Blocking a channel on YouTube TV removes it from your recommendations and search results, and prevents it from appearing in your library

You can block a channel directly from your TV remote using the YouTube TV app on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and TV boxes. The process takes about 30 seconds: find the channel or video you want to block, open its menu, and select the block option. Once blocked, that channel's content stops showing up in your recommendations, search results, and your library — though you can unblock it later if you change your mind.

The exact steps depend on which device you're using, but the principle is the same across all of them. YouTube TV stores your blocked channels in your account, so if you block a channel on your living room TV, it stays blocked when you watch on a tablet or phone too.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block a channel from any video or channel page by pressing the menu button on your remote and selecting the block option.
  • Blocking a channel hides it from recommendations and search, but does not delete any videos you have already watched or saved.
  • Your blocked channels list syncs across all your devices, so blocking on one TV blocks it everywhere you use YouTube TV.
  • You can unblock a channel anytime by going to your account settings and finding the blocked channels list.

How to block a channel while watching a video

Start a video from the channel you want to block. While the video is playing or paused, press the menu button (three dots or options button) on your remote. The exact button varies by device — on most remotes it's a button with three horizontal lines or three dots.

A menu will appear on your screen with several options. Look for "Block channel" or "Don't recommend channel" — the exact wording depends on your device and YouTube TV version. Select it with your remote. YouTube TV will ask you to confirm; select "Block" again. The channel is now blocked, and you'll see a confirmation message on your screen.

How to block a channel from the channel page

Navigate to the channel's main page by selecting the channel name at the top of any video from that creator. Once you're on the channel page, press the menu button on your remote. You should see the same block option as you would from a video page.

Select "Block channel" and confirm. This method works the same way as blocking from a video, and the result is identical — the channel disappears from your recommendations and search results.

What happens when you block a channel

Once you block a channel, YouTube TV stops showing that creator's videos in your recommendations, search results, and the home feed. If you had previously saved videos from that channel to your library, they remain there — blocking does not delete your saved content. However, you won't see new uploads from that channel in your feed.

Blocked channels do not affect your watch history. If you watched videos from that channel before blocking it, those videos stay in your history. Blocking only prevents future recommendations and visibility.

How to unblock a channel

To unblock a channel, go to your YouTube TV account settings. On your TV, select your profile icon (usually in the top right corner), then choose "Settings." Look for an option called "Blocked channels" or "Manage blocked content." You'll see a list of all the channels you've blocked.

Find the channel you want to unblock and select it. Choose "Unblock" from the menu. The channel will when ready reappear in your recommendations and search results. You can unblock multiple channels at once on some devices — check your settings menu to see if that option is available.

Blocking channels on different devices

The blocking process works on most devices that support YouTube TV, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs. The menu button location and exact wording may vary slightly between devices, but the steps are nearly identical.

If you're using an older TV model or a less common streaming device, the block option might be in a different location. Try pressing the menu or options button while watching a video — if the block option isn't visible, check your device's YouTube TV help documentation or look in the account settings under "Blocked channels."

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't confuse blocking a channel with removing a video from your watch history. Blocking prevents future recommendations from that creator, but it doesn't erase videos you've already watched. If you want to remove a specific video from your history without blocking the entire channel, use the "Remove from watch history" option instead.

Another common mistake is blocking a channel and then wondering why you still see it in your library. Remember that blocking doesn't delete saved videos — it only stops new recommendations. If you want those videos gone, you'll need to remove them individually from your library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the channel creator know I blocked them?

No. Blocking a channel is private — the creator has no way to see that you blocked them. It only affects what you see on your own account.

Can I block a channel from my phone or tablet?

Yes. Open the YouTube TV app on your phone or tablet, find a video from the channel you want to block, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select "Block channel." The process is the same as on TV, and the block syncs across all your devices.

What if I block a channel by mistake?

Go to your account settings, find "Blocked channels," locate the channel you blocked, and select "Unblock." It takes about 30 seconds and when ready restores the channel to your recommendations and search.

Does blocking a channel affect other people watching on my account?

Yes. Blocked channels are tied to your YouTube TV account, not to individual profiles or devices. If multiple people share your account, they will also see the channel as blocked. If you want different blocking rules for different people, each person should have their own YouTube account.

Can I block multiple channels at once?

You have to block channels one at a time through the video or channel menu. However, you can manage all your blocked channels together in your account settings if you want to unblock several at once.