YouTube TV installs on Roku through the channel store in about five minutes
Open the Roku home screen, go to the channel store, search for YouTube TV, and select Add Channel. Sign in with your Google account when prompted. The app will read and install automatically. Once installed, launch YouTube TV from your Roku home screen and log in again if needed. You are then ready to watch live TV and your saved shows.
The process works the same way on all Roku devices — Roku streaming sticks, Roku boxes, and Roku TVs with built-in Roku software. You need an active YouTube TV subscription and a Google account to complete setup. If you do not yet have YouTube TV, you can start a trial or subscription through the app itself after installation.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV installs from the Roku channel store by searching for the app and selecting Add Channel, then signing in with your Google account.
- The app works on all Roku devices including streaming sticks, boxes, and Roku-branded televisions.
- You need an active YouTube TV subscription and a Google account to use the app after installation.
- If you run into sign-in problems, restarting your Roku device or checking your internet connection usually fixes the issue.
- YouTube TV on Roku supports the same live channels, cloud DVR, and on-demand content as the web and mobile versions.
Step-by-step installation on your Roku device
Start from your Roku home screen. Press the Home button on your remote if you are not already there. Look for the Roku channel store icon — it typically appears as a grid or storefront symbol on the home screen.
Select the channel store and use the search function. Type "YouTube TV" into the search box. When the YouTube TV app appears in the results, select it. You will see an Add Channel button. Select it to begin the read and installation.
The app will install in the background. Once installation completes, you will see an option to launch the app. Select it, or you can close the store and find YouTube TV on your home screen to open it later. Either way, the app is now on your device.
Signing in with your Google account
When you open YouTube TV for the first time, you will be asked to sign in. Use the Google account associated with your YouTube TV subscription. If you do not remember which account you used, check your email for a YouTube TV confirmation or billing message.
The Roku remote has a limited keyboard. You can type your email address using the remote's arrow buttons and select button, or you can use the Roku mobile app to enter your credentials more quickly. The Roku app is available on iOS and Android and lets you type on your phone instead of using the remote.
After you enter your email, you will be asked for your password. Once you sign in successfully, YouTube TV will load your account, including your saved shows, watchlist, and any DVR recordings you have made on other devices.
What to do if YouTube TV will not install or sign in
If the app will not read from the channel store, restart your Roku device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it restarts, try searching for YouTube TV again and selecting Add Channel.
If the app installs but you cannot sign in, check your internet connection. Go to Settings on your Roku home screen, select Network, and confirm you are connected to your Wi-Fi. If you are connected but YouTube TV still will not sign in, restart the app by pressing the Home button and relaunching YouTube TV from your home screen.
If you see an error message during sign-in, write down the exact error code or message. This information helps if you need to contact Roku or Google support. Common issues include outdated Roku software — check Settings > System > System Update to see if an update is available — or an incorrect password. Make sure Caps Lock is not on when you type your password.
Using YouTube TV on Roku after setup
Once you are signed in, YouTube TV on Roku works like the web version. You can browse live channels, search for shows, watch your DVR recordings, and access your watchlist. The interface is designed for a television screen and remote control, so navigation uses arrow buttons to move between options and the select button to choose.
You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV just as you would on other devices. Cloud DVR recordings made on your phone or computer appear in the Library section on Roku. If you have multiple profiles on your YouTube account, you can switch between them in the app settings.
YouTube TV on Roku supports 4K resolution if your Roku device and television both support it. Check your Roku model specifications to confirm 4K capability. Standard HD streams work on all Roku devices.
Removing YouTube TV from your Roku if you no longer need it
If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription or want to remove the app from your Roku, go to your Roku home screen. Highlight the YouTube TV app, press the Options button on your remote (usually marked with an asterisk), and select Remove Channel. The app will uninstall when ready.
Removing the app from Roku does not cancel your YouTube TV subscription. You must cancel your subscription separately through your Google account or the YouTube TV website. If you reinstall the app later, you can sign back in with the same account and your subscription will still be active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use YouTube TV on multiple Roku devices with the same account?
Yes. Install YouTube TV on each Roku device and sign in with the same Google account. Your subscription covers simultaneous streams on multiple devices up to your plan limit — usually three or four streams at once depending on your subscription tier. Your watchlist and DVR recordings sync across all devices.
Do I need to pay extra to use YouTube TV on Roku?
No. YouTube TV on Roku costs the same as YouTube TV on any other device. You pay only for your YouTube TV subscription. There is no separate fee for the Roku app or for streaming to your television.
What if my Roku device is too old to support YouTube TV?
YouTube TV requires a Roku device from 2016 or newer. If your device is older, it may not appear in the channel store search results. Check your Roku model number in Settings > System > About to confirm the year. If your device is too old, you can still watch YouTube TV on a newer Roku device, a streaming stick, or through the web browser on a computer connected to your television.
Can I read YouTube TV shows to watch offline on Roku?
No. YouTube TV on Roku requires an internet connection to stream. You cannot read shows for offline viewing on Roku devices. However, you can read shows to your phone or tablet using the YouTube TV mobile app if your subscription includes that feature.
Why is YouTube TV asking me to sign in again after I already signed in?
YouTube TV may ask you to sign in again if your session expires, usually after a period of inactivity. This is normal. straightforward sign in again with your Google account. If you are asked to sign in every time you open the app, restart your Roku device and check that your internet connection is stable.