Recording on YouTube TV uses the service's built-in feature, not a separate device

YouTube TV lets you record programs directly through the app or website—you do not need a DVR box or external recorder. When you mark a show to record, YouTube TV stores it in your library for up to nine months. The recording happens on YouTube's servers, so the show saves whether your home internet is on or off.

The process takes seconds: find the show in the guide or search results, select it, and tap the record button (a circle icon). YouTube TV then records that episode and, if you choose, all future episodes of that series automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV records shows to the cloud, not to a device in your home, so you access recordings from any phone, tablet, or computer on your account.
  • You can record a single episode or set the service to record every new episode of a series automatically.
  • Recordings stay in your library for nine months before YouTube TV deletes them to make room for new content.
  • Some programs, especially sports and live events, cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions.
  • Your YouTube TV plan includes unlimited recording space—there is no limit to how many shows you can record at once.

How to record a single episode

Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV device. Search for the show you want or browse the guide. When you find the episode, select it to open the details page.

Look for the record button—it appears as a circle outline next to the show title. Tap or click it. The circle fills in solid, and YouTube TV confirms the recording is scheduled. If the episode has not aired yet, YouTube TV records it when it broadcasts. If the episode already aired, YouTube TV records it from the on-demand library if available.

Once recorded, the show appears in your Library tab under "Recordings." You can watch it anytime within the nine-month window.

How to record all episodes of a series automatically

Find the show in the guide or search results and select it. On the show's main page (not a single episode), look for the record button. Tap or click it to set up automatic recording.

YouTube TV then records every new episode that airs. You can also choose to record only new episodes or all episodes, including ones that already aired—this option appears when you tap the record button on the series page. Once set, the show records in the background without you having to do anything each week.

To stop recording a series, go to your Library, find the show under "Recordings," and select the option to remove the series from your recordings.

Where to find and watch your recordings

Open YouTube TV and tap the Library tab at the bottom of the screen (on phones and tablets) or the left side (on computers and TV devices). Select "Recordings" to see all your saved shows.

Recordings appear in the order they were recorded, with the newest at the top. Tap any recording to play it. You can watch from the beginning, resume where you left off, or skip forward and backward just like a regular video.

Your recordings sync across all devices on your account. If you start watching on your phone, you can pick up where you left off on your TV or computer.

Programs that cannot be recorded

Some shows and events are blocked from recording due to licensing agreements between YouTube TV and the networks or studios. Sports events, live news, and premium movies sometimes fall into this category. When a program cannot be recorded, the record button does not appear, or it appears grayed out.

If a show is not recordable, you may still be able to watch it on demand if the network offers it. Check the show's details page to see if an on-demand version is available.

What happens when the nine-month limit is reached

YouTube TV automatically deletes recordings after nine months to manage storage. You will see a countdown timer on each recording showing how many days remain before it is removed. If a show is about to expire and you want to keep it, you can read it to your device on the YouTube TV app (available on some phones and tablets) before the important date.

Downloading saves the recording to your phone or tablet's storage, so you can watch it even after the nine-month window closes or if you lose internet connection. Downloaded recordings take up space on your device, so check your available storage before downloading long episodes or multiple shows.

Common mistakes when recording

Recording the wrong episode: If you search for a show and tap record on the series page instead of a specific episode, YouTube TV sets up automatic recording for all future episodes. If you only wanted one episode, go to your Library and remove the series from recordings, then record just that single episode.

Assuming recordings are saved forever: The nine-month limit surprises many users. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for shows you want to keep long-term, and read them before they expire.

Not checking for licensing blocks: If you cannot find the record button on a show you want, it is likely blocked. Do not assume the feature is broken—check the show's details page or search for an on-demand version instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record multiple shows at the same time?

Yes. YouTube TV records on its servers, not on a device with limited tuners, so you can record as many shows as you want simultaneously. There is no limit to how many recordings you can make at once or how many you can store in your library.

Do I need to pay extra for recording?

No. Recording is included with every YouTube TV plan at no additional cost. You do not pay per recording or for storage space.

Can I read recordings to watch offline?

The YouTube TV app on phones and tablets lets you read recordings to your device. Downloaded shows can be watched without an internet connection. Downloads are removed after 25 days or when you delete them manually. Computer and TV versions do not support downloading.

What if I delete a recording by accident?

Once deleted, a recording cannot be recovered. If the episode is still available on demand through the network, you can record it again. If it has already aired and is not available on demand, you may not be able to access it again.

Do recordings work on all devices?

Recordings play on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices that support YouTube TV. You can start watching on one device and continue on another. Downloaded recordings only work on the device where you downloaded them.