YouTube comes built into most Samsung Smart TVs, but you can also reinstall it if needed
Most Samsung Smart TVs ship with YouTube already installed and ready to use. If you cannot find it on your home screen, the app may have been moved, hidden, or removed — but you can restore it through Samsung's app store without downloading anything to a computer first. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on nearly all Samsung models made in the last decade.
You do not need a USB drive, a computer, or any special cables. Everything happens directly on the TV itself using your remote and your home WiFi connection.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube is pre-installed on most Samsung Smart TVs and appears in the Apps section of your home screen.
- If YouTube is missing, you can restore it by opening the Samsung App Store, searching for YouTube, and selecting Install.
- You will need a Samsung account to access the App Store, but you can create one free on the TV itself.
- The entire process — finding the App Store, searching, and installing — takes about five minutes on a working internet connection.
- If YouTube still does not appear after installation, restarting the TV usually fixes the problem.
Finding YouTube if it is already on your TV
Open your TV's home screen by pressing the Home button on your remote. Look for an Apps section — this is usually a grid icon or a folder labeled Apps. YouTube typically appears as a red icon with a white triangle in the middle.
If you see it, select it and press Enter. The app will open and you can sign in with your Google account. If you do not see YouTube in the main Apps view, scroll down or to the right — Samsung TVs often hide less-used apps in a secondary row.
Some Samsung TVs also let you search by voice. Press the microphone button on your remote and say "YouTube." The TV will search for it and show you where it is or offer to install it.
How to reinstall YouTube through the Samsung App Store
If YouTube is not on your home screen, open the Samsung App Store. This is usually labeled "Apps" or "Samsung Apps" and sits in the main menu. Select it and press Enter.
At the top of the App Store screen, you will see a search bar. Select it, type "YouTube" using your remote's keypad or on-screen keyboard, and press Enter. YouTube will appear in the results — it is the official app with the red icon.
Select YouTube and press Enter. A details page will open showing the app description and an Install button. Select Install and wait. The TV will read and install the app in the background — this usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation finishes, you will see an Open button instead of Install. Select Open to launch YouTube, or go back to your home screen and find YouTube in the Apps section.
What to do if you do not have a Samsung account
The Samsung App Store requires a Samsung account to read apps. If you do not have one, the TV will prompt you to create one when you try to install YouTube.
Select Create Account and follow the on-screen steps. You will need an email address and a password. The TV will send a confirmation email to that address — check your inbox and click the link to verify your account. This takes about two minutes.
Once your account is verified, go back to the App Store, search for YouTube again, and select Install. You will not be asked to create an account a second time.
Signing into YouTube with your Google account
After YouTube installs and opens, you will see a sign-in screen. You can use any Google account — this does not have to be the same as your Samsung account.
Select Sign In and the TV will show a code on the screen. On your phone or computer, go to youtube.com/set up, enter the code, and sign in with your Google account. The TV will recognize the sign-in and take you to your YouTube home page.
If you do not want to sign in, you can browse YouTube without an account, but you will not see your subscriptions, watch history, or saved playlists.
Fixing YouTube if it will not install or open
If the App Store says YouTube is already installed but you cannot find it on your home screen, restart the TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. YouTube should appear in your Apps section after the restart.
If the installation fails or gets stuck, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, then Network, and make sure your TV is connected to WiFi. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If YouTube still will not install after restarting both the TV and router, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Go to Settings, then Apps, find YouTube in the list, select it, and choose Uninstall. Then go back to the App Store and install it again from scratch.
Using YouTube on your Samsung TV
Once YouTube is open and you are signed in, use your remote to navigate. The arrow buttons move between videos, Enter selects a video to play, and the back button returns to the previous screen.
Your subscriptions, watch history, and playlists appear in the menu on the left side of the screen. You can search for videos using the search icon at the top, or use voice search by pressing the microphone button on your remote and saying a video title or channel name.
YouTube on Samsung TVs works the same way as on your phone or computer, but the larger screen and remote control make it easier to watch with family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read YouTube to my computer first?
No. YouTube installs directly on your TV through the Samsung App Store. You do not need a computer, USB drive, or any cables. Everything happens on the TV itself using your remote and WiFi connection.
Can I use YouTube on my Samsung TV without a Google account?
Yes. You can browse videos, search, and watch without signing in. However, you will not see your subscriptions, watch history, or saved playlists. Signing in takes about two minutes and lets you pick up where you left off on other devices.
What if my Samsung TV is too old to have the App Store?
Samsung Smart TVs made before 2010 may not have an app store or may use an older version. Check your TV's manual or settings to see which apps are available. If YouTube is not available, you can use a streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast instead.
Why does YouTube keep crashing on my TV?
YouTube crashes usually happen when your TV's software is out of date or your internet connection is unstable. Go to Settings, then Support, and check for software updates. If an update is available, install it and restart the TV. If crashes continue, restart your router and check that your WiFi signal is strong.
Can I cast YouTube from my phone to my Samsung TV?
Yes. Open YouTube on your phone, select a video, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves), and choose your Samsung TV from the list. The video will play on your TV while you control it from your phone. Both devices must be on the same WiFi network.