The fastest way to watch YouTube on Roku

YouTube comes built into most Roku devices, but you may need to set up it or add it to your home screen. The process takes about two minutes and requires only your Roku remote and a YouTube account. If YouTube is not already visible on your Roku home screen, you can find it in the Channel Store, add it, and sign in with your Google account.

The exact steps depend on whether YouTube is already installed but hidden, or whether you need to read it fresh. Both routes are straightforward and do not require a computer or phone.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube is pre-installed on most Roku TVs and streaming devices, so you may only need to sign in rather than read it.
  • If YouTube is not on your home screen, go to the Channel Store, search for YouTube, and select Add Channel.
  • You will need a Google account to sign in; Roku will display a code on your TV that you enter on a second device to complete login.
  • Once signed in, YouTube remembers your account, so you will not need to log in again on that Roku device.

Check if YouTube is already installed

Before you read anything, look at your Roku home screen. Scroll left and right through the tiles to see if YouTube is already there. On most Roku models made in the last five years, YouTube is pre-installed and straightforward needs to be activated with your Google account.

If you see the YouTube icon (a red rectangle with a white play button), select it and follow the sign-in steps below. If you do not see it anywhere on your home screen, move to the next section.

Add YouTube from the Channel Store

On your Roku home screen, scroll to the left until you reach the menu. Select Roku Channel Store or Channel Store (the exact name varies by Roku model). Use the search function to type "YouTube" and press Enter.

When YouTube appears in the results, select it and choose Add Channel. Roku will read and install it in about 30 seconds. Once installation finishes, you will see an option to open the channel. Select it to begin the sign-in process.

Sign in with your Google account

When you open YouTube for the first time, Roku will display a code on your TV screen — usually eight characters long. You do not enter this code on your TV remote. Instead, you use a phone, tablet, or computer to visit youtube.com/set up, enter the code, and sign in with your Google account there.

Once you sign in on that second device, YouTube on your Roku TV will automatically log in and take you to the home screen. Your watch history, subscriptions, and recommendations will all appear. You will not need to sign in again on that Roku device unless you factory reset it.

What to do if the sign-in code does not work

If you enter the code at youtube.com/set up and see an error, the code may have expired. Go back to your Roku TV and select Sign In again to generate a new code. Codes are usually valid for about 15 minutes, so work quickly.

If you see a message that the code is invalid even with a fresh code, check that you are using the correct Google account. If you have multiple Google accounts, make sure you are signing in with the one you want to use for YouTube. You can also try signing out of all Google accounts on your phone or computer and signing in fresh.

Troubleshooting if YouTube will not read

If the Channel Store says YouTube is not available in your region, or if the read fails partway through, restart your Roku device. Go to Settings on your Roku home screen, select System, then Power, and choose Restart. Wait about one minute for the device to reboot, then try adding YouTube again.

If YouTube still will not read after a restart, check that your Roku is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and confirm you are connected to your Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak or unstable, move your Roku closer to your router or restart your router and try again.

Moving YouTube to a convenient spot on your home screen

Once YouTube is installed and signed in, you may want to move it closer to the left side of your home screen so it is easier to find. On most Roku models, you can do this by highlighting the YouTube tile, pressing the Options button on your remote (usually marked with three horizontal lines), and selecting Move Channel. Use the arrow buttons to position it where you want, then press OK.

Some older Roku models do not allow you to rearrange channels. If you do not see a Move option, your device may not support this feature, but YouTube will still work normally in the Channel Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a YouTube Premium subscription to watch YouTube on Roku?

No. A free YouTube account works on Roku TV. You will see ads on free content, just as you would on a computer or phone. If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you can sign in with that account and watch without ads.

Can I use a different Google account on the same Roku TV?

Yes, but you will need to sign out first. Go to YouTube on your Roku, press the Options button on your remote, and select Sign Out. Then open YouTube again and sign in with a different Google account. Only one account can be signed in at a time on a single Roku device.

Why does YouTube keep signing me out?

This usually happens if your Roku loses internet connection or if you have not used YouTube in a long time. Check that your Roku is still connected to Wi-Fi. If it is, try signing in again. If it keeps happening, restart your Roku device and your router.

Can I watch YouTube on multiple Roku devices with the same account?

Yes. Sign in with the same Google account on each Roku device, and your watch history and subscriptions will sync across all of them. You can watch on one device and pick up where you left off on another.