The fastest way to find a channel on YouTube TV

Use the search box at the top of the YouTube TV home screen. Type the channel name or the show you want to watch, and YouTube TV will display matching channels and programs. The search results appear when ready as you type, so you can see options before you finish spelling.

If you know the exact channel name, type it in full—"ESPN" or "HBO Max" or "Food Network." If you are looking for a specific show instead, type the show title and YouTube TV will show you which channels carry it. This is faster than browsing through the full channel list when you have something particular in mind.

Key Takeaways

  • The search box at the top of the YouTube TV home screen finds channels by name or by the shows they broadcast.
  • You can also browse the full channel list by scrolling left and right through the guide, or filter by category using the menu on the left side.
  • Favoriting channels you watch regularly moves them to the top of your guide so you do not have to search for them each time.
  • The search function works the same way on phones, tablets, and computers, though the layout of buttons changes slightly between devices.

Browsing channels without using search

If you prefer to look through available channels instead of typing, scroll left and right on the channel guide. The guide shows all channels in your YouTube TV package, organized in rows. Each row displays the current program on that channel, along with what is coming up next.

You can also use the category filters on the left side of the screen. Select "Sports," "News," "Movies," or other categories to narrow down the full list. This method takes longer than searching by name, but it is useful when you want to explore what is on rather than hunt for something specific.

Adding channels to your favorites

Once you find a channel you watch regularly, mark it as a favorite so it appears at the top of your guide. Hover over the channel name or icon and select the star icon. Favorited channels stay at the top even when you scroll through the rest of the guide, saving you time on future searches.

You can favorite as many channels as you want. To remove a channel from favorites, click the star icon again. Your favorite channels sync across all your devices, so if you favorite a channel on your phone, it will appear at the top of your guide on your TV as well.

Searching on different devices

On a TV or computer, the search box appears at the top center of the YouTube TV home screen. Click it, type your search, and press Enter. On a phone or tablet, tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen to open the search box.

The search results look slightly different depending on your device, but the process is the same: type the channel or show name and select the result you want. YouTube TV remembers your recent searches, so if you search for the same channel often, it may appear as a suggestion when you open the search box.

What to do if a channel does not appear in search results

If you search for a channel and it does not show up, the channel may not be included in your YouTube TV package. YouTube TV packages vary by region and change over time. Check your package details in the settings menu to see which channels you have access to.

You can also browse the full channel list to confirm whether the channel is available. If the channel is not in your package and you want to watch it, you may be able to add it through an add-on subscription. YouTube TV offers premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz as separate add-ons that you can purchase monthly.

Using voice search on compatible devices

If your TV remote has a microphone button, you can search by speaking instead of typing. Press and hold the microphone button, say the channel or show name, and release. YouTube TV will search for what you said and display the results.

Voice search works on most modern TV remotes and on phones with the YouTube TV app. It is faster than typing on a remote control, especially if you are searching for a channel with a long name. If the search does not understand your words correctly, you can edit the text or try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for a specific show instead of a channel?

Yes. Type the show name into the search box and YouTube TV will show you which channels carry it and when it airs. This is useful when you know what you want to watch but are not sure which channel broadcasts it.

Do my favorite channels stay the same on all my devices?

Yes. Your favorites sync automatically across your phone, tablet, computer, and TV. If you favorite a channel on one device, it appears at the top of the guide on all your other devices.

What happens if I search for a channel that is not in my package?

The channel will not appear in the search results. You can check your package details in settings to see all available channels, or browse the full channel guide to confirm. Some channels are available only through paid add-ons.

Is there a way to search without typing on my TV remote?

If your remote has a microphone button, you can use voice search. Press and hold the button, say the channel or show name, and release. This is faster than typing on a remote control.

Can I search for channels by genre or category?

Yes. Use the category filters on the left side of the screen to browse by Sports, News, Movies, or other categories. This narrows the channel list without requiring you to type a specific name.