Adding a Channel Through the YouTube TV App

To add a channel to YouTube TV, open the YouTube TV app on your device and tap the Live tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll through the channel list until you find the channel you want to add, then tap it. A menu will appear showing the channel details — tap Add Channel or the plus icon next to the channel name. The channel will move to your library when ready and appear in your guide the next time you refresh.

If you cannot find the channel by scrolling, use the search function at the top of the Live tab. Type the channel name or number, and YouTube TV will show you matching results. This is faster than scrolling through hundreds of channels, especially if you are looking for a specific network or local station.

Once you add a channel, it stays in your library until you remove it. You can reorder your channels by going to Settings > Channels and dragging them into the order you prefer. This customization makes it easier to find the channels you watch most often.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Live tab in the YouTube TV app, find the channel you want, and tap the plus icon or Add Channel button to add it to your library.
  • Use the search function at the top of the Live tab if you cannot find a channel by scrolling through the full list.
  • Added channels appear in your guide when ready and stay in your library until you manually remove them.
  • You can reorder your channels in Settings to put your most-watched stations at the top of your guide.
  • The process is the same whether you are adding a major network, cable channel, or local broadcast station.

Adding Channels on a Web Browser

If you are using YouTube TV on a computer, the process is slightly different. Go to youtube.com/tv and sign in to your account. Click the Live tab on the left side of the screen. Scroll through the available channels or use the search bar to find the one you want to add.

When you find the channel, hover your mouse over it and click the plus icon that appears. The channel will be added to your library and show up in your guide. The web version works the same way as the app — channels stay added until you remove them, and you can reorder them in your account settings.

Finding Channels That May Not Be Visible

Some channels are not shown in the standard channel list because they are not part of your current YouTube TV plan or are not available in your area. If you are looking for a specific channel and cannot find it in the Live tab, it may not be included in your subscription tier.

YouTube TV offers different channel packages depending on your location and plan. If a channel you want is not available, you can check the Browse section to see what other channels are offered. You may also see premium add-on channels like HBO Max or Showtime that you can purchase separately — these have their own add buttons in the app.

Removing a Channel You No Longer Want

If you add a channel and later decide you do not want it in your library, removing it is just as straightforward. Open the Live tab, find the channel in your guide, and tap and hold it (on mobile) or right-click it (on web). Select Remove Channel from the menu that appears.

Removing a channel does not affect your subscription — you can add it back at any time by following the same steps. This is useful if you want to clean up your guide or temporarily hide channels you are not watching.

Organizing Your Channel Guide After Adding Channels

Once you have added several channels, you may want to organize them so your favorites are straightforward to find. Go to Settings > Channels and you will see all your added channels listed. Tap and drag each channel to move it up or down in your guide. Channels at the top of the list appear first when you open the Live tab.

You can also create a custom order by moving frequently watched channels to the top and less-watched ones toward the bottom. This organization persists across all your devices — if you reorder channels on your phone, the same order will appear on your TV, tablet, and computer.

Troubleshooting When You Cannot Add a Channel

If you tap the plus icon and nothing happens, first check that you are signed into your YouTube TV account. Some channels require you to be logged in to add them. Sign out and sign back in, then try adding the channel again.

If the channel still will not add, it may not be available in your region or plan. YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by location, so a channel available in one state may not be offered in another. Check your account settings to confirm your location is set correctly. If you believe a channel should be available to you, contact YouTube TV support through the Help section in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a channel that is not showing in my Live tab?

If a channel is not visible in the Live tab, it is likely not included in your YouTube TV plan or is not available in your area. Some channels are only offered in certain regions or as premium add-ons. Check the Browse section to see all available channels for your location.

Do I have to pay extra to add channels?

Most channels included in your YouTube TV subscription are free to add — they are already part of what you pay for each month. Some premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime require an additional monthly fee, which the app will clearly show before you add them.

Will adding a channel change my bill?

Adding standard channels included in your plan will not change your bill. Only premium add-on channels cost extra. The app shows the price before you add any paid channel, so you will know the cost upfront.

What happens to my added channels if I cancel YouTube TV?

If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, your channel list is saved. If you resubscribe later, your added channels and their order will be restored to your account.

Can I add the same channel on multiple devices?

Yes. Your YouTube TV account is linked across all devices, so channels you add on one device appear on all of them. The channel order you set also syncs across devices.