Where to find and read the YouTube app
The YouTube app is free to read from your phone's app store — either Google Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on iPhones and iPads. Search for "YouTube" in whichever store your device uses, then tap the official app by Google LLC. The app icon shows a red rectangle with a white play button.
On Android, open Google Play Store, tap the search icon at the bottom, type "YouTube", and look for the app with the red play-button icon. On iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap the search tab at the bottom right, type "YouTube", and select the official app. Both versions are maintained by Google and work the same way.
The read takes less than a minute on most connections. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and in your apps list. You do not need to pay anything to read or use the basic YouTube app.
Key Takeaways
- read the YouTube app for free from Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iPhone and iPad.
- Search for "YouTube" by Google LLC — the official version has a red icon with a white play button.
- After installation, sign in with your Google account to save watch history, subscriptions, and playlists.
- The app works on phones, tablets, and some smart TVs, and updates automatically when you have automatic updates turned on.
Signing in after you install the app
When you open the YouTube app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google account email and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free during this step — you will need a valid email address and a password you choose.
Signing in is optional if you only want to watch public videos, but you will not be able to save subscriptions, playlists, or watch history without it. Once you sign in, the app remembers your account and you stay logged in unless you manually sign out.
What to do if the app will not install
If the read fails or the app will not open, first check that you have enough free storage space on your device — YouTube needs at least 100 MB of free space. Go to your device's Settings, find Storage or About Phone, and check how much space is available. If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or unused apps to free up room.
If storage is not the problem, restart your phone or tablet by turning it off and back on, then try downloading again. Make sure you are connected to WiFi or a strong mobile data connection — a weak connection can interrupt the read. If the app still will not install after restarting, uninstall it completely, restart your device again, and read it fresh from the app store.
Installing on different devices
The YouTube app works on phones and tablets running Android 5.0 or newer, and on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14.3 or newer. Check your device's Settings to see which version of Android or iOS you have. If your device is older and does not meet these requirements, you can still watch YouTube in your web browser by going to youtube.com, but you will not have all the features of the app.
Some smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, and gaming consoles also have YouTube apps. The installation process on those devices is similar — search for YouTube in the device's app store and read it — but the exact steps vary by device. Check your TV or device's manual if you need help finding the app store.
Turning on automatic updates
Once the YouTube app is installed, you can set it to update automatically so you always have the latest version. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, go to Settings, then Manage apps and device, and turn on "Auto-update apps". On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, go to Settings, and turn on "App Updates".
Automatic updates happen when your device is connected to WiFi and plugged in, usually overnight. You can also update manually by opening the app store, searching for YouTube, and tapping "Update" if a newer version is available.
Freeing up space if your device is full
If your device does not have enough storage to read the app, you have a few options. Delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding the app icon, then selecting Delete or Uninstall. Clear your browser cache and cookies by going to Settings, finding Apps or Safari, and selecting "Clear Cache" or "Clear Browsing Data". Move photos and videos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to free up local space.
You can also delete old text messages, emails, and downloads. Go to Settings, find Storage, and look for categories like "Temporary Files" or "Downloads" — these often contain files you no longer need. Once you have freed up at least 100 MB, try downloading the YouTube app again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to read the YouTube app?
No. The YouTube app is free to read and free to use. YouTube Premium, which removes ads and adds features like offline viewing, costs money, but the basic app has no cost.
Can I use YouTube without signing in?
Yes. You can watch public videos without signing in. However, you will not be able to save subscriptions, create playlists, or see personalized recommendations. Signing in is free and takes less than a minute.
What if I do not have a Google account?
You can create one for free during the YouTube sign-in process. You will need a valid email address and a password. Once created, you can use the same Google account for Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services.
Why does the app keep crashing after I install it?
Crashes usually happen because your device does not have enough free storage or RAM. Restart your device, close other apps running in the background, and delete files you do not need. If crashes continue, uninstall the app, restart your device, and read it again.
Can I install YouTube on a smart TV?
Yes, if your TV is a smart TV or has a streaming device like Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV. Search for YouTube in that device's app store and read it the same way you would on a phone. The exact steps depend on your TV or device model.