Where to buy YouTube TV
You can sign up for YouTube TV directly through the YouTube TV website or through the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. There is no other official sales channel — you will not find YouTube TV sold through retail stores, cable providers, or third-party websites. The sign-up process takes a few minutes and requires a Google account.
Once you create an account, YouTube TV charges a monthly subscription fee to your Google account or payment method on file. You can start and stop your subscription at any time without a contract. The service is available in most parts of the United States, though some areas have blackout restrictions for local sports channels depending on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV is only sold directly through YouTube.com or the YouTube TV app — not through cable companies, retailers, or resellers.
- You need a Google account to sign up, and billing happens monthly through whatever payment method you add to that account.
- The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
- You can watch on up to three screens at the same time, and the service includes a cloud DVR that stores recordings for up to nine months.
- Some local sports channels and regional networks may not be available depending on your location.
What devices work with YouTube TV
YouTube TV runs on most common devices. You can watch through a web browser on any computer, through the YouTube TV app on iPhone or Android phones, or through apps on streaming devices including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Chromecast. Samsung and LG smart TVs also have the YouTube TV app built in.
You do not need to buy anything extra — if you already own one of these devices, you can read the app and start watching. The app is free; you only pay the monthly subscription. If you do not own a streaming device yet, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices start around $30 to $40, though YouTube TV itself does not sell hardware.
How to set up your account
Start by going to youtube.tv in a web browser or downloading the YouTube TV app. You will need to sign in with a Google account — if you do not have one, you can create one for free using any email address. Once you are signed in, you choose a payment method (credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance) and confirm your billing address.
YouTube TV will ask for your zip code to show you which local channels are available in your area. This matters because some regional sports networks and local news stations depend on where you live. After you confirm your details, your subscription starts when ready and you can begin watching.
What the monthly cost includes
The base YouTube TV subscription includes access to over 70 channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and others. The exact channel list varies slightly by region because of local broadcast rights. You also get a cloud DVR that records programs automatically and stores them for up to nine months at no extra charge.
You can watch on up to three screens at the same time — so one person can watch on the TV while another watches on a phone. YouTube TV also includes YouTube Originals and some movies, though the main draw is live TV and sports. Add-on packages for premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime cost extra if you want them.
Canceling or pausing your subscription
You can pause or cancel your YouTube TV subscription at any time through your account settings — there is no penalty and no contract to break. If you pause, your subscription stops but your settings and DVR recordings stay saved for up to four months. When you come back, you can resume without losing your preferences.
To cancel, go to your account settings, find the YouTube TV section, and select "Cancel membership." YouTube will ask if you want to pause instead, but canceling is just as straightforward. Your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle, so if you cancel mid-month, you can still watch until your next billing date.
Regional availability and blackout rules
YouTube TV is available in most of the United States, but some areas have gaps in coverage. You can check whether the service works at your address by entering your zip code on the YouTube TV website before you sign up. A few rural areas do not have access yet.
Sports blackout rules explore to some games and events. If you live in a certain market, some local or regional sports broadcasts may be blocked even though the channel is part of your subscription. This is a licensing rule that YouTube TV cannot override — it applies to all TV services, not just YouTube TV. The blackout rules vary by sport and by region, so check the YouTube TV help center for details about your specific area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to sign up for YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV requires a payment method on file to start your subscription. You can use a credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance. YouTube will charge your payment method on the same day each month.
Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members?
Yes, you can add up to five family members to your account through Google Family Link. Each person gets their own login and their own recommendations and DVR recordings. You can watch on up to three screens at the same time across all family members.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your local channels will change based on your new zip code. YouTube TV will update your channel list automatically when you move. Some channels you had before may disappear, and new local channels will appear. Your subscription continues without interruption.
Can I use YouTube TV outside the United States?
YouTube TV only works within the United States. If you travel outside the country, you will not be able to watch live TV, though you may be able to watch some on-demand content depending on licensing. When you return to the US, your service works again.
Is there a free trial for YouTube TV?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods, but these vary and are not always available. Check the YouTube TV website to see if a trial is currently offered in your area. Any trial period will be clearly shown before you enter your payment information.