YouTube plays on Google devices through the YouTube app or your web browser, and the steps depend on which device you own
YouTube is built into most Google devices — phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers — so you can start watching without installing anything extra. On Android phones and tablets, the YouTube app comes pre-installed. On computers, you can visit YouTube.com in any browser. On Google TV devices and Chromecast, YouTube is available through the home screen. The method changes slightly depending on your device, but the account you use is the same across all of them.
Your Google account syncs your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists across every device you sign into. This means you can start watching a video on your phone, pause it, and pick up where you left off on your TV or computer. All you need is the same Google account email and password on each device.
Key Takeaways
- Android phones and tablets have the YouTube app built in; open it and sign in with your Google account to start watching.
- On a computer, go to YouTube.com in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — no app read needed.
- Google TV devices and Chromecast show YouTube on the home screen; select it and sign in with your Google account.
- Your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists sync across all devices when you use the same Google account.
- If the YouTube app is missing from an Android device, you can read it free from the Google Play Store.
Watching YouTube on Android phones and tablets
Open the YouTube app — it is usually on your home screen or in your app drawer. If you do not see it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app drawer and search for "YouTube." Tap the app to open it.
The first time you open YouTube, you will see a sign-in screen. Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google account email address and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one free at accounts.google.com. Once you are signed in, the home screen shows recommended videos, your subscriptions, and your watch history. To search for a video, tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen, type what you want to watch, and tap a result. To watch a video, tap it and use the controls at the bottom of the video player to pause, rewind, and skip forward.
Watching YouTube on a computer
Open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — and go to YouTube.com. You will land on the home page, which shows recommended videos even if you are not signed in. To sign in, click your profile picture or initial in the top right corner and select "Sign in." Enter your Google account email and password.
Once signed in, your subscriptions appear in the left sidebar, your watch history is saved, and your playlists are accessible from the menu. To search, click the search box at the top, type what you want, and press Enter. Click a video to watch it. The video player has standard controls: play, pause, volume, fullscreen, and a timeline to jump to any point in the video.
Watching YouTube on Google TV and Chromecast devices
On a Google TV device or Chromecast with Google TV, turn on the device and navigate to the home screen. YouTube is usually pinned to the top row of apps. If you do not see it, scroll down and look for it in the apps section, or use the search function to find it. Select the YouTube app and open it.
The first time you open it, you will be asked to sign in. Use your remote to enter your Google account email and password. Some devices offer a faster sign-in method: they display a code on screen that you can enter on a phone or computer to sign in without typing your password. Once signed in, use your remote to navigate the home screen, which shows recommended videos and your subscriptions. Scroll down to find what you want to watch, select it, and press play.
Signing in with your Google account
All YouTube access on Google devices uses your Google account. Your Google account is the email address and password you use to sign in to Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, or any other Google service. If you already use a Google service, you already have an account and can use it when ready on YouTube.
If you do not have a Google account, you can create one free at accounts.google.com. You will need to provide a name, create a password, and verify a phone number or recovery email. Once your account is created, you can use it to sign in to YouTube and all other Google services. When you sign in to YouTube on multiple devices with the same Google account, your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists appear on all of them. If you sign in on a shared device, your activity will be visible to anyone who uses that device unless you use a separate account.
What to do if YouTube is not on your device
On Android phones and tablets, if the YouTube app is not on your home screen or app drawer, you can read it free from the Google Play Store. Open the Play Store app, tap the search icon, type "YouTube," and tap the official YouTube app by Google. Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Google account.
On a computer, YouTube does not need to be installed — it is a website. If you cannot reach YouTube.com, check that you have an internet connection and that your browser is up to date. If you are using an older browser, update it to the latest version. On a Google TV or Chromecast device, YouTube should be pre-installed. If it is missing, go to the Google Play Store on the device, search for YouTube, and install it. If you cannot find the Google Play Store, contact the device manufacturer or check the device manual.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot sign in, make sure you are using the correct email address and password for your Google account. If you forgot your password, go to accounts.google.com and click "Forgot password?" to reset it. If you are still having trouble, make sure your device has an internet connection and that you are not typing your password incorrectly.
If videos are not playing, check your internet speed — YouTube recommends at least 2.5 megabits per second for standard video and 25 megabits per second for 4K video. If your connection is slow, pause the video and wait for it to load, or lower the video quality by tapping the three dots and selecting a lower resolution. If the YouTube app crashes or freezes, close it completely and open it again. If that does not work, restart your device. On Android, you can also clear the app's cache: go to Settings, find YouTube in the app list, tap "Storage," and tap "Clear Cache." This removes temporary files without deleting your account or watch history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube without signing in?
Yes. YouTube.com works in any browser without signing in, and you can watch most public videos. However, without signing in, YouTube cannot save your watch history, show your subscriptions, or remember your preferences. Signing in is free and takes less than a minute.
Do I need a separate account for YouTube?
No. YouTube uses your Google account. If you have Gmail, Google Drive, or any other Google service, you already have a YouTube account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one free at accounts.google.com.
Can I watch YouTube on a smart TV that is not a Google TV?
It depends on the TV. Many Samsung, LG, and other brand smart TVs have YouTube built in or available in their app store. Check your TV's app store or manual. You can also connect a Chromecast device to any TV with an HDMI port to watch YouTube.
Why is my watch history not showing on another device?
Make sure you are signed in with the same Google account on both devices. If you are signed in but history is not syncing, go to your account settings at myaccount.google.com, click "Manage your Google Account," go to the "Data & Privacy" tab, and check that YouTube history is turned on.
Can I read videos to watch offline?
YouTube Premium members can read videos to watch without internet. Standard YouTube does not allow downloads. If you want to watch offline, consider YouTube Premium, which costs a monthly fee and removes ads.