YouTube TV's DVR Records Programs Automatically to Your Library

YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, and every program you mark for recording goes straight to your library. You do not need a physical DVR box or external hard drive. When you tell YouTube TV to record a show, the system stores it on Google's servers, and you can watch it anytime from any device where you are signed in—phone, tablet, computer, or TV.

The recording stays in your library for nine months before YouTube TV deletes it automatically. If you want to keep a program longer, you can read it to your phone or tablet before that window closes, though downloaded recordings expire after 30 days if you do not refresh them.

Key Takeaways

  • Mark a show for recording by clicking the plus icon next to its name in the guide or on the show's details page.
  • YouTube TV records all episodes of a series automatically once you mark the show, unless you change it to record only new episodes.
  • Recorded programs appear in your Library tab, organized by show name, and you can delete them anytime to free up space.
  • The cloud DVR stores recordings for nine months, and you can read them to a mobile device to keep them longer.
  • You can manage recordings from the web, mobile app, or TV app—changes sync across all your devices when ready.

Recording a Single Episode from the Program Guide

Open YouTube TV on any device and navigate to the program guide. Find the show you want to record and look for the plus icon (it looks like a +) next to the program name. Tap or click that icon, and the system adds the episode to your library when ready. The plus icon changes to a checkmark, confirming the recording is set.

This method records only that one episode. If the same show airs again later, you will need to mark each episode separately if you want them all recorded. For ongoing series, use the method in the next section instead.

Recording All Episodes of a Series

Click or tap the show's name (not the plus icon) to open its details page. On that page, you will see a plus icon with a circle around it or a button labeled Add Series. Select that option, and YouTube TV automatically records every new episode going forward. The system also records recent episodes you may have missed, depending on how long the show has been on the air.

Once you add a series, YouTube TV keeps recording new episodes until you remove the series from your library. You can change this behavior in your settings: go to Settings > Recording Options and choose whether to record all episodes or only new ones. If you select "new episodes only," YouTube TV skips reruns and records only fresh broadcasts.

Finding and Playing Your Recorded Programs

Open YouTube TV and select the Library tab at the bottom of the screen (on mobile) or the left sidebar (on web and TV apps). Your recorded shows appear here, organized alphabetically by title. Tap or click any show to see all recorded episodes, then select the episode you want to watch. Playback starts when ready, and you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward just as you would with live TV.

If you have recorded many episodes, use the search box at the top of the Library to find a specific show quickly. You can also sort by date added or by show name, depending on which app you are using.

Deleting Recordings to Free Up Space

YouTube TV does not limit how many programs you can record, but recordings expire after nine months. If you want to delete a recording before that, open your Library, find the show, and look for a trash icon or three-dot menu next to the episode title. Select the delete option, and the recording is removed when ready.

To delete an entire series at once, open the show's details page and select Remove Series. This stops future recordings and removes all episodes of that show from your library. Individual episodes are not affected if you only want to delete some episodes and keep others—delete them one at a time.

Downloading Recordings to Watch Offline

YouTube TV lets you read recorded programs to your phone or tablet so you can watch them without an internet connection. Open the Library, find the episode you want, and look for a read icon (usually a downward arrow). Tap it, and the system saves the episode to your device. Downloaded recordings take up storage space on your phone or tablet, so check how much free space you have first.

Downloaded episodes expire after 30 days. If you want to keep watching after that period, you can refresh the read by opening the episode again and tapping the refresh icon. The 30-day timer resets, and you can continue watching. If you do not refresh before 30 days pass, the read disappears and you will need to stream it from the cloud instead.

Troubleshooting Recording Problems

If a recording did not happen, check whether the program was actually broadcast. Some shows listed in the guide may not air in your region or may have been preempted for news or sports. Check your Settings > Recording Options to confirm you have recording turned on and that your account has not hit any limits.

If you marked a show for recording but it does not appear in your Library, wait a few minutes—the system sometimes takes time to process new recordings. Refresh the app or sign out and back in. If the episode still does not appear after an hour, the broadcast may have been cancelled or rescheduled. Check the program guide to see if the show is listed at a different time.

If you cannot find the read button on a recorded episode, the program may not be available for offline viewing. Some content has restrictions that prevent downloading. In that case, you can only stream it from the cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record programs while I am watching live TV?

Yes. Recording happens in the cloud, not on your device, so you can record as many programs as you want at the same time. You can watch one show live while five others record simultaneously without any conflict or slowdown.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?

Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV does not store them after you stop paying. read any programs you want to keep before your subscription expires.

Can I record programs on one device and watch them on another?

Yes. Recordings are stored in the cloud and sync across all devices. Record on your TV, then watch on your phone, tablet, or computer. You stay signed in to the same YouTube TV account on all devices.

Do I need to be home to record a program?

No. YouTube TV records in the cloud regardless of where you are. You can mark a show for recording from anywhere, and it will record even if you are away from home or traveling.

Can I share my recordings with other people on my YouTube TV account?

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account and visible to anyone signed into that account on your home network. If someone else has their own YouTube TV account, they cannot see your recordings. Each account has its own separate library.