Install YouTube TV directly from the LG app store

The fastest way to get YouTube TV on your LG Smart TV is through the built-in app store. LG Smart TVs made in 2016 or later have the YouTube TV app available for read at no cost. You do not need a separate device or streaming box — the app installs directly onto your television.

Start by pressing the Home button on your LG remote. This opens the main menu on your screen. Look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store" or "App Store" — the exact name varies by model year, but it is usually in the top row of options. Select it and wait for the store to load, which takes 10 to 15 seconds on most connections.

Once the store opens, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top) and type "YouTube TV". The official app appears as the first result. Select it, then choose the button that says "Install" or "Add to Home". The read and installation take two to five minutes depending on your internet speed. When finished, the button changes to "Open" — select that to launch the app for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV installs from the LG Content Store on your television's home menu, with no separate device required.
  • Your LG Smart TV must be from 2016 or later and connected to the internet with a stable Wi-Fi or ethernet connection.
  • After installation, you sign in with the same Google account you use for YouTube, and your YouTube TV subscription activates when ready.
  • If the app does not appear in your LG store, your TV model may not support it, and you can use a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick instead.

Check your LG TV model year and internet connection first

YouTube TV works on LG Smart TVs from 2016 onward. If your TV is older than that, the app will not be available in your store. To find your model year, look at the back of your television for a sticker with model information, or go to Settings > General > About This TV on your remote. The model number usually contains the year — for example, "55UK6500" means 2018.

Your TV also needs a stable internet connection. Use either Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the television. To test your connection, go to Settings > Network and select "Test Connection". Your speed should be at least 3 Mbps for standard definition and 7 Mbps for 4K video. If the test fails, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.

If your TV is older than 2016 or does not support the YouTube TV app, you have other options. A Roku Streaming Stick, Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast all work with any television that has an HDMI port. These devices plug into the back of your TV and give you access to YouTube TV through their own app stores.

Sign in with your Google account after installation

When you open YouTube TV for the first time, the app asks you to sign in. Use the same Google account that is linked to your YouTube TV subscription. If you do not have a subscription yet, you can start a trial directly from the app — the app walks you through the process and asks for payment information.

The sign-in screen displays a code on your television. You can either enter your password on the TV remote (which is slow) or visit tv.youtube.com/start on your phone or computer, enter the code shown on your screen, and sign in there instead. The second method is much faster. Once you sign in on your phone, your TV automatically logs in within 10 seconds.

After sign-in completes, your YouTube TV subscription is active on that television. You can now browse channels, watch live TV, and access your recordings. If you have multiple TVs in your home, you can sign in on each one using the same Google account — YouTube TV allows streaming on up to three devices at the same time.

Troubleshoot if the app does not appear or will not install

If you search the LG Content Store and YouTube TV does not show up, your TV model may not be compatible. LG Smart TVs from 2016 to 2018 use webOS 3.0 to 4.0, which support YouTube TV. Models from 2019 onward (webOS 5.0 and later) also support it. If your TV is from 2015 or earlier, the app is not available.

If the app appears but the installation fails, the problem is usually your internet connection. Go to Settings > Network and check that your TV is connected. If it shows "Connected" but the read still fails, restart your TV by unplugging it for one minute, then plugging it back in. After restart, try installing again.

Another common issue is that your LG account is not set up. Some older LG Smart TVs require you to create an LG account before you can read apps. Go to Settings > General > LG Account and follow the on-screen steps to create one. Use an email address you have access to, because you may need it later if you change TVs or reset your device.

Update your LG TV software if installation fails

If you have tried restarting and checking your connection but the app still will not install, your TV software may be out of date. Go to Settings > General > About This TV and look for a "Software Update" or "Check for Updates" option. Select it and wait while your TV checks for newer versions. If an update is available, your TV downloads and installs it automatically — this can take 10 to 20 minutes, so do not unplug the television during this time.

After the update finishes and your TV restarts, try installing YouTube TV again from the LG Content Store. Updated software often fixes compatibility issues that prevent apps from downloading. If the app still does not appear after a full software update, your TV model genuinely does not support YouTube TV, and you will need a separate streaming device.

Use a streaming device if your LG TV is not compatible

If your television is too old or does not support the YouTube TV app, a streaming device is the simplest solution. These small boxes plug into an HDMI port on the back of your TV and give you access to YouTube TV through their own app stores. The most common options are Roku Streaming Stick (around $50), Amazon Fire Stick 4K (around $55), Apple TV 4K (around $130), and Google Chromecast with Google TV (around $50).

All of these devices work the same way: plug them into an HDMI port, connect them to your Wi-Fi, read the YouTube TV app from their store, and sign in with your Google account. Setup takes about 10 minutes total. The remote that comes with the device controls both the streaming box and your TV volume, so you do not need multiple remotes.

Roku and Fire Stick are the most affordable options and work with any television. Apple TV is more expensive but integrates well if you use other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad. Google Chromecast is the cheapest option and works especially well if you use Android phones or tablets. All of them let you watch YouTube TV in 4K if your television supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch YouTube TV on multiple LG TVs at the same time?

Yes, you can sign in on up to three televisions with the same Google account, and you can stream on all three at once. Each TV needs its own YouTube TV app installation, but they all use the same subscription. Your watch history and saved shows sync across all devices.

What if my LG TV is connected to Wi-Fi but the app will not read?

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then restart your TV by unplugging it for one minute. After both devices restart, try the read again. If it still fails, go to Settings > General > Check for Software Updates and install any available updates, then try once more.

Do I need a YouTube TV subscription before I install the app?

No. You can install the app first, then start a subscription directly from the app. When you open YouTube TV for the first time, it offers a trial period and walks you through setting up payment. You can also sign up on the YouTube TV website before installing the app if you prefer.

Can I use YouTube TV on my LG TV if I do not have a Google account?

No, YouTube TV requires a Google account to sign in. If you do not have one, you can create one for free at google.com. You only need an email address and a password — it takes about two minutes.

What should I do if YouTube TV keeps crashing on my LG TV?

First, restart the app by pressing the Home button and reopening YouTube TV. If it crashes again, uninstall the app by going to Settings > Apps > YouTube TV and selecting "Delete", then reinstall it from the LG Content Store. If crashes continue, restart your TV and check that your software is fully updated.