ESPN+ is not included in YouTube TV, but you can watch both services on the same device

YouTube TV does not bundle ESPN+ into its channel lineup. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service owned by Disney, and YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as cable channels instead. If you want ESPN+ content on YouTube TV, you need to pay for ESPN+ as an add-on subscription and sign in to the ESPN+ app separately on your device.

The good news is that you can run both services at the same time on most devices. YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. ESPN+ works on the same platforms. You switch between the apps to watch what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as live channels, but ESPN+ is a separate paid service that does not come with YouTube TV.
  • ESPN+ costs extra per month and requires its own login, but you can install both the YouTube TV app and ESPN+ app on the same device.
  • On smart TVs and streaming devices, you can switch between YouTube TV and ESPN+ without signing out or restarting.
  • Some ESPN+ content is exclusive to the streaming service and will not appear on YouTube TV's cable channels.

What ESPN+ includes that YouTube TV does not

ESPN+ has original shows, live sports events, and on-demand replays that do not air on ESPN's cable channels. This includes UFC events, college sports, international soccer, and exclusive interviews and analysis shows. If you follow a sport or team closely, ESPN+ often has games and coverage that the main ESPN channels skip.

YouTube TV gives you the cable channels ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, which show major games and live events. But if an event is marked as "ESPN+ exclusive," it will not appear on those channels. You have to open the ESPN+ app to watch it.

How to set up ESPN+ on your device

Start by downloading the ESPN app (not the ESPN+ app — they are the same app). On most devices, search your app store for "ESPN" and install it. On a smart TV, go to your TV's app store and search for ESPN. On a streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire TV, do the same.

Open the ESPN app and tap or click "Sign In." You will see an option to sign in with an ESPN account or to subscribe to ESPN+. If you do not have an ESPN account yet, create one with your email address. Then choose the ESPN+ plan you want — monthly or annual. Complete the payment with a credit card or other payment method.

Once you are signed in, ESPN+ content will appear in the app. You can browse live events, on-demand games, and original shows. YouTube TV remains a separate app on your device, so you switch between them as needed.

Signing in on smart TVs and streaming devices

On a smart TV or streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV, the sign-in process is slightly different. Open the ESPN app and select "Sign In." The app will show you a code on your screen — usually four letters or numbers. Go to ESPN.com/set up on a phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in with your ESPN account there. The app on your TV will then log in automatically.

This method exists because typing passwords on a TV remote is slow. Once you are signed in on your TV, you stay signed in. You can switch between YouTube TV and ESPN+ without logging in again.

Watching ESPN+ on your phone or tablet

On a phone or tablet, read the ESPN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in with your ESPN account and ESPN+ subscription. You can then watch ESPN+ content anywhere you have an internet connection — at home on Wi-Fi or on the go with mobile data.

YouTube TV also works on phones and tablets. Both apps run independently, so you can switch between them. If you are on a limited data plan, note that streaming video uses data quickly. Wi-Fi is faster and does not count against your data limit.

Watching ESPN+ on a computer or web browser

You can watch ESPN+ directly on ESPN.com without downloading an app. Sign in with your ESPN account, and you will see ESPN+ content in your library. YouTube TV also works in a web browser at YouTubeTV.com. Open both in separate browser tabs or windows to switch between them easily.

Watching in a browser on a computer is often the simplest route if you are at a desk. You can also cast ESPN+ from your phone or computer to a smart TV using Chromecast, AirPlay, or Roku's casting feature if your TV supports it.

What to do if ESPN+ content is not showing up

If you see an ESPN+ event listed but cannot watch it, check that you are signed into the ESPN app with the account that has the ESPN+ subscription. Some events are geographically restricted, meaning they are not available in your location due to broadcasting rights. If you are outside the United States, some ESPN+ content may not be available.

If you are signed in and still cannot watch, log out of the ESPN app completely and log back in. Close the app and reopen it. On a smart TV or streaming device, uninstall and reinstall the ESPN app. These steps usually fix sign-in or playback problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ through YouTube TV without a separate subscription?

No. ESPN+ is a separate service that requires its own subscription. YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as cable channels, but ESPN+ exclusive content is only available through the ESPN+ app or ESPN.com.

Does ESPN+ cost extra if I already have YouTube TV?

Yes. YouTube TV and ESPN+ are billed separately. ESPN+ costs about $11 per month or $110 per year if paid annually. YouTube TV has its own monthly cost. You pay for both if you want both.

Can I use the same login for YouTube TV and ESPN+?

No. YouTube TV uses your Google account to sign in. ESPN+ uses a separate ESPN account. You will have two different logins, one for each service.

What happens if I cancel YouTube TV but keep ESPN+?

ESPN+ will continue to work. You will lose access to YouTube TV's channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. But you can still watch ESPN+ content through the ESPN app or ESPN.com as long as your ESPN+ subscription is active.

Can I watch ESPN+ on multiple devices at the same time?

ESPN+ allows simultaneous streaming on a limited number of devices depending on your subscription plan. Check your ESPN+ account settings to see how many devices can stream at once. YouTube TV has its own device limits as well.