Recording on YouTube TV works through the cloud, not a physical box

YouTube TV stores your recordings in the cloud instead of on a DVR device in your home. When you mark a show to record, YouTube TV saves it to your account for up to nine months. You can start watching a recording from any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV — and pick up where you left off on another device.

The process is straightforward: find the show or movie you want to record, select the record button, and it saves automatically. You do not need to set up a separate device or pay extra for recording. The recordings appear in a "Library" section where you can organize them by show.

Key Takeaways

  • You record a show by tapping or clicking the record button next to the program title in the guide or on the show's details page.
  • Recordings stay in your account for nine months, and you can watch them on any device signed into your YouTube TV account.
  • If you record an entire series, YouTube TV automatically records new episodes as they air, unless you turn off that setting.
  • You can delete recordings at any time to free up space, and there is no limit to how many shows you can record at once.

How to record a single episode

Open YouTube TV on any device and find the show you want to record. You will see a record button — it looks like a circle with a dot inside — next to the show title or in the program details. Tap or click that button once.

The button will fill in or change color to show the recording is set. YouTube TV will record that episode automatically when it airs. If the episode has already aired, YouTube TV records it from the on-demand library instead, and you can watch it right away.

How to record an entire series

Find the show in the guide or search for it by name. Open the show's details page and look for the record button. Instead of a single circle, you will see an option to record the series. Tap or click it.

YouTube TV will record every new episode of that series going forward. If you change your mind, open the show details again and tap the record button to stop recording future episodes. Episodes you already recorded stay in your library unless you delete them yourself.

Where to find your recordings

Recordings appear in the Library section of YouTube TV. On a TV, select "Library" from the main menu. On a phone or computer, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and choose "Library." Your recordings are organized by show name, and you can scroll through them to find what you want to watch.

You can also search for a recording by typing the show name in the search box. YouTube TV will show you how many episodes you have recorded and let you start playing from there.

Managing and deleting recordings

To delete a recording, open it in your library and look for a delete or trash icon. On most devices, this appears as a trash can symbol. Tap it and confirm that you want to delete the recording. The episode is removed from your account when ready.

If you want to stop recording a series but keep the episodes you already have, go to the show's details page and turn off the record button. Future episodes will not record, but your existing recordings remain in the library until you delete them.

How long recordings stay in your account

YouTube TV keeps recordings for nine months from the date they were recorded. After nine months, the recording is automatically deleted from your account. This applies to all recordings, whether you have watched them or not.

If you want to keep a recording longer, you can read it to your device on the YouTube TV app for phones and tablets. Downloaded recordings stay on that device until you delete them, even after the nine-month window closes on the cloud version.

Recording limits and restrictions

YouTube TV does not limit how many shows you can record at the same time. You can record dozens of series and individual episodes without running into a cap. The only limit is the nine-month storage window.

Some content cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions. If a show or movie is not available to record, the record button will be grayed out or missing from that title. This usually applies to certain movies and premium content, though most broadcast and cable shows can be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch a recording on a different device than the one I recorded it on?

Yes. Recordings are stored in your YouTube TV account in the cloud, so you can watch them on any device where you are signed in. Start watching on your phone, pause it, and resume on your TV or computer.

What happens if I record a show that is also available on demand?

You can watch either the recording or the on-demand version. The recording appears in your library, and the on-demand version is available through the show's main page. You can delete the recording if you prefer to use the on-demand copy instead.

Can I record a show that airs at a time I cannot watch?

Yes. Record the show before it airs, and YouTube TV will capture it automatically. You can then watch it whenever you want within the nine-month window.

Do I lose my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?

Yes. If you cancel your subscription, your recordings are deleted from your account. They are not available after your subscription ends, even if you rejoin later.

Can I share my recordings with someone else on my account?

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account. Anyone signed into your account on a shared device can watch your recordings, but people outside your account cannot access them.