The simplest ways to get YouTube on your screen

You can watch YouTube on your TV through a smart TV app, a streaming device plugged into any TV, or by casting from your phone or computer. The method you choose depends on what equipment you already own and how you prefer to control playback.

If your TV was made in the last five years, it almost certainly has YouTube built in. If you have an older TV or prefer a dedicated device, a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast costs between $25 and $100 and turns any TV into a YouTube screen. You can also plug a laptop or tablet directly into your TV with an HDMI cable if you want a one-time setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and most other brands have YouTube pre-installed and ready to use without buying anything extra.
  • Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Chromecast let you add YouTube to any TV, including older models, for $25 to $100.
  • Casting from your phone or tablet sends YouTube to your TV wirelessly and works with most devices made in the last seven years.
  • An HDMI cable connects a laptop or tablet directly to your TV and gives you full control from your computer keyboard and mouse.

Using the YouTube app on a smart TV

Most TVs sold since 2018 have YouTube built in. Turn on your TV, look for the YouTube app in your home menu or app store, and open it. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account the first time.

To sign in, you can either enter your email and password using the remote (slow but straightforward) or use a faster method: the app will show a code on your TV screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on your phone or computer, enter that code, and your TV will sign in automatically. Once signed in, your subscriptions, watch history, and recommendations appear on your TV just as they do on your phone.

If you cannot find YouTube in your TV's app menu, check your TV's settings to see if it needs a software update. Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs usually have YouTube pre-loaded, but some budget models or very old smart TVs may not. In that case, a streaming device is your next option.

Adding YouTube with a streaming device

A streaming device is a small box or stick that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and connects to your WiFi. The most common options are Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV. All of them have YouTube built in and cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model.

Set up is straightforward: plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your WiFi. Once connected, find YouTube in the home menu, open it, and sign in with your Google account using the same code method described above. The remote that comes with the device controls everything.

Roku and Fire Stick are the most affordable options and work with any TV. Google Chromecast with Google TV is a good choice if you already use Google services. Apple TV is the most expensive but integrates smoothly if you own other Apple devices. All of them receive regular updates and will continue to work with YouTube for years.

Casting from your phone or tablet

Casting sends YouTube from your phone or tablet to your TV wirelessly without needing a separate device. Your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network. This method works with iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and Android tablets, as long as your TV was made in the last seven years or has a streaming device connected.

Open YouTube on your phone or tablet and tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner). A list of nearby screens appears. Select your TV, and the video will start playing on your TV while you control it from your phone. You can pause, rewind, or search for new videos from your phone's screen, and the TV will follow along.

Casting is useful for watching a single video or browsing while sitting on the couch, but it drains your phone's battery faster than normal use. If you plan to watch for more than an hour, using the TV app or a streaming device is more practical because you can set your phone down and it will not affect playback.

Connecting with an HDMI cable

An HDMI cable physically connects your laptop, tablet, or desktop computer to your TV. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port (nearly all TVs made since 2010) and gives you full control from your computer's keyboard and mouse.

Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your computer and the other into an HDMI port on your TV. Your TV should automatically detect the connection and display your computer's screen. Open YouTube in your web browser and watch normally. You can use your keyboard to pause and play, or use your mouse to click buttons on the screen.

This method is reliable and requires no setup beyond plugging in a cable, but you are tethered to your computer by the cable length. It works best if your computer is close to your TV or if you want to use your keyboard to type in search terms. For casual watching from the couch, casting or a streaming device is more convenient.

Troubleshooting common problems

YouTube app will not open on my smart TV: Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If that does not work, check your TV's settings for a software update. Some older smart TVs stopped receiving YouTube updates and may need a streaming device instead.

I cannot find my TV when I try to cast: Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network. Restart your phone's WiFi by turning it off and back on. If your TV is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), your phone may not see it. Check your router settings or move closer to the TV.

The video keeps stopping or buffering: Move your device closer to your WiFi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you are casting, close other apps on your phone to free up memory. If you are using a streaming device, check that your internet speed is at least 5 Mbps for HD video (25 Mbps for 4K).

I signed in but my recommendations look different: YouTube shows different recommendations based on what you watch on each device. Your TV will build its own watch history over time. If you want the same recommendations as your phone, make sure you are signed in with the same Google account on both devices.

Choosing the right method for your situation

If you own a smart TV made in the last five years, start by opening the YouTube app on your TV. It is already there, costs nothing, and works when ready. If your TV is older or does not have YouTube, buy a Roku or Fire Stick for $25 to $50 — they are the cheapest way to add YouTube to any TV and last for many years.

Use casting when you want to watch one or two videos without setting up a new device or when you are already holding your phone. Use an HDMI cable only if your computer is close to your TV and you want to use your keyboard to search. For regular, daily watching, the TV app or a streaming device is the most comfortable option because you can set your phone down and use a straightforward remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to watch YouTube on my TV?

No. YouTube (the free video platform) is different from YouTube TV (a paid live TV service). You can watch YouTube for free on your TV with ads, just as you do on your phone. YouTube TV is a separate paid service if you want live channels.

Can I watch YouTube on a TV that is not a smart TV?

Yes. Plug a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast into an HDMI port, or connect your laptop with an HDMI cable. Any TV with an HDMI port can display YouTube through one of these methods.

Will casting drain my phone battery?

Casting uses more battery than normal phone use because your phone is actively sending video to your TV. For watching longer than an hour, use the TV app or a streaming device instead so you can set your phone down without interrupting playback.

What internet speed do I need to watch YouTube on my TV?

YouTube recommends at least 2.5 Mbps for standard definition, 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps for 4K video. If your video keeps buffering, restart your WiFi router or move your device closer to the router.

Can I use YouTube on my TV without signing in?

Yes. You can browse and watch public videos without signing in, but you will not see your subscriptions, watch history, or saved playlists. Signing in takes less than a minute and is worth doing if you watch regularly.