The fastest way to sign in
Go to tv.youtube.com in your web browser, or open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. You will see a sign-in screen asking for your Google account email address. Type in the email you used when you set up YouTube TV, then enter your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Google account, you will be asked to verify your identity using your phone or a security key before you can proceed.
On most devices, you stay signed in after your first login. On shared devices like a living room TV, you may need to sign in each time you open the app, depending on how you have configured your device settings.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV uses your Google account to sign in—the same email and password you use for Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services.
- If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Google account, you will need to complete an extra verification step during sign-in.
- You can sign in on the web at tv.youtube.com or through the YouTube TV app on phones, tablets, streaming devices, and smart TVs.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in screen to reset it through your Google account recovery options.
Signing in on different devices
The sign-in process is slightly different depending on what you are using. On a phone or tablet, read the YouTube TV app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Sign in." On a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Google TV device, select YouTube TV from your apps, and a sign-in code will appear on your screen. You then go to tv.youtube.com/signin on a phone or computer, enter that code, and confirm the sign-in from there.
This code-based sign-in on streaming devices is safer than typing your password on a TV remote. The code is temporary and works only once, so you do not have to worry about someone else using it after you have signed in.
What to do if you forgot your password
Click or tap "Forgot password?" on the YouTube TV sign-in screen. You will be taken to Google's account recovery page. Enter your email address, and Google will send you a recovery link or ask you to verify your identity using a phone number or backup email on file. Follow the steps to reset your password, then return to YouTube TV and sign in with your new password.
If you no longer have access to the phone number or email address associated with your Google account, the recovery process takes longer. Google may ask you security questions or request other proof that you own the account. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much information you can provide.
Signing out and managing multiple accounts
To sign out on a phone or tablet, open the YouTube TV app, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, and select "Sign out." On a web browser, click your profile picture in the top right corner of tv.youtube.com and choose "Sign out." On a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV, go to Settings within the YouTube TV app and select "Sign out."
If you have multiple Google accounts, you can switch between them on your phone or tablet by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Switch account." On the web, you can do the same by clicking your profile picture. On streaming devices, you will need to sign out completely and then sign in with a different account—you cannot switch accounts without signing out first.
Two-factor authentication and security
If your Google account has two-factor authentication turned on, you will see an extra step during sign-in. Google will ask you to verify your identity using an authenticator app, a security key, or a code sent to your phone. This protects your account if someone learns your password. You only have to complete this step once per device—after that, the device is trusted and you will not be asked again unless you sign out.
If you lose access to your two-factor authentication method (for example, you get a new phone and cannot access your old authenticator app), use the "Can't use your phone?" or similar option on the verification screen. Google will walk you through recovery steps, which may include answering security questions or using a backup code you saved when you first set up two-factor authentication.
Troubleshooting sign-in problems
If you see an error message when you try to sign in, first check that you are using the correct email address. YouTube TV accounts are tied to Google accounts, and the email must match exactly. If you are not sure which email you used, check your credit card statement or email inbox for a YouTube TV receipt or welcome message.
If you are still having trouble, clear your browser's cookies and cache, then try signing in again. On the YouTube TV app, try signing out, closing the app completely, and opening it again before signing back in. If you are on a streaming device and the app will not let you sign in, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If none of these steps work, contact YouTube TV support through the Help section in the app or at support.google.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Google account for YouTube TV on multiple devices?
Yes. You can sign in to YouTube TV on as many devices as you want using the same Google account. However, YouTube TV's terms of service limit simultaneous streams—you can watch on a certain number of screens at the same time depending on your plan. If you exceed that limit, you will be asked to stop watching on one device before you can start on another.
What if I see "This account cannot be used with YouTube TV"?
This error usually means the email address you entered is not associated with an active YouTube TV membership. Check that you are using the correct email, or contact YouTube TV support to confirm your account status. If you recently canceled your membership, you will not be able to sign in until you resubscribe.
Do I need a different password for YouTube TV than for my Google account?
No. YouTube TV uses your Google account password. There is no separate YouTube TV password. If you change your Google account password, use the new password the next time you sign in to YouTube TV.
Can I sign in without a Google account?
No. YouTube TV requires a Google account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com. You will need an email address (you can create a new Gmail address or use an existing email from another provider) and a password.