Where to find the cache-clearing option on your device

Clearing your YouTube TV cache means removing temporary files your device stored while using the app. The steps differ depending on whether you use YouTube TV on a phone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser. On most devices, you'll find the option in your device's settings rather than inside the YouTube TV app itself.

The cache sits in your device's storage, not in YouTube TV's own menu. This is why you need to go to your phone's settings, your TV's app management screen, or your browser's storage settings. Clearing it won't delete your YouTube TV account, your saved shows, or your login information — it only removes the temporary files that speed up loading.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache clearing happens in your device settings, not inside the YouTube TV app, and the steps vary by device type.
  • On Android phones and tablets, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV > Storage > Clear Cache.
  • On iPhones and iPads, you must delete and reinstall the YouTube TV app since iOS does not offer a separate cache-clearing option.
  • On smart TVs, the process depends on your TV's operating system — Samsung, LG, and Android TV each have different menu paths.
  • Clearing cache can fix freezing, slow loading, and playback errors without affecting your saved shows or login status.

Clearing cache on Android phones and tablets

Open your device's Settings app and scroll down to find Apps or process Manager. The exact name varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it Apps, while other Android phones may say process Manager or Manage Apps. Tap it to see your list of installed apps.

Find YouTube TV in the list and tap it. You'll see a Storage option near the bottom of the screen. Tap Storage, then tap Clear Cache. This removes the temporary files without deleting your login information or saved shows. The process takes a few seconds. You can now close Settings and open YouTube TV again.

If you don't see a Clear Cache button, your device may only offer Clear Data or Clear Storage. Do not tap those — they will delete your login information and saved preferences. Stick with Clear Cache only.

Clearing cache on iPhones and iPads

Apple's iOS does not have a built-in cache-clearing option for individual apps. Instead, you must delete the YouTube TV app and reinstall it. Open the App Store, search for YouTube TV, and tap Get to reinstall it. Your account information and saved shows remain on YouTube's servers, so you'll straightforward log back in after reinstalling.

To delete the app, press and hold the YouTube TV icon on your home screen, then tap Remove App and confirm. Wait a few seconds, then open the App Store and reinstall. This process clears all temporary files associated with the app.

Clearing cache on smart TVs

The steps depend on your TV's operating system. On Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV > Storage > Clear Cache. On LG TVs running webOS, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV > Storage > Clear Cache. On Android TV devices (Sony, TCL, Hisense), go to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV > Storage > Clear Cache.

If your TV uses a different operating system, check your TV's manual or manufacturer website for the exact menu path. The general principle is the same: find the app in your TV's settings, locate the storage or app info section, and select Clear Cache.

After clearing cache on a smart TV, you may need to restart the app or restart your TV entirely. If YouTube TV still runs slowly after clearing cache, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Clearing cache in web browsers

If you watch YouTube TV through a web browser on a computer, clearing cache happens in your browser settings, not on YouTube TV itself. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, go to Settings, click Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. Make sure Cached Images and Files is checked, set the time range to All Time, and click Clear Data.

In Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines), go to Settings, click Privacy & Security, scroll to Cookies and Site Data, and click Clear Data. In Safari, click Safari in the top menu, then Preferences, go to Privacy, and click Manage Website Data. Find YouTube in the list and click Remove.

When to clear your YouTube TV cache

Clear your cache if YouTube TV freezes, loads slowly, won't play videos, or shows error messages. These problems often happen when temporary files become corrupted or outdated. Clearing cache is the first troubleshooting step before you try uninstalling and reinstalling the entire app.

You don't need to clear cache regularly on a schedule. Most people only clear it when they notice a problem. If YouTube TV works fine, there's no reason to clear cache.

What happens after you clear cache

After clearing cache, YouTube TV may take a few extra seconds to load the first time you open it, because the app needs to read fresh temporary files. Your login information stays intact, your saved shows remain in your library, and your watch history is unchanged. The app will feel like a fresh start without losing any of your personal data.

If clearing cache doesn't fix your problem, try restarting your device. If the issue continues, uninstall and reinstall the entire YouTube TV app. If problems persist after that, contact YouTube TV support through the app or through your device's app store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my saved shows or watch history?

No. Cache is temporary data only. Your saved shows, watch history, and account login all stay on YouTube's servers and will be there when you open the app again. Clearing cache only removes files that help the app load faster.

Do I need to log back in after clearing cache?

No, not usually. Your login information is stored separately from cache. However, if you clear cache on a web browser, you may need to log back into YouTube TV because browsers often store login sessions in cache. On phones and TVs, you should stay logged in.

How often should I clear YouTube TV cache?

Only clear cache when you notice a problem like freezing or slow loading. There's no benefit to clearing it on a schedule if the app is working fine. Most people only clear cache once or twice a year, if at all.

What's the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?

Cache is temporary files that help the app load faster. Data includes your login information, saved preferences, and account settings. Always clear cache only. Clearing data will delete your login and force you to sign in again.

Why is my YouTube TV still slow after clearing cache?

Slow performance can come from internet speed, not just cache. Restart your device and your internet router. If YouTube TV still runs slowly, check your internet connection speed. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app entirely if restarting doesn't help.