YouTube TV's DVR Records Automatically When You Add a Show to Your Library

YouTube TV records shows for you without you having to set up a recording schedule. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV automatically records new episodes as they air. You don't choose individual episodes to record—the system handles it for you. This is different from older cable DVRs where you had to manually schedule each recording.

The storage is unlimited, so you can keep recordings as long as you want. YouTube TV stores your recordings in the cloud, which means they're accessible from any device where you're signed in. You don't need a physical DVR box or external hard drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Add a show to your library by clicking the plus icon next to the show name, and YouTube TV will automatically record all new episodes.
  • Recordings appear in your Library tab within a few minutes of the episode airing, though live sports may take longer to process.
  • You can watch recordings on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices as long as you're signed into your YouTube TV account.
  • Recordings are kept indefinitely unless you manually delete them, and you have unlimited storage space.
  • Some shows may have restrictions that prevent recording, though this is rare and usually noted in the show details.

How to Add a Show to Your Library

Open YouTube TV on any device and find the show you want to record. You can search for it, browse the guide, or find it in a channel listing. When you see the show name or a listing for an upcoming episode, look for a plus icon (it looks like a +) next to the title.

Click or tap that plus icon. The icon will change to a checkmark, which means the show is now in your library. YouTube TV will begin recording new episodes automatically from that point forward. If the show is currently airing, YouTube TV may record that episode too, depending on when you add it.

You can also add a show from the show's detail page. Click on the show name to open its full page, and you'll see the plus icon there as well. Either method does the same thing—it adds the show to your library and turns on automatic recording.

Where to Find Your Recordings

Go to the Library tab in YouTube TV. This is usually at the bottom of the screen on phones and tablets, or on the left side on computers and TV devices. Your library shows all the shows you've added, organized by show name.

Click on any show to see all the episodes you have recorded. Episodes are listed with the air date and a brief description. The newest episodes appear at the top. You can start watching when ready by clicking on any episode.

Recordings typically appear in your library within a few minutes of the episode finishing. Live sports may take longer—sometimes up to an hour—because YouTube TV processes them after they end.

Watching and Managing Your Recordings

Click on any episode in your library to start watching. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward just like you would with live TV. If you stop watching partway through, YouTube TV remembers where you stopped, so you can pick up where you left off on another device.

To delete a recording, open the show in your library and look for a delete or trash icon next to the episode. Click it to remove that single episode. If you want to delete the entire show and stop recording future episodes, look for a menu icon (usually three dots) on the show's page and select the option to remove the show from your library.

You can also mark episodes as watched or unwatched. This helps you keep track of what you've seen, especially if you have many episodes piling up.

Recording Limits and Restrictions

YouTube TV does not limit how many shows you can add to your library or how many recordings you can keep. Storage is unlimited, so you won't run out of space. You can record as many shows as you want simultaneously—there's no cap on the number of episodes recording at the same time.

A small number of shows may have restrictions that prevent recording. This is usually because of licensing agreements with the content provider. If a show cannot be recorded, YouTube TV will note this on the show's detail page. These restrictions are rare.

Some live events, like sports, may have blackout restrictions that explore to recordings the same way they explore to live viewing. If you cannot watch a game live in your area, you won't be able to watch the recording either.

Recording on Multiple Devices

Your recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account, not to a specific device. This means you can add a show on your phone and watch the recording on your TV, or add it on your computer and watch on a tablet. As long as you're signed into the same account, you can access all your recordings everywhere.

You need an active YouTube TV subscription to watch recordings. If your subscription lapses, you lose access to your library until you renew. Recordings are not downloaded to your device—they stream from YouTube TV's servers, so you need an internet connection to watch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record just one episode of a show instead of all new episodes?

No. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV records all new episodes going forward. You cannot set it to record only specific episodes. If you want to keep just one episode, you can add the show, then delete the other episodes manually as they record.

What happens if I add a show that's already airing?

YouTube TV will record new episodes from the point you add it. If the show is currently airing and you add it mid-season, you'll only get episodes that air after you add it. Past episodes are not automatically recorded, but you may be able to watch them on-demand if the network offers them.

Do I need to do anything to keep a recording from being deleted?

No. Recordings stay in your library indefinitely unless you manually delete them. YouTube TV will not automatically remove old episodes to make room for new ones because storage is unlimited.

Can I read recordings to watch offline?

YouTube TV does not allow you to read recordings. You must stream them from YouTube TV's servers, which requires an internet connection. Recordings are only available while your subscription is active.

Why is a show I want to record not showing up in my search?

The show may not be available on YouTube TV, or it may be available only on-demand rather than as a live broadcast. Check the YouTube TV channel guide to see what networks and shows are included in your area. Some shows are only available through specific apps or networks.