- Which Apple TV models support YouTube TV
- How to set up YouTube TV on Apple TV
- Watching from your iPhone with AirPlay instead
- Signing out of YouTube TV on an Apple TV
- Fixing a blank screen or flicker on Apple TV
- Why you can't buy add-ons on Apple TV
- If you pay for YouTube TV through Apple
- Check your Apple TV's features
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
YouTube TV works on Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for YouTube TV, download the app, then sign in by scanning the QR code or entering the on-screen code at tv.youtube.com/start on your phone or computer.
Two things are different on Apple TV. You can't buy add-on networks from the Apple TV app, and YouTube has a specific fix for the blank screen and flicker some Apple TV owners see when changing channels.
Which Apple TV models support YouTube TV
| Apple device | YouTube TV support |
|---|---|
| Apple TV (4th generation) | Supported, download the YouTube TV app |
| Apple TV 4K | Supported, download the YouTube TV app |
| iPhone or iPad with AirPlay | Stream YouTube TV to an Apple TV using AirPlay |
| Apple Vision Pro | Listed by YouTube under XR devices, through the YouTube XR app |
Earlier Apple TV models aren't on YouTube TV's list of supported streaming devices. If you're choosing a new box, I've compared the options in Roku vs Apple TV.
How to set up YouTube TV on Apple TV
- On your Apple TV, open the App Store from the Home screen.
- Search for YouTube TV. YouTube points out this is a different app from YouTube.
- Download the YouTube TV app and open it.
- Scan the QR code, or go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone, tablet or computer.
- Enter the activation code from your TV and tap Continue.
- Pick the Google Account linked to your YouTube TV plan and select Allow.
You can also choose Sign in with your remote and type your details instead of using a second device.
Watching from your iPhone with AirPlay instead
You don't have to use the Apple TV app at all. YouTube lists AirPlay for Apple TV as one of the ways to stream YouTube TV to your television, so you can start a programme in the YouTube TV app on your iPhone or iPad and send it to the TV. It's handy for a quick show. For the program guide and remote controls YouTube describes for its TV app, use the app on the box.
Signing out of YouTube TV on an Apple TV
- Open YouTube TV, select your profile photo and select Sign Out. YouTube says this signs every account out of that device.
- To take off one person, select your profile photo, then Switch account, then Remove under their account.
- For an Apple TV you no longer have, go to myaccount.google.com/permissions, find YouTube TV and select Remove access.
Fixing a blank screen or flicker on Apple TV
YouTube's supported devices page has an Apple TV section, and it's specific. It says Apple TV users on app version 1.13.1 and newer might see a blank screen or flickering when changing channels and during ad transitions. It gives two settings to try:
Option 1: switch to SDR with Match Dynamic Range on
- Open Settings on your Apple TV.
- Choose Video and Audio, then Format.
- Pick any SDR option, keeping Match Dynamic Range on.
Option 2: turn off Match Dynamic Range
- Open Settings.
- Choose Video and Audio, then Match Content.
- Set Match Dynamic Range to Off.
If the screen stays black but you can hear sound, that's a different problem, and the fixes are in YouTube TV black screen.
Why you can't buy add-ons on Apple TV
On some TV devices you can buy an add-on network by selecting a video with a lock icon. YouTube says Xbox and Apple TV don't support this. So if you want a sports or premium add-on, buy it in a web browser or on your phone instead, and it's added to your membership.
If you pay for YouTube TV through Apple
If you signed up through Apple billing, refunds sit with Apple, not YouTube. YouTube's help page says it can't grant refunds for purchases made on an Apple device or through Apple billing, and points you to Apple support instead. It's worth knowing before you sign up on your iPhone just because it's quicker.
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Check your Apple TV's features
Inside the YouTube TV app, go to Settings, then Support, then Device Capabilities. YouTube says this tells you whether your device supports 4K, 5.1 surround sound, the full multiview experience and background playback. If you're planning to watch several games at once, read how to use multiview on YouTube TV for where it works and where it doesn't.
My verdict
Apple TV 4K is an easy place to watch YouTube TV, but go in knowing its two quirks. Buy add-ons on your phone or in a browser, and if channel changes flicker, try SDR before you assume the box is faulty. And if you can, sign up for YouTube TV directly rather than through Apple, so refund questions go to YouTube.
Frequently asked questions
Does YouTube TV work on Apple TV?
Yes. YouTube lists Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K as supported devices. Download the YouTube TV app from the App Store on your Apple TV.
How do I sign in to YouTube TV on Apple TV?
Open the YouTube TV app, then scan the QR code or go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone or computer and enter the code shown on your TV.
Why does YouTube TV flicker on my Apple TV?
YouTube says Apple TV users on app version 1.13.1 and newer might see a blank screen or flickering when changing channels. It suggests setting an SDR video format with Match Dynamic Range on, or turning Match Dynamic Range off.
Can I buy YouTube TV add-ons on Apple TV?
No. YouTube says Xbox and Apple TV don't support buying add-on networks from the TV. Buy them in a web browser or on your phone instead.
Can YouTube refund a YouTube TV subscription bought through Apple?
No. YouTube can't grant refunds for purchases made on an Apple device or through Apple billing, so you need to contact Apple.
