The fastest way to block YouTube on Samsung TV

You can block YouTube on a Samsung TV in three ways: remove it from the home screen, restrict it using parental controls, or uninstall it entirely. The method you choose depends on whether you want to hide it temporarily, prevent children from watching it, or remove it completely.

The quickest option is to delete the YouTube app from your home screen. Navigate to the app, press and hold the remote button, select "Remove from Home" or "Delete", and confirm. The app stays on your TV but disappears from view. If you want stronger restrictions — especially for children — use Samsung's built-in parental controls to lock the app behind a PIN. For permanent removal, you can uninstall YouTube through the Samsung TV's app settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Removing YouTube from your home screen takes 30 seconds and hides the app without deleting it.
  • Parental controls let you lock YouTube behind a PIN so children cannot open it without permission.
  • The steps differ slightly between Samsung TV models, but all use the remote to navigate settings.
  • Uninstalling YouTube is permanent on some models but may reinstall automatically if your TV updates.

Remove YouTube from your home screen

This is the simplest method if you just want YouTube out of sight. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. Find the YouTube app tile on the screen. Press and hold the select button (usually the center circle) on your remote while the YouTube tile is highlighted.

A menu will appear with options like "Remove from Home", "Delete", or "Remove". Select the option that appears on your model. Confirm the action if prompted. YouTube disappears from your home screen when ready, though the app remains installed on your TV. You can restore it later by going to your TV's app store and re-adding it to the home screen.

Lock YouTube with parental controls and a PIN

If you want to prevent someone from opening YouTube at all, use Samsung's parental controls. This method requires you to set a PIN that only you know. Press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Settings (usually a gear icon). Look for "Parental Controls" or "Security" — the exact name varies by model year.

Select "Parental Controls" and enter a PIN if you have not set one already. You will be asked to create a four-digit code. Write this down somewhere safe; if you forget it, you may need to reset your TV. Once the PIN is set, find YouTube in the list of apps and toggle it to "Locked" or "Restricted". Now anyone trying to open YouTube will see a prompt asking for the PIN.

Some Samsung models also let you set content ratings within parental controls. You can restrict YouTube to certain age groups or block it entirely. Check your TV's settings menu to see what options are available for your specific model.

Uninstall YouTube completely

If you want to remove YouTube entirely, go to Settings and find "Apps" or "Applications". Scroll through the list until you find YouTube. Select it and look for an "Uninstall" button. On some Samsung models, YouTube is a system app and cannot be uninstalled — you will see "Disable" instead, which removes it from your home screen and stops it from running in the background.

Keep in mind that YouTube may reinstall automatically if your Samsung TV receives a software update. Samsung includes YouTube as a default app on most models, so updates can restore it. If this happens, you can remove it again using the same steps above.

Differences between Samsung TV models

Samsung TVs from different years have slightly different menu layouts. On older models (2018 and earlier), the Settings menu may be labeled "Smart Hub Settings" instead of just "Settings". On newer models (2019 and later), Settings is usually a gear icon on the home screen.

The app removal process is the same across most models: highlight the app and press and hold the select button. However, some 2020+ models use a different remote design where you may need to press the "Tools" or "More" button instead. If the standard method does not work, check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website for your specific model number.

What happens if you block YouTube but want to unblock it later

If you removed YouTube from your home screen, you can restore it by opening your TV's app store (usually called "Samsung TV Plus" or "Apps"), searching for YouTube, and selecting "Add to Home". The app will reappear on your home screen within seconds.

If you locked it with parental controls, go back to Settings > Parental Controls, enter your PIN, find YouTube, and toggle it back to "Unlocked" or "Unrestricted". If you disabled or uninstalled YouTube, the process is the same: go to Apps, find YouTube, and select "Install" or "Enable".

Why you might want to block YouTube on your TV

Parents often block YouTube to prevent children from watching unsuitable content or spending too much time on video streaming. Parental controls are more effective than removal because they prevent someone from reinstalling the app without the PIN.

Some households block YouTube to reduce distractions during meals or family time, or to enforce screen-time limits. Others remove it straightforward because they do not use it and prefer a cleaner home screen. The method you choose depends on your goal: hiding it is fastest, locking it is most find for families, and uninstalling it is best if you never plan to use it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block YouTube on my Samsung TV without blocking other apps?

Yes. Parental controls let you lock individual apps. Go to Settings > Parental Controls, enter your PIN, and toggle only YouTube to "Locked". Other apps remain unlocked and usable. This is the best option if you want to restrict YouTube but allow access to other streaming services.

What do I do if I forgot my parental control PIN?

You will need to reset your TV to factory settings, which erases all your settings and returns the TV to its original state. Go to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset, or consult your TV's manual for the exact path on your model. Write down your PIN in a safe place after you set it.

Will YouTube come back if my TV updates?

It may. Samsung includes YouTube as a default app, so major software updates can restore it even if you uninstalled it. If this happens, straightforward remove it again using the same steps. Parental controls usually survive updates, so if you locked YouTube with a PIN, it should stay locked.

Can I block YouTube on my Samsung TV from my phone?

Not directly. You must use the TV remote and the TV's settings menu to block YouTube. However, some Samsung TV models work with the SmartThings app on your phone, which lets you control certain TV functions remotely. Check if your model supports this, but parental controls typically still require the TV remote to set up.

Is there a way to block YouTube only during certain hours?

Samsung's standard parental controls do not include scheduling features. You would need to manually lock and unlock YouTube at different times, or use your TV's sleep timer to turn off the TV at a set time each day. Some third-party streaming devices offer more advanced scheduling, but Samsung TV's built-in controls do not.