YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, it’s no wonder why many cord-cutters are making the switch to YouTube TV. However, setting up the service can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those who are new to live TV streaming. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to set up YouTube TV and get the most out of your viewing experience.
Getting Started with YouTube TV
Before you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies, you’ll need to sign up for a YouTube TV account. Here’s how:
Signing Up for YouTube TV
- Go to the YouTube TV website and click on the “Try it Free” button.
- Enter your email address and password to create a Google account, if you don’t already have one.
- Provide some basic information, such as your name and location.
- Review the terms of service and check the box to agree.
- Click on the “Next” button to proceed.
Choosing Your Plan
YouTube TV offers a single plan that includes over 85 channels, including local networks, sports, and news. The plan costs $64.99 per month, but you can try it free for 5 days. Here’s what’s included in the plan:
- Over 85 channels, including local networks, sports, and news
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Up to 3 simultaneous streams
- Access to YouTube TV on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices
Setting Up YouTube TV on Your Devices
Once you’ve signed up for YouTube TV, you’ll need to set it up on your devices. Here’s how:
Setting Up YouTube TV on Your Smartphone or Tablet
- Download the YouTube TV app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Grant the app permission to access your location and other necessary features.
- You’ll be taken to the YouTube TV home screen, where you can browse through channels, search for shows, and access your DVR recordings.
Setting Up YouTube TV on Your Smart TV
- Make sure your smart TV is connected to the internet.
- Go to the app store on your smart TV and search for the YouTube TV app.
- Download and install the app.
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Grant the app permission to access your location and other necessary features.
- You’ll be taken to the YouTube TV home screen, where you can browse through channels, search for shows, and access your DVR recordings.
Setting Up YouTube TV on Your Streaming Device
- Make sure your streaming device is connected to the internet.
- Go to the app store on your streaming device and search for the YouTube TV app.
- Download and install the app.
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Grant the app permission to access your location and other necessary features.
- You’ll be taken to the YouTube TV home screen, where you can browse through channels, search for shows, and access your DVR recordings.
Customizing Your YouTube TV Experience
Once you’ve set up YouTube TV on your devices, you can customize your experience to suit your preferences. Here are a few ways to do so:
Creating a Profile
- Go to the YouTube TV home screen and click on the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Click on “Create Profile” and enter a name for your profile.
- Choose a profile picture and add a description (optional).
- Click on “Save” to create your profile.
Setting Up Parental Controls
- Go to the YouTube TV home screen and click on the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Click on “Settings” and then “Parental Controls.”
- Enter a 4-digit PIN to lock your parental controls.
- Choose the types of content you want to restrict, such as mature themes or explicit language.
- Click on “Save” to set up your parental controls.
Managing Your DVR Recordings
- Go to the YouTube TV home screen and click on the “DVR” tab.
- Browse through your recorded shows and movies.
- Click on the “Edit” button to delete or modify a recording.
- Click on the “Record” button to schedule a new recording.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while setting up or using YouTube TV, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
Checking Your Internet Connection
- Make sure your internet connection is stable and fast enough to support streaming.
- Check your internet speed using a speed test tool.
- Restart your router and modem to reset your connection.
Updating Your App
- Go to the app store on your device and search for the YouTube TV app.
- Check if there are any updates available.
- Download and install the latest update.
Resetting Your App
- Go to the app store on your device and search for the YouTube TV app.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button to uninstall the app.
- Reinstall the app and sign in with your Google account.
By following these steps, you can set up YouTube TV and start streaming your favorite shows and movies in no time. Remember to customize your experience to suit your preferences and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Happy streaming!
What is YouTube TV and how does it work?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. It works by allowing users to stream live TV content over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional cable or satellite TV. With YouTube TV, users can watch their favorite shows and channels on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast and Apple TV.
To get started with YouTube TV, users simply need to sign up for an account and download the app on their device of choice. From there, they can browse the available channels, search for specific shows or movies, and start watching. YouTube TV also offers a cloud DVR feature, which allows users to record shows and watch them later. This feature is especially useful for users who want to watch their favorite shows at a later time or who want to record sports games and other live events.
What channels are available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels, including local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. The service also includes a variety of sports channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network. In addition to these channels, YouTube TV also offers a range of add-on channels, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz. These add-on channels can be added to a user’s subscription for an additional fee.
The availability of channels on YouTube TV may vary depending on the user’s location. For example, users in certain areas may not have access to certain local networks or sports channels. However, YouTube TV offers a channel lineup tool on its website that allows users to enter their zip code and see which channels are available in their area.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
The cost of YouTube TV varies depending on the user’s location and the channels they want to watch. The base price of YouTube TV is $64.99 per month, which includes access to a range of channels, including local networks and popular cable channels. However, users can also add additional channels to their subscription for an extra fee. For example, the HBO add-on channel costs $14.99 per month, while the Showtime add-on channel costs $10.99 per month.
In addition to the base price and add-on channels, YouTube TV also offers a range of premium features, including 4K streaming and offline viewing. These features can be added to a user’s subscription for an additional fee. However, users can also try out YouTube TV for free with a 5-day trial, which allows them to test out the service and see if it’s right for them.
What devices can I use to watch YouTube TV?
YouTube TV can be watched on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast and Apple TV. The service is also available on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. To watch YouTube TV on a device, users simply need to download the app and sign in with their account information.
In addition to these devices, YouTube TV can also be watched on computers via the YouTube TV website. This allows users to watch their favorite shows and channels on a larger screen, which can be especially useful for users who want to watch sports games or other live events. However, users should note that the YouTube TV app may not be available on all devices, so it’s a good idea to check the YouTube TV website for a list of supported devices.
Can I record shows on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR feature that allows users to record shows and watch them later. This feature is especially useful for users who want to watch their favorite shows at a later time or who want to record sports games and other live events. With the cloud DVR feature, users can record up to 9 months of content, which can be accessed at any time.
To record a show on YouTube TV, users simply need to click the “Record” button on the show’s page. The show will then be added to the user’s DVR library, where it can be watched at any time. Users can also manage their DVR library by deleting recorded shows or setting up series recordings. This allows users to automatically record new episodes of their favorite shows as they become available.
Can I watch YouTube TV on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, YouTube TV allows users to watch on up to 3 devices at the same time. This means that users can watch their favorite shows on multiple devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, and smart TV, all at the same time. This feature is especially useful for households with multiple users, as it allows everyone to watch their favorite shows without having to fight over the remote control.
However, users should note that the number of devices that can be used at the same time may vary depending on the user’s internet connection. For example, users with slower internet connections may not be able to watch on multiple devices at the same time without experiencing buffering or other issues. In these cases, it’s a good idea to check the YouTube TV website for recommendations on how to improve internet connectivity.
Is YouTube TV available in my area?
YouTube TV is available in many areas, but the availability of the service may vary depending on the user’s location. To check if YouTube TV is available in a particular area, users can enter their zip code on the YouTube TV website. This will show a list of available channels and features in that area.
If YouTube TV is not available in a particular area, users may want to consider other live TV streaming services, such as Hulu with Live TV or Sling TV. These services may offer similar channels and features to YouTube TV, but may be available in areas where YouTube TV is not. However, users should note that the availability of these services may also vary depending on the user’s location.