YouTube installs differently depending on what device you own

YouTube is not a single app you read once. The installation process depends on whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, computer, or streaming device. On phones and tablets, you read the YouTube app from your device's app store. On smart TVs and streaming boxes, YouTube often comes pre-installed, but you may need to set up it or update it. On computers, you do not install anything — you straightforward visit YouTube.com in your web browser.

The steps below cover the most common devices. If your device is not listed, check the manufacturer's support page for your specific model, as some older or less common devices have different installation methods.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhones and iPads, read YouTube from the App Store; on Android phones and tablets, read it from Google Play Store.
  • Most smart TVs have YouTube built in, but you may need to sign in or update the app through your TV's settings menu.
  • Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV require you to find YouTube in their app store and read it, which takes about two minutes.
  • On Windows or Mac computers, you do not need to install anything — just open a web browser and go to YouTube.com.
  • After installation, you will be asked to sign in with a Google account to access your subscriptions, playlists, and watch history.

Installing YouTube on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app will appear at the top of the results — it has a red play button icon. Tap "Get" next to the app name, then authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

The app will read and install automatically. Once it finishes, the "Get" button changes to "Open." Tap "Open" to launch YouTube for the first time. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account. If you do not have one, you can create one during this step by tapping "Create account."

Installing YouTube on Android phones and tablets

Open Google Play Store on your Android device. Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app will appear first — it has a red play button icon and is published by Google LLC. Tap the app name to open its page.

Tap the "Install" button. Your device will ask you to confirm that you allow YouTube to access certain features like your camera and microphone. Tap "Install" again to proceed. The app will read and install. Once finished, tap "Open" to launch YouTube. Sign in with your Google account, or create one if you do not have one yet.

Installing YouTube on smart TVs

Most modern smart TVs — including Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL models — have YouTube pre-installed. To check if it is already on your TV, look at your home screen or app menu. If you see the YouTube icon (a red rectangle with a white play button), YouTube is already there. straightforward select it and sign in with your Google account.

If YouTube is not visible, go to your TV's app store. The name varies by brand: Samsung calls it "Samsung Apps," LG calls it "LG Content Store," and Sony calls it "Sony Select." Search for "YouTube," then select the official app published by Google. Choose "Install" or "read." The app will install in a few seconds. Once finished, launch YouTube and sign in with your Google account.

If your TV is older and does not have an app store, YouTube may not be available for installation. In that case, you can use a streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick instead, which will give you access to YouTube on your TV.

Installing YouTube on Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV

On Roku devices, press the Home button on your remote. Navigate to "Streaming Channels" or "Apps," then select "Search Channels." Type "YouTube" and select the official app from Google. Choose "Add Channel" to install it. Once installed, select "Go to Channel" to open YouTube. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account.

On Amazon Fire Stick, go to the home screen and select "Apps." Choose "Search" and type "YouTube." Select the official YouTube app, then choose "Get" or "read." Once installed, select "Open" to launch it. Sign in with your Google account when prompted.

On Apple TV, open the App Store from the home screen. Search for "YouTube," select the official app, then choose "Get." Authenticate using your Apple ID. Once installed, select "Open" and sign in with your Google account. You may also be asked to link your Apple TV to your Google account for easier sign-in in the future.

Installing YouTube on Windows and Mac computers

You do not need to install YouTube on a computer. Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — and go to YouTube.com. The website will load when ready. If you want to sign in to access your subscriptions and watch history, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Sign in." Enter your Google account email and password.

If you want YouTube to feel more like an app on your computer, you can create a shortcut. In Chrome, click the menu icon (three dots) in the top right, select "Create shortcut," then choose "Open as window." This will make YouTube open in its own window without the browser tabs visible, giving it an app-like appearance.

What to do after you install YouTube

After installation, you will need to sign in with a Google account. If you already have a Gmail address or use Google services, use that account. If not, you can create a free Google account during the sign-in process — you will need an email address and a password.

Once signed in, YouTube will show you recommended videos based on your viewing history. You can customize your experience by subscribing to channels you like, creating playlists, and adjusting your privacy settings. To find these options, look for your profile icon in the top right corner of the YouTube app or website.

Common installation problems and how to fix them

If the YouTube app will not read, check that you have enough storage space on your device. YouTube requires about 100 MB of free space on phones and tablets. If storage is full, delete files or apps you no longer use, then try downloading YouTube again.

If YouTube installs but will not open, try restarting your device. Turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If it still will not open, uninstall the app and read it again. On phones and tablets, go to Settings, find YouTube in your app list, select "Uninstall," then read it fresh from your app store.

If you see an error message saying "YouTube is not available in your country," this is rare but can happen with older devices or certain regions. Contact YouTube support through your device's help menu, or try accessing YouTube through a web browser instead of the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use YouTube?

You can watch YouTube videos without signing in, but you will not be able to save playlists, subscribe to channels, or see your watch history. Creating a Google account is free and takes about two minutes. You can use any email address, or create a new Gmail address during the process.

Can I install YouTube on an older TV that does not have apps?

Yes. If your TV does not have a built-in app store, you can connect a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast to your TV's HDMI port. All of these devices support YouTube and are inexpensive to purchase.

Why does YouTube ask for permission to use my camera and microphone?

YouTube requests these permissions so you can record and upload videos, or use live chat features if you want to. If you only plan to watch videos, you can deny these permissions and YouTube will still work normally.

Is the YouTube app free to read?

Yes. The YouTube app is free to read and install on all devices. YouTube also offers a paid subscription called YouTube Premium, which removes ads and adds extra features, but the basic app itself costs nothing.

What should I do if YouTube keeps crashing after I install it?

First, restart your device completely. If it still crashes, uninstall YouTube and reinstall it fresh. Make sure your device's operating system is up to date — go to Settings and check for system updates. If crashes continue, contact YouTube support through your device's help menu or visit the YouTube Help Center.