The basic steps to open YouTube
To turn on YouTube, open the YouTube app on your device or go to youtube.com in a web browser. On a phone or tablet, tap the YouTube icon on your home screen. On a computer, type youtube.com into the address bar and press Enter. On a smart TV, use your remote to find and select the YouTube app from your apps menu or home screen.
Once YouTube loads, you will see the home feed with recommended videos. You do not need to sign in to watch most videos — you can start playing content right away. If you want to save videos, create playlists, or see personalized recommendations, you will need to sign in with a Google account.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube opens through the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV, or through youtube.com on a computer or browser.
- You can watch videos without signing in, but signing in with a Google account lets you save videos and get personalized recommendations.
- On a smart TV, use your remote to navigate to the YouTube app, which is usually on the home screen or in an apps folder.
- If YouTube does not load, check that your internet connection is working and that your app or browser is up to date.
Opening YouTube on your phone or tablet
Find the YouTube app icon on your home screen — it is a red rectangle with a white play button. Tap it once to open the app. If you cannot find it on your home screen, swipe to another page or open your app drawer (on Android, swipe up from the bottom; on iPhone, swipe up from the bottom or tap the app library icon in the corner).
The app will load in a few seconds. You will see the home feed with video thumbnails and titles. Tap any video to play it. If this is your first time opening YouTube, you may see a prompt to sign in — you can skip this and watch without signing in, or tap "Sign in" if you have a Google account.
Opening YouTube on a computer or web browser
Open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, or another browser). In the address bar at the top, type youtube.com and press Enter. The YouTube home page will load in a few seconds.
You will see the home feed with recommended videos. Click on any video thumbnail to play it. The video will open in a player on the same page. You can search for videos using the search bar at the top, or browse by category using the menu on the left side of the page.
Opening YouTube on a smart TV
Use your TV remote to navigate to your home screen or apps menu. Look for the YouTube app icon — it is usually on the main home screen or in a folder labeled "Apps" or "Streaming Apps." Highlight the YouTube icon and press the center button or "Select" button on your remote to open it.
YouTube will load on your TV screen. Use your remote's arrow buttons to navigate and the center button to select videos. If you want personalized recommendations or to save videos, you can sign in using your Google account — the TV will show a code you can enter on your phone or computer to sign in without typing a password.
Signing in to your Google account
If you want to save videos, create playlists, or see recommendations based on your watch history, sign in with a Google account. On a phone or tablet, tap the profile icon (a circle with your initial or photo) in the top right corner of the YouTube app. Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google email address and password.
On a computer, click the profile icon in the top right corner of youtube.com and select "Sign in." Enter your Google email and password. On a smart TV, go to your account settings in the YouTube app — the TV will show a code that you can enter on youtube.com/set up to sign in without typing on the remote.
Troubleshooting when YouTube will not open
If YouTube does not load, first check that your internet connection is working. Try opening another website or app to confirm you have internet access. If other apps work but YouTube does not, close the YouTube app completely and open it again. On a phone, swipe up from the bottom (iPhone) or swipe up and hold (Android) to close the app, then tap it again to reopen it.
If YouTube still does not open, check that your app is up to date. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and look for YouTube in the "Available Updates" section. On Android, open the Google Play Store, search for YouTube, and tap "Update" if an update is available. On a computer, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then reload youtube.com.
What to do if you see an error message
If you see a message like "No internet connection" or "Cannot reach YouTube," check that your Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned on and working. Restart your device by turning it off and back on. If you are on a smart TV, restart the TV and your internet router by unplugging them for 10 seconds, then plugging them back in.
If you see a message like "This video is not available," the video may have been removed or is not available in your country. Try searching for a different video. If you see "Sign in required," the video owner has restricted who can watch it — you may need to sign in with a Google account or the video may not be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to watch YouTube?
No. You can watch most YouTube videos without signing in. A Google account is only needed if you want to save videos, create playlists, or see recommendations based on your watch history.
Why does YouTube keep asking me to sign in?
YouTube may ask you to sign in if you cleared your browser cookies, are using a private or incognito window, or if your session timed out. You can dismiss the prompt and continue watching without signing in, or sign in if you want to save your watch history.
Can I open YouTube on a TV that does not have the app?
Yes. If your TV has a web browser or is connected to a streaming device (like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV), you can open YouTube through that device. Some older TVs may not support YouTube — check your TV's manual or settings to see what apps are available.
What should I do if the YouTube app keeps crashing?
Restart your device and make sure the app is updated to the latest version. If it still crashes, uninstall the app and reinstall it from your app store. If the problem continues, try watching YouTube in a web browser instead of the app.
Is there a difference between YouTube and YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube is the free video platform where anyone can upload and watch videos. YouTube TV is a paid subscription service that lets you watch live TV channels and record shows. Both use the same app on most devices, but YouTube TV requires a paid subscription.