How to Install YouTube on Your Samsung TV

The fastest way to get YouTube on your Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs made in the last ten years have YouTube built in already. Check your remote for a YouTube button, or look in your TV's app menu — it's usually the first or second row. If you find it there, you're done: just open it and sign in with your Google account.

If your TV doesn't have YouTube installed, or if the app won't open, you can read it from the Samsung App Store in about two minutes. The process is the same whether you own a 2015 model or a brand-new one, and you don't need a computer or USB drive.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs sold after 2014 almost always have YouTube pre-installed; check your app menu or remote before downloading anything.
To read YouTube, go to your TV's home screen, open the Samsung App Store, search for YouTube, and select Install.
You'll need a Google account to sign in, but you can create one for free if you don't have one already.
If YouTube won't open after installation, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
YouTube on Samsung TV works best when your TV is connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable.

Check if YouTube is already on your TV

Before you read anything, look for YouTube in the apps you already have. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. You should see a row of app icons — YouTube is usually there, often in the first few positions. If you see it, select it and it will open.

If you don't see YouTube on the home screen, scroll down or look for an "Apps" menu. Most Samsung TVs have a dedicated apps section where all installed programs live. YouTube might be there even if it's not pinned to your home screen. Select it and it will open.

If you've looked in both places and YouTube isn't there, or if it opens and when ready closes, move on to downloading it fresh from the Samsung App Store.

read YouTube from the Samsung App Store

Press the Home button on your remote. Look for an icon labeled "Samsung App Store" or sometimes just "Apps Store" — it usually looks like a colorful square or grid. Select it and wait for the store to load.

Once the store opens, you'll see a search box at the top. Select it, type "YouTube," and press Enter. The official YouTube app will appear at the top of the results. Select it, then select the "Install" button. The read will start right away.

Installation usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on your internet speed. You'll see a progress bar. When it finishes, the Install button will change to "Open." Select Open, and YouTube will launch for the first time.

Sign in with your Google account

When YouTube opens for the first time, you'll see a sign-in screen. You need a Google account to use YouTube — this is the same account you use for Gmail, Google Drive, or any other Google service. If you already have one, select "Sign in," enter your email address and password, and you're finished.

If you don't have a Google account yet, you can create one for free. On the sign-in screen, look for a link that says "Create account" or "Don't have an account?" Select it and follow the steps to set up a new account. You'll need an email address (you can use any email provider) and a password you'll remember.

Once you're signed in, YouTube will remember your account. You won't have to sign in again unless you manually sign out or factory reset your TV.

Make sure your TV is connected to the internet

YouTube won't work without an internet connection. Check that your Samsung TV is connected to Wi-Fi or plugged into an ethernet cable. To verify the connection, press Home, then look for Settings (usually a gear icon). Select Network or Network Settings, and you should see your Wi-Fi network listed as "Connected."

If your TV shows "Not Connected," select your Wi-Fi network from the list, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds. Once it says Connected, YouTube will work.

If you're using an ethernet cable, your TV should connect automatically when you plug it in. You don't need to enter a password.

Restart your TV if YouTube won't open

If YouTube installed but won't open, or if it opens and closes when ready, a restart usually fixes it. Unplug your TV from the wall outlet and wait 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and turn it on. This clears your TV's temporary memory and often solves app problems.

Once your TV is back on, wait 30 seconds for it to fully load, then try opening YouTube again. If it still won't work, go back to the Samsung App Store, find YouTube, and select "Uninstall." Wait 10 seconds, then reinstall it using the same steps as before.

If YouTube still won't open after a reinstall, your TV may need a software update. Press Home, go to Settings, look for "Software Update" or "System Update," and select "Update Now." This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Your TV will restart on its own when it's done.

Troubleshoot common problems

YouTube opens but won't load videos: This usually means your internet connection is slow or unstable. Move your TV closer to your Wi-Fi router, or use an ethernet cable if possible. If other apps work fine, restart your TV and try YouTube again.

You see an error message about your Google account: Sign out of YouTube (look for Settings in the app, then Sign Out), then sign back in. If that doesn't work, go to your TV's Settings, find Accounts, remove your Google account, and add it again.

The Samsung App Store won't open: Restart your TV. If it still won't open, check that your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings and looking for a Software Update option.

You installed YouTube but can't find it: Press Home and look in your Apps menu. If it's not there, go back to the Samsung App Store and search for YouTube again — it may not have finished installing the first time.

When to call Samsung support

If you've restarted your TV, reinstalled YouTube, updated your software, and YouTube still won't work, contact Samsung directly. You can find their support number on your TV's manual or by searching "Samsung TV support" online. Have your TV's model number ready — it's usually on a sticker on the back of the TV.

If your TV is still under warranty, Samsung may be able to help you troubleshoot or repair it at no cost. If it's older, they can still walk you through more advanced fixes, though some may require a technician visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to install YouTube?

No. You need a Google account to sign into YouTube and watch videos, but you don't need a Samsung account to read the app. The Samsung App Store lets you read apps without signing in.

Can I use YouTube on my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

No. YouTube requires an active internet connection at all times. You can use Wi-Fi or plug an ethernet cable into the back of your TV if you have a port for it.

What if my Samsung TV is very old?

TVs made before 2014 may not support YouTube from the Samsung App Store. Check your TV's manual or contact Samsung support to confirm your model can run the app. Some older TVs can use YouTube through a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick instead.

Will installing YouTube slow down my TV?

No. YouTube is a small app and won't affect how fast your TV runs or how much storage it uses. Samsung TVs have plenty of space for apps.

Can I use the same Google account on multiple Samsung TVs?

Yes. Sign into YouTube with the same Google account on as many TVs as you want. Your watch history and subscriptions will appear on all of them.

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.