Installing YouTube on Roku takes three minutes and requires only your remote
The YouTube app comes pre-installed on most Roku TVs made after 2014, so check your home screen first by pressing the Home button on your remote. If you see the YouTube icon already there, you are ready to go. If it is not there, or if you have an older Roku TV, you can read it free from the Roku Channel Store in about two minutes.
The process is the same whether you own a Roku TV, a Roku streaming stick, or a Roku box connected to a regular television. You navigate using only your remote — no computer, phone, or account setup is required to install the app itself.
Key Takeaways
- Most Roku TVs have YouTube already installed; press Home on your remote and look for the YouTube icon before downloading.
- To read YouTube, go to the Roku Channel Store, search for YouTube, and select Install — the whole process takes two to three minutes.
- You do not need a Google account or internet connection on another device to install the app; your Roku remote is all you need.
- After installation, you can sign in with your Google account to see your subscriptions and watch history, but this step is optional.
- If the Channel Store is not visible on your home screen, press the Home button, then look for it in the menu or scroll left to find it.
Finding the Channel Store on your Roku home screen
The Roku Channel Store is where you read all apps, including YouTube. On most Roku TVs, it appears as an icon on the home screen — usually labeled "Channel Store" or shown as a shopping bag symbol. If you do not see it when ready, press the Home button on your remote to make sure you are on the main screen.
If the Channel Store is not visible on your home screen, scroll left or right using the arrow buttons on your remote. Some Roku models hide it in a menu; if scrolling does not reveal it, press the Options button (marked with three horizontal lines) on your remote and look for "Channel Store" or "Add Channel" in the menu that appears.
Searching for and installing YouTube
Once you open the Channel Store, you will see a search option at the top of the screen. Press the up arrow on your remote to highlight the search box, then press OK. A keyboard will appear on your screen. Use the arrow buttons to spell out "YouTube" and press OK when you are done typing.
The YouTube app will appear in the search results. Press the down arrow to highlight it, then press OK to open the app details page. You will see an "Install" button. Press OK on it. The app will begin downloading — you will see a progress bar. Installation usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch." You can press OK to start YouTube right away, or press Home to return to your home screen, where YouTube will now appear as a new icon.
What to do if YouTube is already installed but not visible
If YouTube came pre-installed on your Roku but you do not see it on your home screen, it may have been removed or hidden. You can restore it by going to the Channel Store, searching for YouTube again, and pressing Install. Roku will reinstall it to your home screen.
Alternatively, press the Home button, then look for a "My Channels" or "Manage Channels" option in the menu. Some Roku models let you see all installed apps here and move them back to your home screen by pressing OK and selecting "Move to Home."
Signing in with your Google account (optional)
After YouTube installs, you can open it and watch videos without signing in. However, if you sign in with your Google account, you will see your subscriptions, watch history, and saved playlists. To sign in, open YouTube, navigate to your account icon (usually in the top right corner), and select "Sign In."
Your Roku will display a code on the screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on any computer or phone, enter the code, and follow the prompts to sign in with your Google account. Once you confirm, your Roku will be linked and you will see your personal content the next time you open the app.
Troubleshooting if installation fails
If the read stops or the app will not install, check that your Roku is connected to the internet. Press Home, go to Settings, then Network, and confirm you see a connected Wi-Fi network listed. If you are not connected, select your network and enter your password.
If you are connected but installation still fails, try restarting your Roku. Press Home, go to Settings, then System, and select "Power" or "Restart." Wait 30 seconds for the Roku to fully restart, then try installing YouTube again. If the problem persists, unplug your Roku for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try once more.
Using YouTube once it is installed
Once YouTube is open, you can search for videos using the search icon at the top of the screen. Navigate with your remote's arrow buttons and press OK to select. The app works the same way on Roku as it does on a phone or computer — you can pause, rewind, fast-forward, and adjust volume with your remote.
If you signed in with your Google account, you can access your subscriptions by pressing the up arrow to highlight the menu at the top, then selecting "Subscriptions." You can also create playlists, like videos, and save them to your watch later list, just as you would on any other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to install YouTube on Roku?
No. You can install the app and watch videos without any account. Signing in with a Google account is optional and only needed if you want to see your subscriptions, watch history, and saved playlists on your Roku.
Why is YouTube not showing up in the Channel Store search?
This is rare but can happen if your Roku is not fully connected to the internet or if the Channel Store is temporarily slow. Restart your Roku by unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and trying the search again. If it still does not appear, check your internet connection in Settings > Network.
Can I install YouTube on an older Roku model?
YouTube is available for Roku devices made in 2014 or later. If you have a very old Roku, the Channel Store may not carry YouTube. Check the Channel Store first; if YouTube does not appear in search results, your model is too old to support it.
What if I accidentally removed YouTube from my home screen?
You can restore it without reinstalling. Press Home, then look for a "Manage Channels" or "My Channels" option in the menu. Find YouTube in the list, press OK, and select "Move to Home." It will reappear on your home screen when ready.
Do I need a paid YouTube TV subscription to use the YouTube app?
No. The YouTube app is free and lets you watch any public video on YouTube. A YouTube TV subscription is a separate paid service for live television channels and is not required to use the basic YouTube app.