How to set up and customize a YouTube TV subscription in several ways
Steven John
It's easy to set up YouTube TV and customize your subscription to access sports, local news, and live shows. Here's how to do it.
- To set up your YouTube TV subscription, you'll first need to sign up using your computer or Android device.
- Once you've signed up and picked out what premium channels you want, you can set up your DVR library and other settings.
- You can watch YouTube TV programming on a computer, mobile device, smart TV, or using a streaming device like Chromecast .
YouTube TV has taken the whole cable ditching thing – the so-called "cord-cutting" movement – to the next level.
Whether you want to watch live TV, sports, news, record favorite TV shows for later viewing, or browse through an impressive archive of past programming, a YouTube TV subscription has you more than covered.
YouTube TV isn't a cheaper alternative to cable: its $64.99 monthly cost is somewhat comparable to what you'd pay for legacy cable providers. But the many ways you can engage with the content and the range of programming offered makes YouTube TV an excellent service.
Once you have finished paying for a YouTube TV subscription, you will be led through a series of easy steps that allow for initial customization.
We worked with YouTube directly to put together these tips for getting your account set up and getting the most out of it.
How to set up a YouTube TV account
1. On a Mac or PC computer, go to the YouTube TV website . On an Android device, download the YouTube TV app from the app store . Note: you can no longer sign up for YouTube TV from the iPhone or iPad mobile app, though you can still use it to watch YouTube TV.
2. Tap or click the button to begin the free trial.
3. Sign in using your Google account.
4. Share your home location and zip code.
5. Review the total price and networks included in your membership, then tap or click "Next."
6. Select any premium networks to add to your membership by checking the circle next to each network, then tap or click "Next."
7. Enter and confirm the credit card you'd like to use for your membership. You'll be charged after your free trial ends, but you can cancel at any time before that date.
8. Tap or click "Buy" to finish the process.
How to navigate the 3 main tabs on a YouTube TV account
These tabs are LIBRARY, HOME, and LIVE. The home tab is where YouTube gives you recommendations of what to watch.
You can tap the "+" button next to programs you'd like to add to your library, and YouTube TV will automatically record all programs as they air. You can then access all of them in the Library tab.
The Live TV tab shows you everything that's playing right now. Check out your local live broadcast channels and watch sports, local news, or catch primetime shows airing on those broadcast networks.
You can scroll down further to see over 70 popular cable networks and local sports networks.
How to personalize your Live Guide on YouTube TV
You can customize the Live tab to match your viewing preferences. For example, you can reorder networks in the guide or hide certain networks so that only your favorite networks appear.
To do this, select "Sort" on the Live tab, tap "Edit" and customize your Live tab.
How to set up live recordings and build a library
Add any show, sports team, event, movie, and so on to your library just by tapping the "+" button. YouTube TV will record all current and upcoming airings.
You can add as many programs to your library as you like – YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud-based DVR space, and recording doesn't take up space on your device.
How to watch YouTube TV on your smart TV or gaming system
You can watch YouTube TV on most smart TVs and gaming systems.
Options include Apple TV , Roku , Xbox One, Android TV , and select Samsung, LG and Vizio models – with Amazon Fire TV forthcoming. You can also stream on your TV with AirPlay, Google Chromecast, or a Chromecast-enabled TV.
How to search for shows, sports, and movies by genre
Head to the search area by clicking the magnifying glass at the top right.
You can search via general terms like Sports, News, or Movies, or you can search for specific shows, movies, or televised events.
How to hide scores (and avoid spoilers)
You can turn on the "Hide all scores for this team/league" feature in YouTube TV to hide scores for specific sports teams and leagues.
This will prevent spoiler information, like final scores or live previews, from appearing before you've started watching.
To enable this feature, open YouTube TV, select the overflow menu three-dot on a team or league page, and toggle on "Hide all scores for this team/league."
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