How to Add the YouTube App to Your Device

Where to find and install the YouTube app

The YouTube app is available through your device's official app store — the Google Play Store on Android phones and tablets, or the App Store on iPhones and iPads. Search for "YouTube" by name, select the official app (made by Google), and tap the install button. The app downloads and installs automatically; you do not need to do anything else after tapping install.

On smart TVs and streaming devices, the process is similar but the menu looks different. On a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google TV device, go to the app store built into that device, search for YouTube, and select Install. The app will appear on your home screen once installation finishes.

On some older devices or less common platforms, YouTube may not be available through the official store. In those cases, you may be able to access YouTube through a web browser instead — open your device's browser, go to youtube.com, and use it there without installing an app.

Key Takeaways

The YouTube app is free and found in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone/iPad) under the name "YouTube" by Google.
On smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV, open that device's built-in app store, search for YouTube, and select Install.
After installation completes, the YouTube app appears on your home screen or app list and is ready to open when ready.
If the app is not available for your device, you can watch YouTube through a web browser by visiting youtube.com instead.

Installing on Android phones and tablets

Open the Google Play Store app (the icon that looks like a colorful triangle). Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app by Google appears at the top of the results — it has the red YouTube logo. Tap it to open the app page.

On the app page, tap the button that says "Install" (or "Update" if you already have an older version). The app begins downloading when ready. You will see a progress bar showing the read and installation. Once it finishes, the Install button changes to "Open" — tap Open to launch YouTube for the first time, or close this screen and find YouTube on your home screen or in your app drawer.

Installing on iPhone and iPad

Open the App Store app (the blue icon with a white star). Tap the search tab at the bottom right of the screen. Type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app by Google appears in the results with the red play-button logo. Tap it to open the app page.

Tap the cloud icon with a read arrow (or a plus sign if you have never installed it before). You may be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password — follow the prompt. The app downloads and installs automatically. Once finished, the button changes to "Open" — tap it to launch YouTube, or find the app on your home screen.

Installing on Roku devices

Press the Home button on your Roku remote to go to the home screen. Scroll up to the top menu and select "Streaming Channels" (or "Channel Store" on older Roku models). Use the search function to type "YouTube" and select it from the results. Highlight the YouTube channel and press OK on your remote.

Select "Add Channel" and confirm the action. Roku downloads and installs the app, which usually takes less than a minute. Once finished, YouTube appears in your channel list on the home screen. Select it to open and sign in with your Google account if you want personalized recommendations and subscriptions.

Installing on Fire TV and Fire TV Stick

From the Fire TV home screen, navigate to the search icon at the top and select it. Type "YouTube" using the on-screen keyboard or your remote's voice search. Select the official YouTube app from the results (made by Google LLC). Highlight it and press the Select button on your remote.

Choose "Get" or "read" to install the app. Fire TV downloads and installs it in the background — you will see a notification when it is complete. The app then appears in your "Your Apps & Channels" section. Open it and sign in with your Google account to access your subscriptions and watch history.

Installing on Apple TV

From the Apple TV home screen, open the App Store (the icon that looks like a blue square with a white star). Search for "YouTube" using the search function. Select the official YouTube app by Google from the results. Press Select on your remote.

Choose "Get" to read and install the app. Apple TV installs it automatically and adds it to your home screen. Open YouTube and sign in with your Google account to see your subscriptions and personalized content. If you have YouTube TV through a Google account, signing in here also gives you access to your TV channels.

Signing in after installation

When you open YouTube for the first time after installing, you will see a sign-in screen. Tap or select "Sign In" and enter your Google account email address and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com.

After signing in, YouTube remembers your account on that device. You will see your subscriptions, watch history, and recommendations based on videos you have watched before. If multiple people use the same device, each person can sign in with their own Google account, and YouTube will keep their preferences separate.

Troubleshooting installation problems

If the Install button does not appear or the app will not read, check that your device has enough free storage space. Go to your device's Settings, find Storage or About, and see how much space is available. YouTube needs at least 50 to 100 MB of free space. If storage is full, delete unused apps or files to make room.

If the app store itself is not working, restart your device by turning it off completely and turning it back on. This fixes most temporary glitches. If YouTube still will not install after a restart, check that your internet connection is working by opening a web browser and visiting any website. If the internet is working but YouTube still will not install, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app store itself, or contact the device manufacturer's support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use the YouTube app?

You can watch public videos without signing in, but you will not see personalized recommendations or your subscriptions. To use YouTube TV or access your watch history and subscriptions, you need a Google account. Creating one is free at accounts.google.com.

Can I install YouTube on a TV that does not have a smart TV app store?

If your TV does not have a built-in app store, you can use a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast to add YouTube. You can also connect a laptop or tablet to your TV using an HDMI cable and watch YouTube through a web browser that way.

What if YouTube is not showing up in my device's app store?

YouTube may not be available in your region or on very old devices. Try searching for "YouTube Official" instead of just "YouTube" — sometimes the full name appears when the short name does not. If it still does not show up, you can watch YouTube through a web browser by visiting youtube.com on any device with internet access.

Will installing the YouTube app use a lot of data?

The app itself is small — usually 50 to 150 MB depending on your device. Watching videos uses data, but you can change video quality in Settings to use less. On a phone, connect to Wi-Fi before watching to avoid using your phone plan's data.

Can I have YouTube on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can install the YouTube app on as many devices as you want using the same Google account. Your subscriptions and watch history sync across all of them, so you can start watching on one device and continue on another.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.