The fastest way to find a channel on YouTube TV

Open YouTube TV and look for the search icon at the top of the screen — it looks like a magnifying glass. Tap or click it, type the channel name (like "CNN" or "ESPN"), and the results will show matching channels along with their current programs. If the channel is available in your region and included in your plan, you can select it to start watching.

The search box works the same way whether you are on a phone, tablet, computer, or TV device. You do not need to know the exact name — typing part of a channel name will bring up suggestions as you type. Once you find what you want, you can add it to your favorites for faster access next time.

Key Takeaways

  • The search icon at the top of YouTube TV opens a text box where you can type any channel name or program title.
  • Results appear as you type, so you can stop typing once you see the channel you want.
  • You can add channels to your favorites list by selecting the heart icon, which moves them to the top of your channel guide.
  • If a channel does not appear in search results, it may not be included in your plan or available in your region.
  • Browsing by category (Sports, News, Entertainment) is faster than searching if you know what type of content you want but not the exact channel name.

Using the search box on different devices

On a phone or tablet, tap the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the YouTube TV app. A keyboard will appear and you can start typing. On a computer or laptop, click the same icon and type directly into the search field that opens. On a TV device (like a Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV), use your remote to navigate to the search icon and use the remote's keyboard or voice input to type the channel name.

Voice search is available on most TV devices and some phones. Instead of typing, you can say the channel name aloud and the device will search for it. This is often faster than typing on a remote control. The results appear in the same format regardless of which device you use.

What to do if your channel does not show up in search

If you search for a channel and it does not appear, check whether it is included in your YouTube TV plan. Some channels are only available with certain plan levels or add-ons. You can see your full channel list by going to the home screen and scrolling through the guide, which shows every channel you have access to.

Regional availability also affects search results. Some channels are only broadcast in certain parts of the country. If you recently moved or are traveling, a channel you normally watch may not be available. Check your account settings to confirm your location, or contact YouTube TV support to ask whether a specific channel is available where you are.

Adding channels to your favorites for faster access

When you find a channel you watch often, you can add it to your favorites. Select the channel and look for a heart icon — clicking or tapping it will add the channel to your favorites list. Favorite channels appear at the top of your guide, so you do not have to search for them every time.

You can remove a channel from favorites by clicking the heart icon again. The channel stays in your full guide but moves back down with the rest. You can have as many favorite channels as you want, and rearranging them is not possible — YouTube TV shows them in the order you added them.

Browsing channels by category instead of searching

If you do not know the exact channel name but know what type of content you want, use the category browse feature. From the home screen, look for tabs like "Sports," "News," "Entertainment," or "Kids." Tapping one of these will show all channels in that category, organized by type. This method is often faster than searching if you are looking for a specific genre rather than a specific channel.

Categories change based on what is available in your region and plan. You may see different category tabs than another person. Scrolling through a category also helps you discover channels you did not know existed.

Searching for programs instead of channels

You can also search for a specific show or movie title instead of a channel name. Type the program name into the search box and YouTube TV will show you which channels are airing it, when it airs, and whether it is available to watch on demand. This is useful if you know what you want to watch but not which channel carries it.

Search results for programs include upcoming air times and links to watch now if the program is currently available. You can set reminders for programs you want to watch later, and YouTube TV will notify you when they are about to air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for channels by number instead of name?

No, YouTube TV does not organize channels by number the way cable does. You must search by channel name or browse by category. If you know a channel's traditional cable number but not its name, search online for the channel name first, then search YouTube TV for it.

Why does my search show results I cannot watch?

Search results may include channels or programs that are not part of your plan or not available in your region. When you select a result, YouTube TV will tell you whether it is available to you. You can add channels to your plan through the settings menu if they are offered as add-ons.

Does searching on YouTube TV search the internet too?

No, the search box only searches within YouTube TV's catalog of channels and programs. It does not search the wider internet or other streaming services. If you want to find a program on other platforms, you will need to search the internet separately.

Can I save my search history?

YouTube TV does not show a saved search history feature. Each time you open the search box, you start fresh. However, adding channels to your favorites list serves the same purpose — it keeps your most-watched channels straightforward to find.