streaming on compatible Roku devices, but only for certain channels and content. You need a Roku device that supports 4K, a 4K TV, and a fast internet connection. Not all YouTube TV channels broadcast in 4K, so availability depends on what you are watching.
What should I do if I forgot my Google password?
Go to the Google account recovery page on a phone or computer and follow the steps to reset your password. Once you have set a new password, you can sign into YouTube TV on your Roku using the new credentials.