Block channels directly from the YouTube TV app on your TV

You can block a channel so it no longer appears in your library, search results, or recommendations on YouTube TV. The process differs slightly depending on your TV device, but the core steps are the same: find the channel, open its menu, and select the block option.

On most TV devices, navigate to the channel you want to block. This might be in your library, in search results, or in a recommendation. Press the menu button (usually marked with three dots or lines) on that channel's tile or banner. Select "Block channel" from the menu that appears. YouTube TV will confirm the block, and the channel will disappear from your account when ready.

Blocked channels stay blocked across all devices where you're signed into that YouTube TV account. If you block a channel on your TV, it will also be blocked when you use YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the YouTube TV app on your TV and find the channel you want to block by browsing your library or using search.
  • Press the menu button (three dots or lines) on the channel tile and select "Block channel" from the options shown.
  • Blocked channels disappear from your library, search results, and recommendations across all devices tied to your account.
  • You can unblock a channel at any time by going to your account settings, finding the blocked channels list, and removing the block.

Finding the channel you want to block

The easiest way to block a channel is to start from a place where you can see it. You might find the channel in your library (the list of channels you subscribe to), in search results after typing the channel name, or in your recommendations section.

If you know the channel name, use the search function in the YouTube TV app. Type the channel name into the search bar at the top of the app. When the channel appears in the results, you can block it from there without needing to open it.

If you want to block a channel you've been watching, go to your library and scroll through your subscribed channels. The channel will be listed there, and you can block it directly from the library view.

Accessing the block option on different TV devices

The menu button location varies by TV device. On most remote controls, look for a button marked with three vertical dots, three horizontal lines, or the word "Menu." Some remotes have an "Options" button instead.

Once you highlight the channel tile or banner, press that menu button. A small menu will pop up with several options. "Block channel" should be one of them. Select it, and the channel will be blocked when ready.

If you don't see a menu button on your remote, try pressing and holding on the channel tile for a few seconds. On some devices, this brings up the same menu options as the dedicated menu button.

What happens when you block a channel

When you block a channel, YouTube TV removes it from your library so you no longer see it in your subscribed channels list. The channel will not appear in search results when you search by name, and it will not show up in your recommendations or "For You" section.

Blocking a channel does not delete your watch history with that channel. If you later unblock it, your history remains intact. Blocking also does not affect other people's accounts on the same TV — if multiple people use YouTube TV on your device, each person has their own blocked channels list.

Unblocking a channel if you change your mind

To unblock a channel, go to your YouTube TV account settings. On your TV, open the YouTube TV app and navigate to your account menu (usually found in the top right corner). Look for "Settings" or "Manage account."

In settings, find the option for "Blocked channels" or "Blocked content." This will show you a list of all channels you have blocked. Highlight the channel you want to unblock and select the option to remove the block. The channel will when ready reappear in your library and search results.

You can also unblock channels from the YouTube TV website on a computer or phone. Sign into your account, go to settings, and find the blocked channels section there. Any changes you make will sync to your TV app within a few minutes.

Blocking channels versus hiding them

YouTube TV offers two ways to remove a channel from your view: blocking and hiding. Blocking is permanent until you unblock it, and the channel disappears from search results and recommendations. Hiding a channel removes it from your library but does not prevent it from appearing in search or recommendations if you look for it.

If you want to keep a channel out of sight but might want to watch it later, hiding is the gentler option. If you do not want to see a channel anywhere in the app, blocking is the right choice. You can hide a channel by opening your library, finding the channel, and selecting "Hide from library" instead of "Block channel."

Troubleshooting if the block option does not appear

If you cannot find the "Block channel" option, make sure you are pressing the menu button on a channel tile, not on a video or show. The block option only appears when you access the menu from a channel level, not from individual content.

If your YouTube TV app is outdated, some features may not work correctly. Check your TV's app store to see if an update is available for YouTube TV. Install any pending updates and try again.

If you are still unable to block a channel, try signing out of your YouTube TV account and signing back in. This refreshes your app connection and often resolves menu display issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blocking a channel on my TV block it on my phone too?

Yes. Blocked channels are tied to your YouTube TV account, not to a specific device. When you block a channel on your TV, it is blocked across your phone, tablet, computer, and any other device where you sign into that account.

Can I block multiple channels at once?

No. YouTube TV requires you to block channels one at a time. There is no bulk block feature. However, the process is quick — it takes only a few seconds per channel.

Will blocking a channel affect my recommendations?

Yes. YouTube TV uses your blocked channels to refine what it recommends to you. Blocking a channel tells the app not to suggest similar content from that channel or related channels.

What if someone else in my household wants to watch a blocked channel?

Each person who uses YouTube TV on your account has their own blocked channels list. If another household member wants to watch a blocked channel, they can unblock it from their own account settings, and it will only be unblocked for them.

Can I block a channel without opening the YouTube TV app?

No. You must use the YouTube TV app on your TV, phone, tablet, or the website to block a channel. You cannot block channels through any other method.