Recording Programs on YouTube TV
YouTube TV lets you record programs directly through the app or website without needing extra hardware. When you mark a show to record, YouTube TV stores it in your library for you to watch later. The recording stays available for up to nine months, and you can record as many programs as you want at the same time — there is no limit on the number of simultaneous recordings.
The process is straightforward: find the program in the guide or search results, select it, and choose the record option. YouTube TV handles the rest automatically, including recording reruns if you choose that setting. You do not need to set up a separate DVR device or pay an extra fee for recording.
Key Takeaways
- You can record any program on YouTube TV by selecting it in the guide or search and tapping the record button — no extra equipment needed.
- Recorded programs stay in your library for nine months before they are automatically deleted.
- You can record unlimited programs at the same time, and YouTube TV will record all of them without slowing down your service.
- The record button appears next to most programs, but some content from networks or studios may not be available to record due to licensing restrictions.
- You can set YouTube TV to automatically record all episodes of a series, including new ones that air in the future.
How to Record a Single Program
Open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or computer, or go to the YouTube TV website. Browse the program guide or use the search bar to find the show you want to record. When you find it, select the program title to open its details page.
Look for the record button — it looks like a circle with a dot inside, or sometimes appears as a plus sign next to the program name. Tap or click it once. The button will change color or show a checkmark to confirm the recording is set. YouTube TV will automatically record that program when it airs, and the recording will appear in your library under "Recordings" or "Library" within a few minutes of the broadcast ending.
Recording All Episodes of a Series
If you want YouTube TV to record every episode of a show automatically, including new ones that have not aired yet, use the series record option. Find the show in the guide or search results and open its details page. Instead of tapping the single-program record button, look for an option that says "Record series" or "Add series" — the exact wording depends on which device you are using.
Tap that button, and YouTube TV will record the current episode plus all future episodes of that series. New recordings will appear in your library as they air. You can stop recording a series at any time by opening the show's details page again and selecting "Stop recording series" or a similar option.
Where to Find Your Recordings
All your recorded programs appear in one place on YouTube TV. On the home screen, look for a tab or menu item labeled "Library," "Recordings," or "My Recordings" — the exact name varies by device. Tap it to see a list of all programs you have recorded.
Your recordings are organized by show name, and you can scroll through them to find what you want to watch. Tap any recording to start playing it. You can watch a recording as many times as you want while it is still in your library. If you want to delete a recording before the nine-month window ends, open it and select the delete or trash icon.
Programs That Cannot Be Recorded
Most programs on YouTube TV can be recorded, but some content is restricted due to licensing agreements between YouTube TV and networks or studios. Live sports, pay-per-view events, and certain premium channels sometimes cannot be recorded. If a program cannot be recorded, the record button will not appear next to it, or it will be grayed out and unclickable.
If you see a program you want to record but the button is not available, check whether it is a live event or premium content. You may still be able to watch it live when it airs, even if you cannot record it. Some networks also offer their own apps where you can watch recorded versions of their shows after they air.
Recording While Away From Home
You can set up recordings on YouTube TV from anywhere — you do not have to be home or on your home network. Open the YouTube TV app or website on your phone, tablet, or computer, find the program you want to record, and tap the record button. The recording will be set up in your account and will happen automatically when the program airs, regardless of where you are.
When you get home, the recording will be waiting in your library. You can also watch your recordings away from home on any device where you are signed into your YouTube TV account, as long as you have an internet connection. YouTube TV streams your recordings to you just like it streams live TV.
Managing Storage and Deleting Old Recordings
YouTube TV does not limit how many programs you can record or how much storage space you use — you can record as many shows as you want without worrying about running out of room. However, recordings are automatically deleted nine months after they are recorded. If you want to keep a recording longer, you need to watch it or delete it manually before the nine-month window closes.
To delete a recording before it expires, open your library, find the program, and select the delete or trash icon. Confirm the deletion when prompted. Once deleted, the recording is gone and cannot be recovered, so make sure you have watched it or no longer need it before you delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record programs that are currently airing right now?
Yes. You can record a program even if it has already started airing. YouTube TV will record from the point you set the recording onward, so you will get the rest of the broadcast. If you want the entire program from the beginning, check whether it will air again as a rerun and record that broadcast instead, or look for it on demand if the network offers it.
What happens if two programs I want to record air at the same time?
YouTube TV will record both of them. There is no limit on simultaneous recordings, so you can record as many programs as you want at the same time without any conflict or slowdown. All recordings will be saved to your library.
Can I record programs on my phone and watch them on my TV?
Yes. Recordings are stored in your YouTube TV account, not on a specific device. You can set up a recording on your phone and watch it on your TV, computer, or any other device where you are signed in to YouTube TV. Just open your library and select the recording you want to watch.
Do I lose my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?
Yes. If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, your recordings are deleted and you lose access to your library. If you resubscribe later, your old recordings will not return. This is why it is important to watch or delete recordings before you cancel if there are programs you want to keep.
Why is the record button missing for some programs?
Some content cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions set by networks or studios. Live sports, pay-per-view events, and certain premium shows often fall into this category. If the record button is not available, that program is not available to record on YouTube TV, but you may still be able to watch it live when it airs.