ESPN Unlimited is a YouTube TV add-on you buy separately from your base subscription

ESPN Unlimited is not included in any YouTube TV package. You have to purchase it as an add-on channel, similar to how you might add HBO Max or Showtime. Once you buy it, you can watch ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU through the YouTube TV app on any device where you are signed in.

The process takes about two minutes. You go to your YouTube TV settings, find the add-ons section, select ESPN Unlimited, and confirm the purchase. YouTube TV then charges your payment method on file each month until you cancel.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN Unlimited costs extra each month on top of your YouTube TV base subscription and is not part of any standard package.
  • You add it through the YouTube TV app settings under "Manage add-ons," not through a separate ESPN website or app.
  • The add-on appears in your YouTube TV channel guide when ready after purchase, and you can start watching right away.
  • You can cancel ESPN Unlimited at any time without affecting your base YouTube TV subscription.

Steps to add ESPN Unlimited through the YouTube TV app

Open the YouTube TV app on any device where you are signed into your account. Go to the menu (the three horizontal lines in the upper left on most devices) and select "Settings." From there, tap "Manage add-ons."

Scroll through the list until you see ESPN Unlimited. Tap it, then tap "Subscribe." YouTube TV will show you the current monthly price and ask you to confirm. Tap the button to complete the purchase. Your payment method on file will be charged when ready, and the add-on will be active within seconds.

The ESPN channels will now appear in your channel guide. You do not need to read a separate ESPN app or sign in anywhere else — everything works through YouTube TV.

Adding ESPN Unlimited on a web browser

If you prefer to use a computer, go to tv.youtube.com and sign in with your YouTube TV account. Click the menu icon (three lines) in the upper left corner and select "Settings."

Click "Manage add-ons" from the settings menu. Find ESPN Unlimited in the list and click on it. Click "Subscribe," review the price, and click to confirm. The charge will appear on your payment method within a few minutes, and the channels will be available in your guide when ready.

What happens after you purchase ESPN Unlimited

Once the purchase goes through, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU appear in your channel guide. You can watch them on any device where you are signed into your YouTube TV account — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles all work.

YouTube TV will charge you the monthly subscription fee on the same day each month. The charge will show on your credit card or payment method statement as "YouTube TV" or "Google Play." If you want to stop paying for ESPN Unlimited, you can cancel it at any time through the same "Manage add-ons" menu without losing your base YouTube TV subscription.

Troubleshooting: ESPN Unlimited does not appear after purchase

If you bought ESPN Unlimited but the channels are not showing up in your guide, try signing out of YouTube TV completely and signing back in. This refreshes your account and usually makes the channels appear within a minute or two.

If the channels still do not show, check that you are signed into the same YouTube account on that device. YouTube TV add-ons are tied to the account that purchased them, so if you are signed in as a different user, you will not see the add-on. Go to Settings and verify which account is active, then switch to the correct one if needed.

Canceling ESPN Unlimited

You can cancel ESPN Unlimited without canceling YouTube TV. Open the YouTube TV app, go to Settings, and select "Manage add-ons." Find ESPN Unlimited and tap or click on it. Select "Unsubscribe" or "Cancel subscription." YouTube TV will ask you to confirm, and the cancellation takes effect when ready.

You will not be charged again after you cancel, but you will lose access to the ESPN channels right away. If you change your mind, you can re-add ESPN Unlimited at any time by going through the same purchase steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ESPN Unlimited if I already have YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV includes many sports channels, but ESPN Unlimited adds the dedicated ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU) if you want them. Check your current channel guide to see what sports programming you already have before paying for the add-on.

Can I watch ESPN Unlimited on the ESPN app instead of YouTube TV?

No. When you buy ESPN Unlimited through YouTube TV, you watch it only through the YouTube TV app. You cannot use the standalone ESPN app with this add-on. If you want to use the ESPN app, you would need to subscribe to ESPN+ directly through ESPN, which is a different service.

What if I share my YouTube TV account with family members?

Everyone in your household who is signed into your YouTube TV account can watch ESPN Unlimited. However, only one person can watch at a time on the same account, just like with your base YouTube TV subscription. If multiple people want to watch simultaneously, they each need their own YouTube TV account.

Will ESPN Unlimited work if I travel outside the United States?

YouTube TV is only available in the United States. If you travel outside the country, you will not be able to watch YouTube TV or ESPN Unlimited, even though you are paying for it. The service blocks access based on your location.

How much does ESPN Unlimited cost?

The price varies and changes periodically. When you go to add ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV will show you the current monthly cost before you confirm the purchase. Check the "Manage add-ons" section to see the exact price at any time.