The fastest way to get YouTube on a Samsung TV
Most Samsung Smart TVs come with YouTube already built in. If you see the YouTube app on your home screen, you can open it and sign in with your Google account right away. If YouTube is not visible, you will need to install it from the Samsung App Store — a built-in marketplace on your TV that works like an app store on a phone.
The installation takes about two minutes and requires only your TV remote and a working internet connection. You do not need a computer or phone to do this, though having your Google password nearby will speed things up when you sign in.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube comes pre-installed on most Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onward, so check your home screen first before installing anything.
- If YouTube is missing, you can install it free from the Samsung App Store using only your TV remote.
- You will need a Google account to sign in and watch videos, but you can create one for free if you do not have one.
- After installation, YouTube will remember your sign-in on that TV, so you will not need to enter your password every time.
Finding YouTube if it is already on your TV
Open your TV and look at the home screen. Swipe left and right through the app tiles — YouTube usually appears in the first row or two, often with a red play-button icon. If you find it, select it and press Enter on your remote. The app will open, and you can sign in with your Google account.
If you have used YouTube on this TV before, you may already be signed in. In that case, you can start watching when ready. If you are not signed in, the app will show a sign-in screen with a code. You can enter this code on your phone or computer at youtube.com/set up to link your Google account without typing your full password on the TV remote.
Installing YouTube from the Samsung App Store
If YouTube does not appear on your home screen, you will install it from the Samsung App Store. Press the Home button on your remote to make sure you are on the main screen. Look for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares — this is the Samsung App Store.
Select the Apps icon and press Enter. A menu will open showing categories like "Featured," "Games," and "Entertainment." Use your remote to navigate to the search icon (usually a magnifying glass at the top of the screen). Select it and type "YouTube" using your remote's keypad or on-screen keyboard. When YouTube appears in the results, select it and press Enter to start the installation.
The app will read and install automatically. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your internet speed. When it is finished, you will see a button that says "Open" or "Launch." Select it to open YouTube for the first time.
Signing in with your Google account
When you open YouTube for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. You have two options: enter your Google email and password directly on the TV, or use the set up code method, which is faster if you have a phone or computer nearby.
To use the set up code, look for a code displayed on your TV screen — it will be a short string of letters and numbers. On your phone or computer, go to youtube.com/set up and enter this code. Then sign in with your Google account on that device. Your TV will automatically sign in without you having to type your password on the remote.
If you do not have a Google account, you can create one free at google.com. You will need an email address (you can use Gmail, Outlook, or any other email provider) and a password you create yourself.
What to do if YouTube will not install
If the Samsung App Store shows "YouTube is not available in your region" or will not let you install it, your TV model or region may have restrictions. This is rare in North America and Europe but can happen in some countries.
Check that your TV is connected to the internet by going to Settings > Network and confirming you see a connected network. If your internet is working but YouTube still will not install, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up. Then try the installation again.
If YouTube still does not install after a restart, your TV model may be older than 2016 or may not support YouTube through the Samsung App Store. In that case, you can use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick instead — these devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and give you access to YouTube and other apps.
Troubleshooting sign-in problems
If you enter your Google password and the TV says "Incorrect password," double-check that you are typing it correctly. The remote keypad can be slow, so type slowly and watch the screen to make sure each letter appears. If you are still stuck, use the set up code method instead — it is more reliable on a TV remote.
If you have turned on two-factor authentication for your Google account (an extra security step), YouTube on your TV cannot use your regular password. Instead, you will need to create a one-time password or use the set up code method. Go to myaccount.google.com/security on your phone or computer, scroll to "App passwords," and create a password just for YouTube on your TV. Use that password instead of your regular one.
If you forget which Google account is signed in on your TV, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Sign Out. Then sign in again with the account you want to use.
Keeping YouTube updated
Samsung TVs usually update apps automatically when you are not using the TV, so YouTube will stay current without you doing anything. If you want to check for updates manually, go to the Samsung App Store, find YouTube in your installed apps, and look for an "Update" button. If one appears, select it to install the latest version.
Keeping YouTube updated ensures you have the newest features and fixes for any problems. If YouTube starts acting strangely — videos will not play, the app crashes, or the picture looks wrong — try updating first. If the problem continues after an update, restart your TV and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid YouTube subscription to watch on my Samsung TV?
No. YouTube is free to watch with ads. YouTube Premium (a paid subscription) removes ads and adds features like offline viewing, but it is optional. You can watch all free content without paying anything.
Can I use YouTube on my Samsung TV without a Google account?
You can browse and watch some videos without signing in, but you will not be able to save favorites, watch your history, or access your subscriptions. Creating a free Google account takes about two minutes and unlocks all of these features.
What if my Samsung TV is very old — will YouTube still work?
YouTube works on most Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onward. If your TV is older, the Samsung App Store may not have YouTube available. A streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick will work with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age.
Can I watch YouTube on multiple Samsung TVs with the same Google account?
Yes. Sign in with the same Google account on each TV, and your subscriptions and watch history will appear on all of them. Each TV will remember your sign-in separately, so you will not need to enter your password every time.
Why does YouTube keep signing me out?
This usually happens if your TV has not been used in a long time or if you have cleared the app's data in Settings. Try signing in again using the set up code method, which is more stable. If it keeps happening, restart your TV and check that your internet connection is stable.