Yes, YouTube TV works on a Firestick. Start your Fire TV device, search for YouTube TV, download the app, then sign in by scanning the QR code or entering the code on screen at tv.youtube.com/start. YouTube supports the Fire TV Stick (2nd and 3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick Lite, every Fire TV Stick 4K and the Fire TV Cube.
The catch is on the oldest, lowest-memory devices. YouTube says select devices with 512mb of memory or less may have a slightly different experience and miss some features, so an old stick can run the app without giving you everything a newer one does.
Fire TV devices that support YouTube TV
| Fire TV device | Supported for YouTube TV? |
|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) | Yes |
| Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) | Yes |
| Fire TV Stick Lite | Yes |
| Fire TV Stick 4K (all versions) | Yes |
| Fire TV Cube, including the 1st Gen | Yes |
| Fire TV Edition smart TVs from Toshiba, Insignia, Element and Westinghouse | Yes |
That's the full Fire TV list on YouTube TV's supported devices page. If your model isn't there, check it against that page before you pay for a plan. Choosing between sticks in the first place? I've compared them in Roku vs Fire Stick.
How to get YouTube TV on a Firestick
- Turn on your Fire TV device.
- Search for YouTube TV. YouTube stresses that the YouTube TV app is different from the YouTube app, so pick the right one.
- Download the YouTube TV app.
- Open it and scan the QR code, or go to tv.youtube.com/start on your phone, tablet or computer.
- Enter the activation code shown on your TV and tap Continue.
- Choose the Google Account linked to your YouTube TV plan and select Allow.
If you'd rather not use a phone, choose Sign in with your remote and type your details with the on-screen keyboard. If you haven't signed up for YouTube TV yet, do that first by following how to set up YouTube TV.
Check what your Firestick can do
Not every device gets every feature. Inside the YouTube TV app, go to Settings, then Support, then Device Capabilities. YouTube says this shows whether your device supports 4K, 5.1 surround sound, the full multiview experience and background playback. It's the quickest way to find out whether a stick is holding you back before you pay for extras.
Using YouTube TV with the Fire TV remote
- Open the full program guide to see what's coming up on your channels.
- Play, pause, fast-forward and rewind with the playback buttons.
- Flip between live channels with channel up and down, if your remote has them.
- Switch between recently watched programs, including live TV, recordings and on-demand shows, from the options below the video.
- Open your library to get to recordings.
Adding a network from your Firestick
You can add some networks to your plan from certain TV devices. If you see a video with a lock icon, select it to buy. There are two ways to pay:
- One click on the TV, if you've turned on quick purchases in YouTube. YouTube notes that quick purchases let any device you're signed in to buy without extra verification, so think about who else uses your TV first.
- A second device: select the add-on thumbnail, follow the on-screen link on a phone or web browser, click Purchase there, then go back to the TV and click Done.
YouTube lists Xbox and Apple TV as the devices that don't support this. Fire TV isn't on that list.
Local channels missing on your Firestick?
This applies to any streaming device without built-in GPS. YouTube says those devices need you to verify your location from a mobile device before local programmes show up. Open YouTube TV on your phone, go to Settings, then Location, and select Update playback area. If the picture stalls rather than the channels going missing, the fixes YouTube recommends are in YouTube TV buffering.
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My verdict
A Firestick is a perfectly good way to watch YouTube TV as long as it's on YouTube's supported list. If yours is an older, low-memory stick and features seem missing, check Device Capabilities first. If 4K or multiview matter to you, that screen tells you whether it's time for a newer stick.
Frequently asked questions
Does YouTube TV work on Firestick?
Yes. YouTube supports the Fire TV Stick (2nd and 3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick Lite, all versions of the Fire TV Stick 4K and the Fire TV Cube, plus Fire TV Edition smart TVs from Toshiba, Insignia, Element and Westinghouse.
How do I install YouTube TV on a Fire Stick?
Turn on your Fire TV device, search for YouTube TV, download the app, then sign in at tv.youtube.com/start with the code on your TV.
Why doesn't YouTube TV show local channels on my Firestick?
Devices without built-in GPS need you to verify your location from a mobile device. In the YouTube TV app on your phone, go to Settings, Location and Update playback area.
Can I watch YouTube TV in 4K on a Firestick?
It depends on the device. In the YouTube TV app, go to Settings, Support, Device Capabilities to see whether yours supports 4K.
Is the YouTube TV app the same as the YouTube app?
No. YouTube says the YouTube TV app is a different app, so make sure you search for YouTube TV in your Fire TV app store.
