What YouTube TV is and who can watch it
YouTube TV is a streaming service that lets you watch live television channels over the internet instead of through a cable or satellite box. You watch on a phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device — anything that can run the YouTube TV app or open a web browser. The service includes news, sports, entertainment, and local channels depending on where you live.
You need an internet connection fast enough to stream video (YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second for one stream, 35 megabits per second if multiple people in your household watch at once). You also need a Google account to sign up. There are no geographic restrictions — you can use YouTube TV from anywhere in the United States, and the service works the same way whether you live in a city or a rural area.
YouTube TV does not require a contract. You can stop your subscription at any time without penalty, and you will not be charged again after you cancel.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV costs a set monthly price and includes dozens of live channels; the exact channels available depend on your location.
- You can watch on up to three devices at the same time with a standard subscription, and add a second household for an extra monthly fee.
- The service includes a cloud DVR that stores your recordings for up to nine months at no extra cost.
- You can pause your subscription for up to three months instead of canceling, and resume it later without losing your settings.
- YouTube TV charges a monthly fee on a recurring basis; you must cancel before your next billing date to stop being charged.
Monthly cost and what channels come with it
YouTube TV charges one monthly price that includes all base channels — you do not pay extra per channel. The monthly cost varies by location because different regions receive different local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates are not the same in every market). Check the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code to see the exact price and channel list for your area before you sign up.
The base subscription includes major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, and others. You also get local news and sports channels that broadcast in your region. YouTube TV adds new channels periodically, and the price may change — the service will notify you by email before any price increase takes effect.
Beyond the base subscription, you can add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz for separate monthly fees. These are optional and cost extra on top of your YouTube TV bill.
How many people can watch at once and on how many devices
A standard YouTube TV subscription allows three people to watch live TV or recordings at the same time. If a fourth person tries to watch while three streams are already playing, that fourth stream will not start until one of the others stops.
You can watch on as many different devices as you want — a phone, tablet, laptop, and TV all connected to your account. The limit is on simultaneous streams, not on the number of devices registered to your account. This means you can watch on your phone in the morning, switch to your TV in the evening, and let a family member watch on their tablet at the same time, as long as only three people are watching at once.
If you need more than three simultaneous streams, YouTube TV offers a Family Plan that costs extra per month and allows up to six people to watch at the same time. The Family Plan also lets you set up a separate household account for someone who does not live with you.
Cloud DVR storage and how long recordings last
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. When you record a show, it is stored on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home. You can record as many programs as you want without running out of space.
Recordings stay in your library for up to nine months. After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes them to make room. If you want to keep a recording longer, you must watch it or manually delete it before the nine-month window closes — there is no way to extend the storage time for individual recordings.
You can record an entire series with one click, and YouTube TV will automatically record new episodes as they air. You can also set it to record only new episodes, or only episodes you have not watched yet.
How to pause or cancel your subscription
If you want to stop watching temporarily without canceling, you can pause your YouTube TV subscription for up to three months. While paused, you will not be charged, but your account, recordings, and settings stay saved. When you resume, everything is exactly as you left it.
To pause, go to your account settings in the YouTube TV app or website, find the subscription section, and select pause. You can pause up to three times per year, and each pause lasts up to one month (you can extend it up to three months total). YouTube TV will send you a reminder before your pause expires.
To cancel, go to the same settings section and select cancel subscription. YouTube TV will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. Once you cancel, you lose access when ready, but you can sign up again later. Your recordings are deleted when you cancel.
Billing and how to change your payment method
YouTube TV charges your payment method on the same day each month. Your billing date is the day you signed up. If you signed up on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every month.
You can change your payment method in your account settings at any time. YouTube TV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and Google Play balance. If a payment fails, YouTube TV will try again a few times before suspending your account. You can update your payment information to restore access.
Your bill appears in your Google account under Payments & Subscriptions. You can view your billing history, read invoices, and see upcoming charges there. YouTube TV does not send a separate bill — everything is managed through your Google account.
Watching on different devices and the YouTube TV app
YouTube TV works on phones and tablets running Android or iOS, computers running Windows or Mac, and TV devices including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. You can also watch in a web browser on any computer.
read the YouTube TV app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or your TV device's app store. Sign in with your Google account. The app remembers your login, so you do not have to sign in again on that device.
If you sign in on a new device, YouTube TV may ask you to confirm your identity for security. You can sign out of the app on any device from your account settings, which is useful if you sell a device or want to remove access from someone else's phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on more than one TV in my house at the same time?
Yes, as long as only three people are watching total. If you have two TVs and two people watching, that uses two of your three simultaneous streams. A third person could watch on a phone or tablet at the same time. If you need more than three streams, the Family Plan allows up to six.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?
Your recordings are deleted when you cancel. They are not saved or transferred anywhere. If you pause instead of cancel, your recordings stay in your library during the pause period.
Can I use YouTube TV while traveling or 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 or access your DVR recordings. You can use the service again when you return to the United States.
Does YouTube TV include sports channels?
Yes. The base subscription includes ESPN, ESPN2, and regional sports networks that carry local teams. The exact sports channels available depend on your location. Premium sports packages like NFL RedZone or NBA League Pass are not included and must be added separately.
How do I know if YouTube TV is available in my area?
Go to the YouTube TV website, enter your zip code, and the site will show you the exact price and channel list for your location. If YouTube TV is not available in your area, the site will tell you that. Availability is based on whether your region receives the required local broadcast channels.