What You Need Before You Begin

To start a YouTube TV free trial, you need a Google account and a supported device. The free trial period is typically one month, though the exact length can vary by region and current promotions. You will need a valid payment method on file — a debit card, credit card, or other payment option linked to your Google account — even though you won't be charged during the trial period.

YouTube TV is available on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Fire TV. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and that you can sign into your Google account on it. If you don't have a Google account yet, you can create one for free at google.com before you start the trial.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a Google account and a supported device to begin the free trial.
  • A valid payment method must be added to your Google account, though you won't be charged during the trial period.
  • The free trial typically lasts one month, but the exact length depends on your region and current promotions.
  • Your trial will automatically convert to a paid subscription when it ends unless you cancel before the final day.
  • You can cancel at any time during the trial without being charged.

How to Sign Up on a Web Browser

Open a web browser and go to tv.youtube.com. Sign in with your Google account if you aren't already logged in. Click the "Start your free trial" button, which is usually displayed prominently on the home page or in the menu.

YouTube TV will show you the current trial length and the price you'll pay after the trial ends. Review the channel list to see what's included in your region — this varies by location. Click "Start free trial" to continue. You'll be taken to a page where you can review or add a payment method. Enter your card details if you haven't already saved one to your Google account, then click "Start trial" to confirm.

Your trial begins when ready. You can start watching right away by selecting a channel or searching for a show. Your Google account will be charged on the day after your trial ends unless you cancel before that date.

How to Sign Up on a Mobile Device or Streaming Device

On a phone or tablet, read the YouTube TV app from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android devices). Open the app and tap "Sign in." Enter your Google account email and password. Tap "Start your free trial" when you see it on the home screen.

Review the trial length and post-trial price, then tap "Start free trial." You'll be asked to confirm or add a payment method. Enter your card information if needed, then tap to confirm. Your trial starts when ready, and you can begin watching.

On streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV, search for the YouTube TV app in your device's app store. read and open it, then select "Sign in." A code will appear on your screen — go to tv.youtube.com/start on a phone or computer, enter the code, and sign in with your Google account. Complete the payment method step, and your trial will begin on the streaming device.

What Happens When Your Trial Ends

YouTube TV will send you reminder emails as your trial period approaches its end. The email will tell you the exact date your trial ends and when you'll be charged. If you do nothing, your account will automatically convert to a paid subscription on that date, and your payment method will be charged the full monthly price.

If you don't want to continue after the trial, you must cancel before the final day. Canceling stops the automatic charge and ends your access to YouTube TV. You can cancel and restart a trial later, though YouTube TV may limit how often you can do this.

How to Cancel Your Trial Before Being Charged

Sign into your Google account at tv.youtube.com. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Settings." Scroll down to "Membership" and click "Manage membership." Click "Cancel membership" and follow the prompts to confirm.

On mobile, open the YouTube TV app, tap your profile icon, go to "Settings," then "Membership," and tap "Cancel membership." On streaming devices, go to Settings within the app, find Membership, and select Cancel.

When you cancel, YouTube TV will ask if you want to keep your membership through the end of your current billing period. If you're still in your free trial, selecting this option lets you watch until the trial officially ends. After you cancel, you lose access to YouTube TV once the trial period is over.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-Up Problems

If you see a message that you're not may be able to access for a free trial, you may have already used one on your Google account. YouTube TV typically allows one free trial per account, though this policy can change. If you've used a trial before, you'll need to pay for a subscription to watch.

If your payment method is declined, check that your card details are correct and that your card hasn't expired. Make sure your billing address matches what your bank has on file. Try a different payment method if the first one continues to fail. If you're still having trouble, contact Google Support through your account settings.

If the app won't read on your device, check that your device is compatible with YouTube TV. Older phones, tablets, and streaming devices may not support the app. Visit the YouTube TV help center to see the full list of supported devices for your region.

What's Included in Your YouTube TV Trial

During your free trial, you get full access to all the channels and features available in your region. This typically includes live TV channels, on-demand shows and movies, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The exact channel list varies by location, so check your region's offerings when you sign up.

You can create up to six user profiles on a single YouTube TV account, and each profile can have its own watch history and recommendations. During the trial, all profiles have the same access level. After the trial ends and you're on a paid plan, the features available to each profile remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a free trial if I've had YouTube TV before?

No. YouTube TV typically allows one free trial per Google account. If you've already completed a trial, you won't be able to start another one on the same account. You would need to pay for a subscription to watch.

Will I be charged if I cancel during the free trial?

No. If you cancel before your trial period ends, you won't be charged. Your access ends when the trial period officially expires, not when you click cancel. You can continue watching until that date.

Can I change my payment method after I start the trial?

Yes. Sign into your Google account, go to your payment methods, and update or add a new card. The new payment method will be used when your trial ends and your subscription begins.

What happens if I don't have a supported device?

You can watch YouTube TV on most modern phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices. If your device isn't supported, you can watch on a different device or contact Google Support to confirm compatibility for your specific model.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

YouTube TV doesn't offer a pause feature. You can only cancel your membership. If you want to restart later, you may be able to sign back up, though you typically won't be able to use another free trial on the same account.