How to Get YouTube on Your LG TV

The fastest way to get YouTube on an LG TV

Most LG TVs made in the last ten years have YouTube built in as a pre-installed app. If your TV is connected to the internet, you can open YouTube directly from your home screen without downloading anything. Press the Home button on your remote, look for the YouTube icon (a red rectangle with a white play button), and select it. If YouTube is not on your home screen, scroll through your apps to find it.

If your LG TV does not have YouTube pre-installed—usually only the case with older models from before 2014—you can read it from the LG Content Store. Connect your TV to WiFi first, then go to the LG Content Store app on your home screen, search for YouTube, and select Install. The read takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once YouTube is open, you will need to sign in with a Google account to watch your subscriptions, saved videos, and personalized recommendations. You can sign in on the TV itself or use a faster method: scan a code on your TV screen with your phone to link your account without typing.

Key Takeaways

YouTube comes pre-installed on most LG TVs made after 2014 and appears on your home screen as a red icon with a white play button.
If YouTube is not on your TV, you can read it free from the LG Content Store if your TV model supports it.
Your TV must be connected to WiFi to stream YouTube; use the Settings menu to connect if you have not already.
Signing in with a Google account lets you see your subscriptions and watch history, but you can browse and watch public videos without signing in.

Checking whether your LG TV can run YouTube

Not every LG TV can run YouTube. The app requires a TV made in 2014 or later with an internet connection. If your TV is older than that, YouTube may not be available in the LG Content Store, and you will need to use a separate device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick connected to your TV's HDMI port instead.

To find out what year your LG TV was made, look at the model number on the back of the TV or in the Settings menu. Press Settings on your remote, then go to About This TV or System Information. The model number usually starts with a two-digit year code—for example, a 2022 model might start with "22" or "LG 22". If you see a model number from 2014 or later, your TV should support YouTube.

Connecting your LG TV to WiFi

YouTube requires an internet connection. If your TV is not yet connected to WiFi, press the Home button on your remote and go to Settings. Look for Network or WiFi Settings, then select your home network from the list of available networks. Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard, and your TV will connect within a few seconds.

If your TV is in a room far from your router and the WiFi signal is weak, you may see buffering or slow loading when you try to watch. Moving your router closer, using a WiFi extender, or connecting an ethernet cable directly to your TV (if it has an ethernet port) can improve performance. Most newer LG TVs have a built-in ethernet port on the back.

Signing in to YouTube on your LG TV

When you open YouTube for the first time, you will see a prompt to sign in. You have two options: type your Google account email and password using the remote, or scan a code with your phone. The phone method is much faster because you avoid typing on the remote.

To use the phone method, select "Sign in with a code" on your TV screen. A blue code will appear on the screen. Open a web browser on your phone and go to youtube.com/tv/signin, then type the code into the box. Your phone will ask you to confirm your Google account, and your TV will sign in automatically within a few seconds.

Once you are signed in, YouTube will show your subscriptions, watch history, and recommended videos based on what you have watched before. You can also sign out and browse YouTube without an account—you will just see general recommendations instead of personalized ones.

Finding YouTube if it is not visible on your home screen

If YouTube is installed on your TV but not showing on your home screen, it may be in a different section of your apps. Press Home, then look for an Apps section or All Apps option. Scroll through the list until you find YouTube, then select it. Some LG TVs let you add apps to your home screen by highlighting them and pressing a button on your remote (usually marked with a plus sign or "Add").

If you still cannot find YouTube after checking your apps, try restarting your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Sometimes apps fail to load properly until the TV has been restarted. If YouTube still does not appear after a restart, your TV model may not support the app, and you will need to use an external streaming device instead.

Using an external streaming device if your TV does not support YouTube

If your LG TV is older or does not support YouTube through the LG Content Store, you can watch YouTube on a separate device plugged into your TV's HDMI port. Common options include Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. These devices cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model and features, and they all have YouTube built in.

To use an external device, plug it into an available HDMI port on the back of your TV, then switch your TV input to that HDMI port using your remote. Follow the device's setup instructions to connect it to WiFi, and YouTube will be ready to use. This method also works if you prefer using a dedicated remote for YouTube instead of your LG TV remote.

Troubleshooting YouTube on your LG TV

If YouTube opens but videos will not play, or if the app keeps crashing, try these steps in order. First, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Second, check that your WiFi connection is still active by going to Settings and confirming your network is connected. Third, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well.

If YouTube still does not work after restarting both your TV and router, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Go to the LG Content Store, find YouTube, and select Uninstall. Wait a minute, then go back to the Content Store and select Install again. This clears out any corrupted files that may be causing the problem.

If you see an error message about your account or location, sign out of YouTube (go to Settings within the YouTube app and select Sign Out), restart your TV, and sign back in. If the problem continues, contact LG support or Google support—they can tell you whether the issue is with your TV, your account, or your internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for YouTube on an LG TV?

No. The YouTube app itself is free on all LG TVs that support it. You can watch videos without paying anything. YouTube Premium, which removes ads and adds offline viewing, costs extra, but it is optional.

Can I use YouTube without signing in?

Yes. You can open YouTube and browse or search for videos without a Google account. You will not see your subscriptions or watch history, but you can still watch any public video. Signing in is only needed if you want personalized recommendations or to save videos to a playlist.

Why is YouTube buffering or playing slowly?

This usually means your WiFi signal is weak or your internet speed is too slow. Move your router closer to your TV, or connect an ethernet cable directly to your TV if it has a port. You can also try lowering the video quality in YouTube's settings—go to Settings within the app and look for Playback Quality.

Can I cast YouTube from my phone to my LG TV?

Yes, if your LG TV has Chromecast built in (most models made after 2016 do). Open YouTube on your phone, tap the cast icon (a rectangle with a WiFi symbol), and select your TV from the list. Your phone will send the video to your TV, and you can control playback from your phone.

What should I do if the LG Content Store says YouTube is not available for my TV?

This means your TV model does not support the YouTube app. You will need to use an external streaming device like a Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV plugged into your TV's HDMI port. These devices all have YouTube and work with any TV that has an HDMI input.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.