Adding channels to your YouTube TV account

You add channels to YouTube TV by opening the app or website, going to your Library, and selecting the channel you want from the full list of available options. The process takes about 30 seconds. Once you add a channel, it appears in your guide and you can watch it when ready — there is no separate confirmation step or waiting period.

YouTube TV offers channels in bundles. Your base subscription includes a standard bundle of about 85 channels. Additional channels are sold individually and cost between $5 and $15 per month depending on which one you choose. You can add or remove channels at any time, and changes take effect right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV device, then tap or click the Library icon to see all available channels.
  • Your base subscription includes a standard bundle of channels at no extra cost; additional premium channels cost $5 to $15 per month each.
  • When you add a channel, it shows up in your guide and on your home screen within seconds, with no waiting period.
  • You can remove channels just as easily by going to Library, finding the channel, and selecting the remove option.
  • YouTube TV charges for add-on channels on a monthly basis, and you can cancel them whenever you want without penalty.

Finding the Library and browsing available channels

Start by opening the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device, or go to tv.youtube.com on a computer. Look for the Library icon — on most devices it looks like a stack of horizontal lines or a grid. Tap or click it to open your channel list.

At the top of the Library screen, you will see a button or tab labeled Browse all or Add channels. This shows you every channel available through YouTube TV, organized by category. You can scroll through categories like Sports, News, Entertainment, or Kids, or use the search box to find a specific channel by name.

The channels included in your base subscription will have a checkmark or a label saying "Included". Channels that cost extra will show the monthly price next to them. Read the price before you select a channel, because some premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz charge significantly more than basic cable channels.

Adding a single channel to your account

Once you find a channel you want, tap or click on it. A details screen will open showing the channel name, a description, and the price (if any). If the channel is included in your base subscription, you will see a button that says Add or Subscribe. If it costs extra, the button will show the price, such as Add for $9.99/month.

Tap or click the button to add the channel. YouTube TV will confirm the action — on some devices you may see a pop-up asking you to confirm, or the button may straightforward change to show a checkmark. The channel is now part of your account and will appear in your guide within a few seconds.

You do not need to restart the app or refresh the page. The channel will be searchable and available to watch when ready. If you are on a TV device, you may need to go back to the home screen or guide to see the new channel listed.

Adding multiple channels at once

If you want to add several channels, you can do this one at a time using the method above, or you can add them in sequence without leaving the Browse screen. After you add a channel, the screen stays open so you can continue browsing and adding others.

Some users find it faster to add all their channels in one session rather than coming back to the Library multiple times. There is no limit to how many channels you can add, and YouTube TV will charge you for each premium add-on channel on your monthly bill.

Keep in mind that if you add several paid channels at once, your bill will increase by the sum of all those channels. For example, adding HBO Max ($20/month), Showtime ($11/month), and Starz ($9/month) would add $40 to your monthly bill. You can remove any of them later if you change your mind.

Understanding what happens after you add a channel

Once a channel is added, it appears in your Library under a section labeled "My channels" or "Subscribed channels" depending on your device. The channel also shows up in your Guide — the TV schedule view where you browse what is on right now and coming up. You can start watching when ready by clicking on any program.

If you add a channel and then do not watch it for a while, it stays in your account and you continue to be charged for it (if it is a paid add-on). YouTube TV does not automatically remove unused channels. You have to remove them yourself if you no longer want them.

Paid add-on channels are billed monthly on the same date your YouTube TV subscription renews. If you add a channel on the 15th and your billing date is the 1st, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of that month, then the full monthly price starting the next billing cycle.

Removing channels you no longer want

To remove a channel, open your Library, find the channel in your "My channels" section, and tap or click on it. A details screen will appear with a button that says Remove or Unsubscribe. Tap or click that button, and the channel will be removed from your account when ready.

You will not be charged for that channel in the next billing cycle. If you removed the channel before your billing date, you may see a credit on your next bill for the unused portion of the month, depending on YouTube TV's current refund policy. Check your account settings or contact YouTube TV support if you have questions about a specific charge.

Removing a channel does not delete your watch history or any recordings you made from that channel. If you add the channel back later, your history will still be there.

Troubleshooting common issues when adding channels

If a channel does not appear in your guide after you add it, try closing and reopening the YouTube TV app. On TV devices, restart the app or unplug the device for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. On phones and computers, force-close the app and open it again. The channel should appear within a minute.

If you see an error message when trying to add a channel, check that your payment method is current and that your account is in good standing. YouTube TV will not add a paid channel if your card has expired or if there is a billing problem. Update your payment information in your account settings and try again.

Some channels may not be available in your region or on your specific device. For example, certain sports channels are only available on TV devices, not on phones. If a channel does not show up in the Browse list, it is not available for your account. Check YouTube TV's support page or contact their support team for details about regional restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add channels on my phone and watch them on my TV?

Yes. When you add a channel on any device, it is added to your entire YouTube TV account. You can add a channel on your phone and watch it on your TV, computer, or any other device where you are signed in to YouTube TV. Changes sync across all your devices within a few seconds.

Do I have to pay for every channel I add?

No. Your base YouTube TV subscription includes about 85 channels at no extra cost. Only premium add-on channels like HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and sports packages cost extra. You can see the price before you add any channel, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

What happens if I add a channel and then cancel my YouTube TV subscription?

When you cancel YouTube TV, all your channels — both included and paid add-ons — stop working. If you reactivate your subscription later, your channel list will be restored to what it was before you cancelled, so you do not have to add them again.

Can I add a channel for just one month?

Yes. You can add a paid channel for one month and then remove it whenever you want. There is no contract or commitment. You will be charged for the full month even if you remove the channel after a few days, but you can remove it before the next billing cycle to avoid being charged again.

Why is a channel I want to add not showing up in the Browse list?

Some channels are not available in all regions or on all devices. Sports channels in particular may only be available on TV devices. Check YouTube TV's support documentation for your region, or contact their support team to learn about the channel is available for your account.