To activate YouTube TV on your TV, open the YouTube TV app on the TV, then scan the QR code or go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone, tablet or computer and enter the activation code shown on the TV. Choose the Google Account that has your YouTube TV plan, select Allow, and the TV starts working.
If the code won't go through, it may have expired. YouTube's own fix is simple: go back on the TV and reload the screen so it shows a fresh code, then enter that new one at tv.youtube.com/start.
Before you start
- You need a YouTube TV membership. The code only links a device to an account that already has a plan, so sign up first if you haven't.
- You need the YouTube TV app, which YouTube points out is different from the YouTube app. Search for YouTube TV, not YouTube, in your TV's app store.
- On some TVs you can also open YouTube TV inside the YouTube app, but the code steps below are for the YouTube TV app.
How to activate YouTube TV with the code
- Open the YouTube TV app on your smart TV, streaming device or games console.
- Scan the QR code on screen with your phone, or go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone, tablet or computer.
- Enter the activation code shown on your TV and tap Continue.
- Select the Google Account linked to your YouTube TV plan.
- Select Allow to connect the device and start watching.
Don't want to use a second device? On the TV you can choose Sign in with your remote instead and type your Google Account details with the on-screen keyboard. It's slower, but it works.
When the YouTube TV activation code won't work
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| The page won't accept the code | The code may have expired. Go back on the TV, reload to get a new code, and enter it at tv.youtube.com/start |
| "Sorry -- you can't sign in to YouTube TV with this account" | You're signed in with a Brand Account, which doesn't work with YouTube TV. Select Switch Account and choose your main Google Account |
| Your YouTube TV account isn't in the list | Add the account during sign-in, or check you're signed in to youtube.com with your primary Google Account first |
| It signs in but local channels are missing | On devices without GPS, YouTube says you need to verify your location from a mobile device (Settings, Location, Update playback area) |
The Brand Account problem
If you run a YouTube channel for your business, read this. YouTube says if you have more than one YouTube channel or once had a legacy account, you may have a Brand Account, and Brand Accounts aren't compatible with YouTube TV. The fix is to switch to the personal Google Account that holds your membership. You can check which Brand Accounts you have on Google's Brand Accounts page.
Signing in on a phone or tablet
There's no code on mobile. Open the YouTube TV app, tap Sign in in the top-right corner, tap Continue and pick the account linked to your plan. If it isn't listed, tap Add account.
How to sign YouTube TV out of a TV
- On the TV itself: open YouTube TV, select your profile photo and select Sign Out. This signs out every account on that device.
- Remove one account: select your profile photo, then Switch account, then Remove under the account you want to take off.
- A TV you no longer have: on a phone or computer, go to myaccount.google.com/permissions, find YouTube TV and choose Remove access.
That last one is worth doing if you've moved house, sold a TV or signed in at someone else's place. How many screens can stream at once is a separate limit, covered in how many people can watch YouTube TV at once.
Check what your device can do
Once you're in, YouTube TV now lets you check your hardware from inside the app. Go to Settings, then Support, then Device Capabilities to see whether your device supports 4K, 5.1 surround sound, the full multiview experience and background playback.
My verdict
Activating YouTube TV takes under a minute when you use the QR code or tv.youtube.com/start, and the two fixes YouTube lists first are a fresh code and the right Google Account. If you're starting from scratch, follow how to set up YouTube TV first. If it's the regular YouTube app you're trying to sign in to, the steps are in how to sign into YouTube on TV.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do I enter my YouTube TV activation code?
Go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone, tablet or computer, enter the code shown on your TV and tap Continue. You can also scan the QR code on the TV screen.
Why isn't my YouTube TV code working?
It may have expired. Go back on your TV and reload the screen to get a new code, then enter the new code at tv.youtube.com/start.
Why does YouTube TV say I can't sign in with this account?
You're probably using a Brand Account, which isn't compatible with YouTube TV. Select Switch Account and choose the Google Account that has your membership.
Can I activate YouTube TV without a phone?
Yes. On the TV, choose Sign in with your remote and enter your Google Account details with the on-screen keyboard.
How do I sign out of YouTube TV on a TV I don't have any more?
Go to myaccount.google.com/permissions on a phone or computer, find YouTube TV and select Remove access.
