Getting Started With YouTube TV

To sign up for YouTube TV, go to youtube.com/tv on any web browser or open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Click the "Sign up" or "get your free guide" button, then sign in with a Google account — you can use an existing Gmail address or create a new one. After you confirm your Google account, you'll choose your billing method and enter payment information. YouTube TV will then ask for your home address to confirm your location and show you which local channels are available in your area.

Once you complete these steps, your account is active and you can start watching when ready. YouTube TV typically offers a trial period before your first charge, though the length varies — the signup page will tell you exactly when you'll be charged. During the trial, you have full access to all channels and features.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Google account to sign up for YouTube TV; you can use an existing Gmail address or create one during signup.
  • YouTube TV requires your home address to determine which local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) are available to you.
  • You can sign up on a web browser at youtube.com/tv or through the YouTube TV app on phones, tablets, and streaming devices.
  • Have a valid credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance ready before you start, as YouTube TV charges monthly after the trial period ends.
  • You can sign in on multiple devices with the same Google account and watch on several devices at once, depending on your plan.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your Google account information ready — either an existing Gmail address and password, or be prepared to create a new Google account. You'll also need a valid payment method: a credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance. YouTube TV will charge this method monthly after your trial ends, so make sure the card you enter is current and has available funds.

You'll need to provide your home address during signup. YouTube TV uses this to determine which local channels broadcast in your area — this is how the service knows whether you can watch your local ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox affiliate. Your address also confirms you're in a location where YouTube TV operates, which is throughout the United States but not in all territories.

Step-by-Step Signup on a Web Browser

Open any web browser and go to youtube.com/tv. Look for the "Sign up" button, usually near the top right of the page or prominently displayed in the center. Click it to begin the signup process.

You'll be taken to a Google sign-in page. If you already have a Gmail account, enter your email address and password. If you don't have a Google account, click "Create account" and follow the prompts to set one up — you'll need a name, a new Gmail address, a password, and a phone number for account recovery.

After you sign in, YouTube TV will ask you to confirm your home address. Type in your street address, city, and state. YouTube TV uses this information to show you which local channels are available and to verify your location for licensing reasons. If your address isn't recognized, try entering it in a different format — for example, use "Street" instead of "St." or spell out the full state name instead of the abbreviation.

Next, enter your payment method. Click "Add payment method" and choose whether you're using a credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back), or select your Google Play balance if you have one set up. YouTube TV will ask for the billing address associated with that payment method.

Review the terms of service and privacy policy, then click the button to complete signup. Your account is now active, and you can begin watching YouTube TV on any device where you're signed into that Google account.

Signing Up on the YouTube TV App

read the YouTube TV app from your device's app store — the Google Play Store on Android phones and tablets, the App Store on iPhones and iPads, or the app store for your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Samsung TV, or LG TV). Open the app after installation.

Tap "Sign up" or "get your free guide." You'll see a prompt to sign in with your Google account. If you have one, enter your email and password. If not, tap "Create account" and follow the steps to make a new Google account. The process is the same as on a web browser — you'll create a Gmail address, password, and recovery phone number.

The app will then ask for your home address to determine local channel availability. Enter your street address, city, and state. Next, add your payment method by tapping the payment option and entering your card details or selecting Google Play balance. Confirm the billing address, review the terms, and tap to finish signup. You're ready to watch when ready.

Signing In on Multiple Devices

Once your YouTube TV account is set up, you can sign in on any device using the same Google account. On phones and tablets, read the YouTube TV app and sign in with your Google account email and password. On streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV, open the YouTube TV app, and you'll see a code on your screen. Go to youtube.com/tv/signin on a computer or phone, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. The app will then be signed in on that device.

You can watch on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your subscription plan. Check your account settings to see how many simultaneous streams you're allowed. Your account settings are found by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting "Settings."

Understanding the Trial Period and First Charge

YouTube TV typically offers a trial period before your first charge, though the length of this trial changes periodically. When you sign up, the signup page will clearly state how long the trial lasts — check this information carefully so you know when your first payment will be charged. During the trial, you have full access to all channels and features.

After the trial ends, YouTube TV will charge your payment method the monthly subscription fee. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid being charged, or you can cancel after the first charge if you decide the service isn't right for you. Cancellation is handled in your account settings under "Membership and billing."

What Happens After You Sign Up

Your YouTube TV home screen will show all available channels in your area, organized by category. You can browse live TV, search for shows and movies, or set up cloud DVR to record programs. Your account settings — where you can manage payment methods, change your address, or update your password — are found by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting "Settings."

If you have questions about your account or encounter problems signing in, YouTube TV's help center is available at support.google.com/youtubetv. You can also contact YouTube TV support through your account settings for issues that need more detailed help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a YouTube account instead of a Google account to sign up?

YouTube accounts and Google accounts are the same thing now. If you have a YouTube account, you already have a Google account. Use the email address and password associated with your YouTube account to sign in to YouTube TV.

What if my address isn't recognized during signup?

Try entering your address in a slightly different format — for example, use "Street" instead of "St." or spell out the full state name instead of the abbreviation. If YouTube TV still doesn't recognize it, contact support through your account settings or visit support.google.com/youtubetv for help.

Can I change my home address after I sign up?

Yes. Go to your account settings, find "Membership and billing," and look for the address section. You can update your address anytime. YouTube TV will then show you the local channels available at your new location.

What if I don't have a credit card?

You can use a debit card or a Google Play balance to pay for YouTube TV. If you have a Google Play account with a balance, you can select that as your payment method during signup.

Can I sign up on my smart TV directly?

Yes. Open the app store on your smart TV, search for "YouTube TV," read the app, and open it. You'll see a code on your screen. On a computer or phone, go to youtube.com/tv/signin, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. The TV will then be signed in.