Activating YouTube TV on Verizon requires linking your Verizon account to YouTube TV, then signing in on your device

The process has two parts: first, you connect your Verizon login to YouTube TV's system so the service recognizes you as a Verizon customer; second, you sign into YouTube TV on the device where you want to watch. Verizon customers get a discount on YouTube TV, but you have to complete the linking step to receive it. The whole setup takes about 10 minutes if you have your Verizon account information ready.

You do not need to be a Verizon wireless customer—Verizon Fios internet or Verizon landline customers also may have access to. The discount applies whether you pay through Verizon's bill or through YouTube TV directly, as long as the accounts are linked.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to youtube.com/tv and select "Sign in" to start the linking process, then choose Verizon as your provider.
  • You will be asked to log in with your Verizon username and password, which is the same credential you use for your Verizon bill or My Verizon app.
  • After linking, YouTube TV will show you the Verizon discount price and ask you to confirm your payment method.
  • Once linked, you can sign into YouTube TV on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices using your Google account.
  • If linking fails, clear your browser cache or try a different browser before contacting Verizon support.

Step-by-step linking your Verizon account to YouTube TV

Start by opening a web browser on a computer and going to youtube.com/tv. Click the "Sign in" button in the top right corner. You will see a list of providers—scroll down and select Verizon. YouTube TV will redirect you to Verizon's login page.

Enter your Verizon username (usually your email address or phone number) and your Verizon password. This is the same login you use for My Verizon online or the My Verizon mobile app. If you have forgotten your Verizon password, click "Forgot username or password?" on Verizon's login page and follow their recovery steps before returning to YouTube TV.

After you log in, Verizon will ask you to confirm that you want to allow YouTube TV to access your account information. Click "Allow" or "Authorize" (the exact wording varies). YouTube TV will then return you to its site and show you the Verizon discount price for the service. Review the price and billing details, then confirm your payment method. Your account is now linked.

Signing into YouTube TV on your devices

Once your Verizon account is linked, you can sign into YouTube TV on any device. On a phone or tablet, read the YouTube TV app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap "Sign in." Enter the Google account email address you want to use (this does not have to be the same as your Verizon email). YouTube TV will send a confirmation code to that email address—check your inbox and enter the code into the app.

On a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Google TV, go to the app store on that device, search for YouTube TV, and install it. Open the app and you will see a code on your screen. On a phone or computer, go to youtube.com/tv/set up, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. The device will then be signed in to YouTube TV.

On a computer, go to youtube.com/tv and click "Sign in" in the top right. Sign in with the same Google account you used on your phone or streaming device. You can now watch YouTube TV on that computer.

What to do if your Verizon account does not link

If YouTube TV does not recognize your Verizon account or shows an error message during linking, the most common cause is a browser cache problem. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Settings," go to "Privacy and security," click "Clear browsing data," check "Cookies and other site data," and click "Clear data."

If clearing the cache does not work, try a different browser—for example, if you were using Chrome, try Firefox or Safari. Some older browser versions have trouble with Verizon's login system. If you still see an error, write down the exact error message and contact Verizon customer support by phone or through the My Verizon app. They can verify your account status and confirm that you are may be able to access for the YouTube TV discount.

Checking that your discount is active

After linking, sign into your YouTube TV account and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select "Membership and billing." You should see "Verizon" listed under your payment method and the discounted price displayed. If you see the full price instead, your accounts may not have linked correctly—try unlinking and relinking by going back to Settings, selecting "Membership and billing," and looking for an option to change your provider.

The discount takes effect on your next billing cycle, not when ready. If you linked partway through a billing period, you will see the full price for the remainder of that month and the discount will start the following month.

Signing out and managing multiple devices

You can sign into YouTube TV on up to four devices at the same time. If you reach that limit and want to add a new device, sign out on one of your existing devices first. On a phone or tablet, open the YouTube TV app, tap your profile picture in the top right, and select "Sign out." On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right and select "Sign out." On a streaming device, go to Settings within the YouTube TV app, select "Sign out," and confirm.

If you sell or give away a device, sign out of YouTube TV on that device before handing it over. If you cannot access the device, sign into youtube.com/tv on a computer, go to Settings, select "Devices," and click "Sign out" next to the device you want to remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Verizon phone to get the YouTube TV discount?

No. The discount is available to any Verizon customer, including those with Fios internet, landline service, or prepaid wireless plans. You just need an active Verizon account and a valid billing address on file.

What happens if I cancel my Verizon service?

Your YouTube TV account will remain active, but you will lose the Verizon discount and be charged the full YouTube TV price starting with your next billing cycle. You can keep your YouTube TV subscription by paying the standard rate, or you can cancel it through your YouTube TV settings.

Can I use a different Google account for YouTube TV than my Verizon email?

Yes. Your Verizon account and Google account are separate. You link your Verizon account to YouTube TV once, then sign in on devices using whichever Google account you prefer. Multiple people in your household can sign into YouTube TV on different devices using their own Google accounts.

Why does YouTube TV say I am not a Verizon customer?

This usually means your Verizon account is not active, your billing address does not match Verizon's records, or there is a temporary system issue. Log into My Verizon online to confirm your account is active and your address is correct. If everything looks right, wait a few hours and try linking again, or contact Verizon support.