Where to find and read the YouTube app
The YouTube app is free to read from your device's app store. On Android phones and tablets, you find it in Google Play Store. On iPhones and iPads, you find it in the App Store. On smart TVs, Roku devices, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast, the app is usually pre-installed or available through your TV's app marketplace.
You do not need a YouTube TV subscription to read the YouTube app itself — the app is separate from YouTube TV. The YouTube app lets you watch videos for free (with ads) or with a YouTube Premium subscription. YouTube TV is a different service that gives you live TV channels and requires its own subscription.
The read is quick and takes only a few megabytes of storage. Most devices complete the installation in under a minute once you start the read.
Key Takeaways
- The YouTube app downloads free from Google Play Store (Android), the App Store (iPhone/iPad), or your TV's app marketplace (smart TVs and streaming devices).
- You do not need a YouTube TV subscription to use the YouTube app — they are two separate services.
- The app is usually pre-installed on newer smart TVs and streaming devices, so check your home screen before downloading.
- After installation, sign in with your Google account to see your subscriptions, watch history, and saved videos.
Downloading on Android phones and tablets
Open Google Play Store on your Android device. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and type "YouTube". The official YouTube app appears at the top of the results — it has the red play button icon and is made by Google LLC.
Tap the app name, then tap the "Install" button. The read begins automatically. Once installation finishes, the button changes to "Open". Tap it to launch the app, or close the Play Store and find YouTube on your home screen.
If you already have the YouTube app installed, the Play Store shows an "Update" button instead. Tap it to get the latest version.
Downloading on iPhone and iPad
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the search tab at the bottom right. Type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app appears at the top — it has the red play button icon and shows "Google LLC" as the developer.
Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the price if it shows one). You may be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The read and installation happen automatically. Once complete, the button changes to "Open".
The app then appears on your home screen. You can also find it by swiping left to your App Library and searching for YouTube.
Installing on smart TVs and streaming devices
Most newer smart TVs come with YouTube pre-installed. Check your home screen or app menu first — you may already have it. If not, the installation method depends on your device type.
On Samsung, LG, Sony, and other smart TVs: Go to your TV's app store (often called "Apps" or "Smart Hub"), search for YouTube, and select "Install". The app downloads and installs on your TV automatically.
On Roku devices: Press the Home button on your remote. Go to Streaming Channels, search for YouTube, and select "Add Channel". Roku installs it to your home screen.
On Amazon Fire TV: Open the Appstore from your home screen. Search for YouTube and select "Get" or "Install". The app appears in your apps list once installation finishes.
On Apple TV: Open the App Store on your Apple TV. Search for YouTube and select "Get". Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
On Google Chromecast: YouTube is built in — you do not need to read it. Use the Google Home app on your phone to cast videos to your Chromecast.
Signing in and setting up your account
After the app installs, open it and tap the profile icon (usually in the top right corner). Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google account email and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free during this step.
Once signed in, the app shows your subscriptions, watch history, and saved videos. You can browse videos without signing in, but signing in lets you personalize your experience and access your account across devices.
If you use the same Google account on multiple devices, your watch history and subscriptions sync automatically. This means you can start watching a video on your phone and continue on your TV.
Troubleshooting read and installation problems
If the read stalls or fails, check that you have a stable internet connection. Try restarting your device and opening the app store again. On Android, you can also clear the Google Play Store cache: go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache, then try downloading again.
If you see a message that the app is not compatible with your device, your phone or tablet may be too old. YouTube requires Android 5.0 or newer on phones and iOS 14.0 or newer on iPhones. Check your device's Settings to see which version you have. If your device is older, you can still watch YouTube in a web browser by going to youtube.com.
If the app installs but will not open, try restarting your device. If it still does not work, uninstall the app, restart your device again, and reinstall it from the app store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to use the YouTube app?
No. The YouTube app is free and separate from YouTube TV. You can watch videos in the YouTube app without any subscription. YouTube TV is an optional paid service for live TV channels.
Can I watch YouTube on my computer without downloading an app?
Yes. Go to youtube.com in any web browser on your computer. You do not need to read anything. The website works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.
What if my device is too old to run the YouTube app?
You can still watch YouTube in a web browser. On Android, open Chrome or another browser and go to youtube.com. On older iPhones, do the same. The website version works on older devices that cannot run the app.
Will the YouTube app work without signing in?
Yes. You can browse and watch videos without signing in. However, signing in lets you save videos, see your watch history, and subscribe to channels. Your data syncs across all your devices when you sign in.
How much storage space does the YouTube app need?
The app itself takes about 100 to 200 megabytes of storage, depending on your device. It uses additional space to cache videos you watch, but you can clear this cache anytime in your device settings without losing your account information.