Where to Find and Change Your Channel Lineup
You change your YouTube TV channel lineup in the Settings menu on whichever device you're watching from. Open YouTube TV, select your profile icon in the top right corner, then go to Settings. From there, choose Memberships, and you'll see your current plan. The channels available to you depend on which plan you're subscribed to — YouTube TV offers different tiers, and each one includes a different set of channels.
The channels you see are locked to your plan level, so you can't pick and choose individual channels within a single tier. If you want access to more channels, you'll need to upgrade to a higher plan. If you want fewer channels and a lower price, you can downgrade. Changes take effect when ready, though your billing date may shift depending on when you make the change.
Key Takeaways
- Your channel lineup is determined by which YouTube TV plan you subscribe to, and you access the settings through your profile icon and then Settings > Memberships.
- YouTube TV offers multiple plan tiers, each with a different set of channels included, and you cannot customize which channels appear within a single plan.
- To get more channels, you upgrade your plan; to pay less, you downgrade, and both changes take effect right away.
- Add-on packages like sports channels or premium networks are purchased separately from your base plan and appear alongside your included channels.
- Your device, account location, and regional availability can affect which channels show up in your lineup.
Understanding YouTube TV's Plan Tiers
YouTube TV offers a base plan that includes over 100 channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle programming. This is the standard tier most people start with. Above that, YouTube TV sells add-on packages — premium movie channels like HBO Max or Showtime, sports packages, and international channel bundles. These add-ons cost extra per month and stack on top of your base plan.
The exact channels in your base plan vary slightly by region, because some channels are only licensed to broadcast in certain areas. When you open Settings > Memberships, you can see the full list of channels included in your current plan. Scroll through to see what you have access to right now.
How to Upgrade or Downgrade Your Plan
To change your plan tier, go to Settings > Memberships and look for an option to modify your plan. YouTube TV will show you the available plans and what each one includes. Select the plan you want, confirm the change, and it takes effect when ready. Your next billing date may shift — if you upgrade mid-cycle, you'll be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of the month, then the new full price starts on your next regular billing date.
If you downgrade, the lower price takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready. You'll keep access to your current channels until that date arrives. YouTube TV will show you a summary of what you're losing before you confirm the downgrade, so you can see exactly which channels will disappear.
Adding Premium Channels and Sports Packages
Beyond the base plan, YouTube TV offers add-on subscriptions for premium networks and sports. These appear in the same Settings > Memberships menu, listed separately from your base plan. Common add-ons include HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and sports packages that bundle regional sports networks. Each add-on has its own monthly cost and can be added or removed independently.
When you add an add-on, those channels appear in your guide when ready. When you remove an add-on, you lose access to those channels right away. YouTube TV will remind you of the cost before you confirm any add-on purchase.
Why Your Channel Lineup Might Look Different
Your location affects your channel lineup. YouTube TV uses your account's registered address to determine which regional channels and local broadcasts you can receive. If you move, update your address in Settings > Account to see if your available channels change. Some channels are only licensed in certain states or metropolitan areas.
The device you're using can also matter. YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Occasionally a channel may not load properly on one device but works fine on another. If a channel is missing from one device, try opening YouTube TV on a different device to see if it appears there. If it's missing everywhere, it's likely not included in your plan or not available in your region.
Checking What Channels Are Included Before You Subscribe
Before you upgrade or add a package, YouTube TV shows you the full channel list for that plan or add-on. In Settings > Memberships, hover over or tap on any plan to see all the channels it includes. This list is searchable on most devices — you can look for a specific channel to confirm it's there before you pay for an upgrade.
If you're looking for one specific channel and you're not sure which plan includes it, the YouTube TV website has a complete channel guide organized by plan. You can also contact YouTube TV support through the app or website if a channel you expect to see is missing from your lineup.
Managing Your Subscription on Different Devices
You can change your plan from any device where you're signed into YouTube TV. The change applies to your entire account, not just that one device. So if you upgrade on your phone, everyone in your household who uses YouTube TV will see the new channels on their devices too.
If you share your YouTube TV account with family members, keep in mind that plan changes affect everyone. YouTube TV allows multiple user profiles under one account, but they all share the same channel lineup and add-ons. You cannot give one family member a different plan than another — the subscription is account-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick individual channels instead of choosing a whole plan?
No. YouTube TV sells channels in bundles — either the base plan or add-on packages. You cannot subscribe to individual channels a la carte. If you want a channel that's only in a higher tier or add-on, you have to pay for the entire package it comes in.
What happens to my recordings if I downgrade and lose a channel?
Recordings from channels you no longer have access to will remain in your library, but you won't be able to watch them once you lose the channel. If you downgrade and then upgrade again later, those recordings may or may not still be there — YouTube TV doesn't may provide they'll be saved.
Do I have to pay for the full month if I downgrade mid-cycle?
No. When you downgrade, you keep your current plan until your next billing date, then the lower price starts. You're not charged extra or refunded for the downgrade — it just takes effect on your regular renewal date.
Why is a channel I'm paying for not showing up in my guide?
Check that your account location is correct in Settings > Account — some channels are regional. Try signing out and back in, or restart the YouTube TV app. If the channel still doesn't appear on any device, contact YouTube TV support, because it may be a temporary outage or a licensing issue in your area.
Can I change my plan on the YouTube TV website instead of in the app?
Yes. You can manage your plan through the YouTube TV website by signing in, going to your account settings, and selecting Memberships. The process is the same as on the app, and changes take effect when ready across all your devices.