The fastest way to add YouTube TV to Roku

YouTube TV installs on Roku the same way most apps do: you search for it in the Roku Channel Store, select it, and choose "Add channel." The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Roku will read the app, and then you sign in with your YouTube account—the same one you use for regular YouTube. After that, YouTube TV is ready to watch.

You'll need a Roku device that's connected to the internet and a YouTube account. If you already subscribe to YouTube TV through another device or method, you can use that same account on Roku. If you don't have YouTube TV yet, you can start a subscription directly from the app once it's installed.

Key Takeaways

  • Search for "YouTube TV" in the Roku Channel Store, select it, and choose "Add channel" to install the app in about two minutes.
  • Sign in with your YouTube account after installation—use the same account you use for regular YouTube or YouTube TV on other devices.
  • Your Roku must be connected to WiFi or ethernet for the app to work and to stream live TV.
  • If you don't see YouTube TV in the Channel Store, restart your Roku and check that it's running the latest software version.
  • YouTube TV works on most Roku models made in 2014 or later, but very old devices may not support it.

Step-by-step installation on your Roku

Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote to go to the main menu. Navigate to "Streaming Channels" (the exact name varies slightly by Roku model—it might say "Channels" or "Channel Store"). Select "Search Channels" and type "YouTube TV" using the on-screen keyboard.

When YouTube TV appears in the search results, select it and choose "Add channel." Roku will read and install the app—this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Once installation finishes, you'll see an option to "Go to channel." Select that, and the YouTube TV app will open.

The app will ask you to sign in. You can either enter your YouTube account details directly on your Roku, or you can use a sign-in code. The code method is faster: the app shows you a code, you visit youtube.com/tv/signin on your phone or computer, enter the code, and your Roku automatically logs in. After sign-in, you're ready to browse and watch.

What to do if YouTube TV doesn't appear in the Channel Store

If you search for YouTube TV and it doesn't show up, the most common reason is that your Roku software is outdated. Go to Settings > System > System Update and select "Check Now." If an update is available, install it and restart your Roku. Then search for YouTube TV again.

If the app still doesn't appear after updating, restart your Roku completely. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then try searching again. In rare cases, YouTube TV may not be available in your region or on very old Roku models—if you have a Roku from before 2014, you may need a newer device.

Signing in with your YouTube account

YouTube TV uses your regular YouTube account for sign-in. If you already have YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer, use the same account credentials on Roku. Your watch history, saved shows, and preferences will sync across devices.

If you're signing in for the first time on Roku, you'll need to confirm your YouTube account password. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it at accounts.google.com before you try to sign in on Roku. Two-factor authentication (if you have it enabled) will ask you to verify your identity—you'll receive a code on your phone or email, which you can then enter on your Roku.

Internet connection requirements

YouTube TV streams live television, so your Roku needs a stable internet connection. A WiFi connection works fine for most homes, but if you experience buffering or picture quality drops, try moving your Roku closer to your router or switching to a wired ethernet connection if your Roku model supports it.

YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps for standard definition and 13 Mbps for 4K streaming. You can check your connection speed through your Roku's settings (Settings > Network > About). If your speed is lower than recommended, contact your internet provider or move your router closer to your Roku.

Removing YouTube TV from your Roku

If you want to uninstall YouTube TV, go to Home, highlight the YouTube TV app, press the Options button (the star or asterisk button on your remote), and select "Remove channel." The app will be deleted from your Roku. You can always reinstall it later by searching the Channel Store again.

Removing the app from your Roku does not cancel your YouTube TV subscription. If you want to stop your subscription entirely, you'll need to do that through your YouTube account settings on youtube.com or through the YouTube TV app on another device.

Troubleshooting common problems

If YouTube TV crashes or freezes after you install it, restart the app by pressing Home, selecting YouTube TV, and pressing the Options button, then "Restart channel." If that doesn't work, remove the channel and reinstall it fresh from the Channel Store.

If you can sign in but can't see any channels or shows, check that your YouTube TV subscription is active. Log into your YouTube account on a computer or phone and confirm your subscription is current. If your subscription has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before YouTube TV will show content on any device, including Roku.

If the picture quality is poor or the stream keeps stopping, the problem is usually your internet connection, not the app. Check your WiFi signal strength in Roku settings, and consider restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use YouTube TV on multiple Roku devices at the same time?

You can install YouTube TV on as many Roku devices as you own and sign in with the same account on all of them. However, YouTube TV's terms of service limit simultaneous streams—typically three streams at once across all your devices. If a fourth person tries to watch while three are already streaming, they'll be asked to wait.

Do I need a YouTube TV subscription before I install the app?

No. You can install the app first, and then start a subscription from within the app. YouTube TV offers a trial period (the length varies), so you can test it before committing to a paid plan.

Will YouTube TV work if my Roku is offline?

No. YouTube TV streams live television and on-demand shows over the internet, so your Roku must be connected to WiFi or ethernet at all times to use it. Offline viewing is not supported.

What if I forgot my YouTube password?

Go to accounts.google.com on your phone or computer and select "Forgot password?" Follow the steps to reset it. Once you've set a new password, you can use it to sign into YouTube TV on your Roku.

Can I watch YouTube TV on Roku if I'm traveling outside the US?

YouTube TV is only available in the United States. If you're outside the US, the app may not work, even if you have an active subscription. Some users report success with a VPN, but YouTube TV's terms of service do not permit this, and using one may violate your subscription agreement.