YouTube installs differently depending on what device you're using

YouTube is a free app you read and open on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. The installation process takes a few minutes and works the same way as installing any other app on that device. Once installed, you sign in with a Google account (which you can create for free if you don't have one) and start watching.

The steps below cover the most common devices. If you're using something else — a streaming stick, a gaming console, or a less common smart TV — the basic idea is the same: find YouTube in your device's app store, tap the install button, and wait for it to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube is free to read and install on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers through each device's official app store.
  • You need a Google account to sign in after installation, and you can create one for free if you don't already have one.
  • On iPhones and iPads, you install YouTube through the Apple App Store; on Android phones and tablets, you use Google Play Store.
  • Smart TV installation varies by brand — Samsung, LG, and Roku each have their own app stores where YouTube is usually pre-installed or ready to read.
  • Installation takes just a few minutes, and you can start watching when ready after signing in with your Google account.

Installing YouTube on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store (the blue icon with a white square). Tap the search tab at the bottom of the screen, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app made by Google will appear at the top of the results — it has the red YouTube logo.

Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the word "Get" if you haven't installed it before). Your phone will ask you to confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete that step, and the app will read and install automatically. When it finishes, the button will change to "Open" — tap that to launch YouTube for the first time.

Installing YouTube on Android phones and tablets

Open Google Play Store (the colorful triangle icon). Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app will appear first — it has the red YouTube logo and is made by Google LLC.

Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. The button will change to "Open" once installation is complete. Tap it to launch the app. If you see a message asking for permission to access your photos, files, or camera, you can tap "Allow" or "Don't allow" depending on what you're comfortable with — YouTube will still work either way.

Installing YouTube on Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs

Most newer smart TVs come with YouTube already installed. If it's not on your home screen, you can read it from your TV's app store. On Samsung TVs, press the Home button on your remote, then look for "Apps" or "Samsung Apps Store." Search for YouTube, select it, and tap "Install."

On LG TVs, press the Home button, find "LG Content Store" or "LG App Store," search for YouTube, and tap "Install." The exact steps vary slightly by TV model and year, so if you're not sure where the app store is, check your TV's manual or search online for "[Your TV brand] how to install apps."

Once YouTube is installed, your TV will ask you to sign in. You'll see a code on your screen — go to youtube.com/set up on your phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. This links YouTube on your TV to your account so your watch history and subscriptions appear on the big screen.

Installing YouTube on Roku, Fire Stick, and other streaming devices

On Roku, press the Home button on your remote. Navigate to "Streaming Channels" or "Channel Store," search for YouTube, and select "Add Channel." On Amazon Fire Stick, go to the home screen, select "Search," type "YouTube," and tap "Get" or "read."

Once installed, open the app and you'll see a code on your screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on your phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. This connects the app to your account so you see your subscriptions and watch history.

Installing YouTube on Windows or Mac computers

You don't need to install YouTube on a computer — just open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) and go to youtube.com. You can watch when ready without installing anything. If you want to sign in to see your subscriptions and watch history, click the profile icon in the top right corner and select "Sign in," then enter your Google account information.

If you want a desktop app version on Windows, you can install YouTube TV as a standalone app through the Microsoft Store, but the website works just as well for watching regular YouTube videos.

What to do after installation: signing in with your Google account

After you install YouTube and open it for the first time, you'll see a sign-in screen. Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google account email and password. If you don't have a Google account, tap "Create account" and follow the steps — it takes about two minutes and is completely free.

Once you're signed in, YouTube will remember your account on that device. You'll see your subscriptions, watch history, and saved videos. If you share the device with other people, each person can sign in with their own Google account to keep their watch history separate.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the YouTube app won't read, check that you have enough free space on your device — YouTube needs at least 100 MB of free storage. If you're on a phone or tablet, go to Settings, find Storage or Device Storage, and delete old photos or videos if needed.

If the read keeps stopping, restart your device and try again. Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network — cellular data can sometimes be too slow for large app downloads. If you're still having trouble, uninstall the app completely and read it fresh.

On smart TVs, if YouTube won't install, make sure your TV is connected to the internet and has the latest software update. Check your TV's settings for a System Update or Software Update option and run it before trying to install YouTube again. If you're still stuck, contact your TV manufacturer's support — they can walk you through the process for your specific model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to read or use YouTube?

No. YouTube is free to read and free to use. You can watch videos, create an account, and subscribe to channels without paying anything. YouTube does show ads on videos unless you pay for YouTube Premium, but the app itself and basic viewing are always free.

Can I install YouTube on a TV that doesn't have an app store?

If your TV is very old and doesn't have built-in apps, you can use a streaming device like Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV to add YouTube. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and give you access to YouTube and other apps. They cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

What's the difference between YouTube and YouTube TV?

YouTube is the free video platform where anyone can upload and watch videos. YouTube TV is a paid subscription service that lets you watch live TV channels like ESPN, CNN, and local news. You install the same YouTube app for both — YouTube TV is just a subscription option inside the app, not a separate installation.

Can I install YouTube on multiple devices with the same Google account?

Yes. You can sign in to the same Google account on your phone, tablet, TV, and computer. Your subscriptions and watch history will sync across all of them, so if you watch something on your phone, you can pick up where you left off on your TV.

What if I forget my Google account password after installing YouTube?

Go to accounts.google.com on any computer or phone, click "Forgot password," and follow the steps to reset it. You'll need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Once you reset your password, you can sign back into YouTube on all your devices.