Sign in on a web browser or the YouTube TV app
To access your YouTube TV account, go to tv.youtube.com on a computer or phone 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 the email you used to create your YouTube TV account, then click or tap Next.
On the next screen, enter your Google password and click Next again. If you have set up two-step verification on your Google account, you will be asked to confirm your identity using a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Once you complete this step, you will be signed in and can start watching.
The sign-in process is the same whether you are using a computer, phone, tablet, or streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast. Your account information syncs across all devices, so your watch history, saved shows, and DVR recordings appear on every screen where you sign in.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV uses your Google account to sign in, so you need the email address and password associated with your Google account.
- Go to tv.youtube.com in a browser or read the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device to start the sign-in process.
- If two-step verification is turned on for your Google account, you will need to confirm your identity with a code before you can access YouTube TV.
- Once you sign in on one device, your account settings and viewing history are available on all other devices where you sign in with the same Google account.
What to do if you forgot your password
If you cannot remember your Google password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. Google will ask you to enter a recovery email address or phone number linked to your account. You will receive a code or a link to reset your password.
Follow the instructions in the email or text message to create a new password. Once you have set a new password, return to YouTube TV and sign in with your email address and the new password. If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, you may need to go through additional verification steps to prove you own the account.
Signing in on a TV or streaming device
On a smart TV or streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV, open the YouTube TV app and you will see a sign-in code on the screen. This code is usually a combination of letters and numbers. Write down this code or keep it visible.
On a phone or computer, go to tv.youtube.com/signin and enter the code when prompted. This method is faster than typing your full email and password on a TV remote. After you enter the code, your TV or device will automatically sign in and you can start watching right away.
Signing out of your account
To sign out on a web browser, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Sign out. On the YouTube TV app for phone or tablet, tap your profile picture, then tap Sign out.
On a TV or streaming device, go to your account settings within the YouTube TV app, find the sign-out option, and select it. Signing out removes your account from that device, so anyone using that device will not see your watch history or personal information. You can sign back in at any time with your Google account credentials.
Troubleshooting common sign-in problems
If you see an error message saying your account is not recognized, double-check that you are using the correct email address. YouTube TV accounts are tied to Google accounts, so the email must match exactly. Spaces, capital letters, or a different email address will cause the sign-in to fail.
If you are stuck on the password screen or the sign-in keeps timing out, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then refresh the page. On a phone or tablet app, try closing the app completely and opening it again. If you are signing in on a streaming device, restart the device and try again.
If you see a message that your account has been locked for security reasons, Google has detected unusual activity. Go to myaccount.google.com on a computer and follow the prompts to unlock your account. You may be asked to verify your identity or review recent sign-in activity before you can access YouTube TV again.
Managing multiple accounts on one device
If you want to switch between different YouTube TV accounts on the same device, sign out of the current account first, then sign in with a different Google account. On a phone or tablet, you can also add multiple Google accounts to your device settings, which sometimes allows you to switch between YouTube TV accounts without signing out.
On a TV or streaming device, each person in your household can sign in with their own Google account. YouTube TV will keep separate watch histories and recommendations for each account. To switch accounts, sign out and use the sign-in code method to add a different account to the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Google account for multiple YouTube TV subscriptions?
No. One Google account can only have one YouTube TV subscription. If you want multiple subscriptions, you need separate Google accounts. Each account will have its own billing information and watch history.
What happens if I sign in from a new device?
Your YouTube TV account will work on the new device right away. Your watch history, saved shows, and DVR recordings will be available. If you have a family plan, other household members can also sign in on the new device with their own Google accounts.
Do I need to sign in every time I open YouTube TV?
No. Once you sign in, YouTube TV remembers your account on that device. You will stay signed in until you manually sign out or until the app is updated. On some devices, you may need to sign in again after a long period of inactivity.
Can I sign in to YouTube TV on a shared device?
Yes, but be aware that anyone using that device can see your watch history and access your account settings unless you sign out. If you share a device with others, sign out when you are done watching to keep your account private.
What should I do if I see a message that says my device is not supported?
YouTube TV works on most phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices, but some older devices may not be compatible. Check that your device is running a recent version of its operating system. If your device is too old, you may need to use a different device to access YouTube TV.