The fastest way: use the YouTube TV app on your TV
The easiest method is to read the YouTube TV app directly onto your television if your TV supports it. Most modern smart TVs — Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, and Android TV models made in the last five years — have the YouTube TV app in their app store. Go to your TV's app store, search for "YouTube TV," and install it. Sign in with the Google account you use for YouTube TV, and you can start watching when ready.
If your TV is older or doesn't have the app available, you have other options that work just as well. The method you choose depends on what devices you already own and how you prefer to set things up.
Key Takeaways
- The YouTube TV app works directly on most smart TVs made in the last five years — search your TV's app store and install it.
- If your TV doesn't have the app, a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast will add it for $25 to $70.
- You can cast YouTube TV from your phone or computer to any TV with Chromecast built in or a Chromecast device plugged into it.
- HDMI cables let you connect a laptop or computer directly to your TV if you want to watch through a web browser.
Using a streaming device if your TV doesn't have the app
If your TV is older or the YouTube TV app isn't in your TV's app store, a standalone streaming device is the next best option. Roku devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast all support YouTube TV. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and cost between $25 and $70 depending on the model and features.
Once you plug in the device and connect it to your Wi-Fi, read the YouTube TV app from that device's app store, sign in with your Google account, and you're ready to watch. The remote that comes with the device controls YouTube TV just like it would on a built-in app. This is often the cheapest way to add YouTube TV to an older television.
Casting from your phone or computer
If you have a Google Chromecast device already plugged into your TV, or if your TV has Chromecast built in, you can cast YouTube TV from your phone or computer. Open the YouTube TV app on your Android or iPhone, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), select your TV, and the video will play on your television while you control it from your phone.
This method works well if you're watching for a short time or want to switch between your phone and TV. It's not ideal for long viewing sessions because your phone stays connected and uses battery, but it requires no extra equipment beyond what you may already own.
Connecting a laptop or computer with an HDMI cable
You can plug a laptop or desktop computer directly into your TV using an HDMI cable. Open YouTube TV in your web browser on the computer, and the video will display on your television. Use your computer's keyboard and mouse or trackpad to navigate and control playback.
This method works on any TV with an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand. The downside is that your computer stays tethered to the TV with a cable, and you'll need to sit near the TV or use a wireless keyboard and mouse to control it comfortably. It's a good backup option if you don't own a streaming device and your TV doesn't have the app built in.
What you need before you start
You need a YouTube TV subscription and a Google account to sign in. Your TV also needs to be connected to the internet — either through Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable if your TV has an ethernet port. Most smart TVs and all streaming devices connect to Wi-Fi, so a wireless connection is usually all you need.
Check your internet speed: YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps for standard definition and 7 Mbps for HD. If you're streaming on multiple devices at the same time in your home, you may need faster speeds. You can test your speed using a free tool like Speedtest.net.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the YouTube TV app won't install on your TV, check that your TV model is supported. Visit the YouTube TV help page and search for your TV brand and model to see if it's compatible. If it's not, a streaming device is your best option.
If you're signed in but can't watch, make sure your YouTube TV subscription is active and your internet connection is stable. Try restarting the app or your device. If the video keeps buffering or stopping, your internet speed may be too slow — move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router to improve the connection. If you're still having trouble, YouTube TV's support page has device-specific troubleshooting steps.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Method | Cost | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV app (built-in) | None | 5 minutes | Modern smart TVs with the app available |
| Streaming device | $25–$70 | 10–15 minutes | Older TVs or TVs without the app |
| Casting from phone | None (if you own Chromecast) | 2 minutes | Short viewing sessions or switching between devices |
| HDMI cable from computer | $10–$20 for cable | 5 minutes | Any TV when you have a computer nearby |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on a TV that's not a smart TV?
Yes. A non-smart TV can display YouTube TV through a streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast), an HDMI cable from a computer, or a casting device. You'll need at least one of these to add YouTube TV to an older television.
Do I need a separate remote to control YouTube TV?
Not necessarily. If you use a streaming device, it comes with its own remote that controls YouTube TV. If you cast from your phone, your phone is the remote. If you use an HDMI cable from a computer, your keyboard and mouse control it. Some TVs let you use the TV's original remote to navigate YouTube TV once the app is installed.
What's the difference between casting and HDMI?
Casting sends video wirelessly from your phone or computer to your TV, so nothing is plugged in. HDMI uses a physical cable to connect a computer directly to the TV. Casting is more convenient but requires a Chromecast device or built-in Chromecast. HDMI works on any TV but requires a cable and keeps your computer tethered to the television.
Can I watch YouTube TV on multiple TVs at the same time?
Your YouTube TV subscription allows simultaneous streaming on multiple screens, but the number depends on your plan. Check your subscription details to see how many screens you can use at once. You'll need the app or a streaming device on each TV you want to watch on.
Why is YouTube TV buffering on my TV?
Buffering usually means your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Make sure your TV or streaming device is connected to Wi-Fi and close to your router. Restart your router and the YouTube TV app. If other devices are using a lot of bandwidth, pause them or move your TV closer to the router. YouTube TV needs at least 7 Mbps for HD streaming.