YouTube TV uses your home location to decide which local channels and sports broadcasts you can watch

Your home location is the address YouTube TV associates with your account. It determines which local networks, regional sports channels, and out-of-market sports packages are available to you. If you move to a new city or state, or if YouTube TV has your location wrong, you need to update it so you can access the channels your new location offers.

The process is straightforward: you sign into your account, navigate to settings, and confirm your new address. YouTube TV may ask you to verify the change by watching a short video or confirming your location through your device's GPS. The update usually takes effect when ready, though it can take a few hours for all channels to refresh.

Key Takeaways

  • Your home location controls which local channels and regional sports broadcasts appear in your YouTube TV library.
  • You change your home location through Settings > Home location in the YouTube TV app or website.
  • YouTube TV may ask you to verify your new location using your device's GPS, a video confirmation, or a postal code check.
  • You can only change your home location once every three months, so make sure the address is correct before you confirm.
  • If you travel outside your home location, you can still watch most channels, but local broadcasts and some sports may be blacked out.

How to change your home location on a phone or tablet

Open the YouTube TV app on your phone or tablet. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings. Scroll down and tap Home location. You will see your current address displayed.

Tap Change location. Enter your new street address, city, and state, then tap Next. YouTube TV will ask you to verify your location. The most common verification method is GPS: YouTube TV will ask permission to use your device's location. Allow it, and the app will confirm you are physically at the address you entered. Once verified, tap Confirm and your home location will update.

How to change your home location on a computer

Go to tv.youtube.com and sign into your account. Click your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings. On the left side, click Home location. You will see your current address.

Click Change location and enter your new address. YouTube TV will then ask you to verify. On a computer, verification usually means watching a short video clip to confirm you are in the location you entered. Once the video plays and loads, click Confirm. Your home location will update, and you should see new local channels appear in your library within a few minutes.

What happens if YouTube TV cannot verify your new location

If GPS is turned off on your phone or tablet, or if you are trying to change your location from a computer without a camera, YouTube TV may not be able to verify your address using the standard method. In this case, you will be offered an alternative: YouTube TV may ask you to enter a postal code or confirm details about your address instead.

If verification still fails, make sure you are entering your address exactly as it appears in official records. Apartment numbers, street abbreviations (like "St" versus "Street"), and ZIP codes must match. If you continue to have trouble, you can contact YouTube TV support through the app or website, and a representative can help you verify manually.

The three-month waiting period between changes

YouTube TV limits home location changes to once every three months. This rule exists to prevent people from changing their location repeatedly to access channels from different regions. If you try to change your location before three months have passed since your last change, YouTube TV will show you the date when you can change it again.

If you genuinely moved and need to change your location sooner, contact YouTube TV support. They can sometimes override the three-month rule if you provide proof of your move, such as a utility bill or lease agreement with your new address. Keep in mind that support review requests can take several days.

What local channels and broadcasts you gain or lose when you move

When you update your home location, your channel lineup changes to match your new area. You will gain local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates for your new city. You will also gain regional sports networks that carry local teams. If you had a regional sports package for your old location (like a specific team's out-of-market broadcasts), that package may no longer be available, and you may be offered a different one for your new location.

Some national channels, like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV, remain the same regardless of location. But local news broadcasts, local weather, and regional sports blackouts all depend on your home location. If you are moving to watch a specific team, check YouTube TV's channel list for your new city before you move to make sure that team's broadcasts will be available.

Traveling outside your home location

If you travel outside your home location—to another state, another country, or even just across state lines—you can still watch most YouTube TV channels on your phone, tablet, or computer. National channels, on-demand content, and most sports broadcasts will work normally.

However, some local broadcasts and certain sports events may be blacked out when you are outside your home location. This is because local channels and regional sports networks have contracts that restrict where they can be viewed. If you are traveling for an extended period and want to update your home location permanently, you will need to wait until you have been at your new address for a few days, then follow the change process above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my home location if I do not have GPS on my device?

Yes. If you are using a computer or a device without GPS, YouTube TV will offer alternative verification methods, such as watching a video confirmation or entering postal code details. You do not need GPS to change your location, though it is the fastest verification method.

What if I move but YouTube TV still shows my old location?

Sign into your account, go to Settings, select Home location, and follow the change process. Make sure you enter your new address exactly as it appears in official records, including apartment numbers and ZIP codes. If the system rejects your address, contact YouTube TV support for manual verification.

Will I lose my recordings and saved shows if I change my home location?

No. Your recordings, saved shows, and watch history stay with your account. Only your local channel lineup and regional sports availability will change to match your new location.

Can I have two home locations for YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV allows only one home location per account. If you own a second home or split time between two cities, you will need to choose one as your primary home location and update it when you move permanently.

How long does it take for new local channels to show up after I change my location?

Usually a few minutes to an hour. Your channel lineup should refresh automatically once your location change is confirmed. If you do not see new local channels after an hour, try signing out and signing back into the app or website.