YouTube TV offers a free trial so you can watch live channels and on-demand content before committing to a paid subscription
YouTube TV's free trial runs for a set period — currently seven days — and gives you full access to the service's channel lineup and features. You do not need a credit card to start the trial, though YouTube will ask for one before the trial ends if you want to keep watching after the free period closes. The trial works on any device where YouTube TV is available: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.
The trial period starts the moment you sign up, so plan accordingly if you want to test it around a specific event or show. Once the seven days end, your account will convert to a paid subscription at the current monthly rate unless you cancel before the trial expires. YouTube sends reminder emails as the trial end date approaches, but the responsibility to cancel rests with you.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's free trial lasts seven days and requires only a Google account — no credit card needed to start.
- You get access to all live channels, on-demand content, and DVR storage during the trial period on any supported device.
- The trial converts to a paid monthly subscription automatically unless you cancel before the seven days end.
- You can cancel anytime during or after the trial through your account settings without penalty or explanation required.
- YouTube sends email reminders before the trial expires, but checking your account settings directly is the most reliable way to confirm your trial end date.
How to start the free trial on different devices
On a computer or phone, go to youtube.com/tv, click "Try it free," and sign in with your Google account. YouTube will confirm your location (YouTube TV is only available in the United States) and show you the current channel lineup for your area. Select "Start your free trial" and you will have when ready access to live TV and the full feature set.
On a smart TV or streaming device, read the YouTube TV app from your device's app store, open it, and select "Sign in." You will see a code on your screen; go to youtube.com/set up on a phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. This links your device to your YouTube TV account and activates the trial. The process takes about two minutes.
If you already have a Google account but have never used YouTube TV before, you are may be able to access for the trial even if you have used other Google services for years. YouTube does not restrict trials based on prior Google account activity.
What channels and features are included during the trial
Your trial includes the same channel lineup available in your region during that week. YouTube TV's base package includes major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, FS1, regional sports channels where available), and entertainment channels (AMC, Bravo, FX, and others). The exact list varies by location and changes as YouTube negotiates with networks.
You also get YouTube TV's DVR feature, which stores recordings for nine months at no extra cost. The trial includes unlimited simultaneous recordings — you can record as many shows as you want without worrying about storage limits. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time, and you can create up to six user profiles on a single account.
Add-on channels like HBO Max, Paramount+, or Showtime are not included in the free trial. If you want to test those services, you would need to pay for them separately during your trial period. YouTube sometimes offers promotional pricing on add-ons for new subscribers, but this varies by month.
How to cancel before being charged
To cancel your trial, sign in to your YouTube TV account on any device, go to Settings, select "Membership," and choose "Cancel membership." YouTube will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to stay — you can accept or decline. Once you confirm cancellation, your account closes at the end of your trial period, and you will not be charged.
Cancellation takes effect when ready in your account settings, but you can still watch YouTube TV through the end of your trial period. If you cancel on day three of a seven-day trial, you have four more days of access. YouTube does not prorate refunds or offer partial-month credits if you cancel mid-trial.
If you forget to cancel and are charged after the trial ends, you can request a refund within a short window (usually a few days) by contacting YouTube TV support through your account. Refunds are not may provide, so canceling before the trial ends is the safest approach.
Checking your trial end date and subscription status
Your trial end date appears in your account settings under "Membership." Sign in to youtube.com/tv, click your profile picture in the top right, select "Settings," then "Membership." You will see the exact date your trial ends and the price you will be charged if you do not cancel. This page also shows your payment method on file.
YouTube sends email reminders to your Google account email address three days before the trial ends and again one day before. Check your spam or promotions folder if you do not see these emails in your inbox. The reminder emails include a direct link to cancel if you decide not to continue.
What happens if you have used a trial before
YouTube TV typically allows one free trial per Google account. If you previously used a trial on your account and canceled, you are not may be able to access for another seven-day trial on that same account. However, if you create a new Google account, you can start a new trial on that account.
YouTube does not publicly state whether it tracks trials across multiple accounts on the same device or household. In practice, using multiple accounts to run multiple trials is possible, but doing so may violate YouTube TV's terms of service. The company reserves the right to close accounts that appear to be circumventing trial restrictions.
Comparing the trial to paid plans
The free trial gives you access to YouTube TV's base package at no cost. The paid subscription costs the same amount monthly and includes the same channels and features. YouTube occasionally runs promotions offering discounted rates for the first few months, but these are separate from the free trial and appear after your trial period ends.
If you decide to keep YouTube TV after the trial, your subscription renews on the same day each month. You can change or cancel your subscription anytime without penalty. YouTube does not lock you into a contract or require a minimum commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to start the free trial?
No. You can start the trial with just a Google account. YouTube asks for a credit card or payment method only if you want to continue after the trial ends. If you do not add a payment method before the trial expires, your account will not convert to a paid subscription.
Can I use the trial on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. You can watch on up to three devices simultaneously during the trial, just as you can with a paid subscription. This means you, a family member, and a friend could each watch different channels at the same time on different devices.
What if I travel outside the United States during my trial?
YouTube TV only works within the United States. If you travel outside the country, you will not be able to watch live TV or access your DVR recordings until you return. You can still use YouTube TV's on-demand content library from outside the US on some devices.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?
YouTube TV does not offer a pause feature. You can only cancel your subscription or keep it active. If you want to stop paying temporarily, you must cancel and then sign up again later. Your DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel, so you cannot save them for later viewing.
Will YouTube TV charge me if I forget to cancel the trial?
Yes. If your trial ends and you have not canceled, YouTube will charge your payment method the full monthly subscription price. You can request a refund within a few days of being charged by contacting YouTube TV support, but refunds are not may provide. Canceling before the trial ends is the most reliable way to avoid unexpected charges.