Table of Contents
Android TV is simply a smart TV operating system that lets you stream a wide array of media content via the internet. You can install various apps from the Google Play Store. However, it also comes with several pre-installed apps. YouTube is one such app that you find on the Android Smart TV natively. It is like a mountain in video streaming. You can find videos in various categories like movies, shows, entertainment, gaming, science, and many more. If you have uninstalled YouTube on Android TV by mistake, you can install it easily from the store.
Plans and Pricing
Even though YouTube is a free-to-use streaming option, you can unlock YouTube Premium for various benefits like ad-free streaming, downloading videos for offline streaming, YouTube Music Premium, YouTube originals, and more.
- YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month per stream. The price will vary depending on the country.
- You can add up to 5 family members if you pay an extra $6/month.
- Moreover, you can purchase or rent movies and series or TV shows. On average, it costs around $2.99 to 19.99.
YouTube on Android TV
YouTube is supported on various Android-powered Smart TVs and Smart TV Boxes. Here are a few of them that you can use to watch YouTube videos.
Supported Android TVs
- TCL Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV
- Sharp Smart TV
- Skyworth Smart TV
- Philips Smart TV
- Mi Smart TV
- Hisense Smart TV
Supported Android TV Boxes
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Epson TV
- AT&T TV
- DIRECTV Stream
- AIR TV
- Mi Box
YouTube App Preinstalled and Remote with YouTube Button
If you can find the YouTube app on your Android TV home screen, then the YouTube app is preinstalled. In this scenario, you have to check whether your Android TV remote has a YouTube button or not.
Just point your remote to your TV and press the YouTube button. It will automatically launch the YouTube app on your device.
YouTube App Preinstalled and Remote Without YouTube Button
If you can’t find the YouTube button on the remote, press the home button.
Navigate to the Apps section and click on the YouTube icon to launch the app.
How to Install YouTube on Android TV
If the app isn’t preinstalled or uninstalled the app by mistake, in such cases, you can install YouTube on Android TV from the Play Store.
1. Press the home button and choose the Play Store button. Or select Apps > Get More Apps > Play Store.
2. On the app, click on the Search option.
3. Type YouTube on the search screen and select the app from the search results.
4. Click on the Install button. The YouTube app will be installed on your Android TV.
How to Sign in and Watch YouTube on Android TV
1. Open the YouTube app and click the Settings on the left side pane.
2. Now, click on the Profile icon.
3. Choose SIGN IN.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Either you can visit the youtube.com/pair site and enter the code from the screen. Or, scan the QR code from the YouTube app on your mobile.
5. Now, you have successfully logged in to your account. Choose the video and play.
How to Cast YouTube to Android TV
1. Install the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone.
2. Sign in to your account.
3. Now, connect your smartphone and Android TV to the same WiFi network.
4. Tap the Cast icon on the top-right corner.
5. Select your Android TV. Now the contents will stream on your TV screen.
How to Sideload YouTube on Android TV
If you face issues while adding YouTube to Android TV, you can simply sideload it on your device. In other words, you can add YouTube as a third-party app from a trusted site on your device.
- Installing Downloader on Android TV
- Enable Unknown Sources on Android TV
- Sideloading YouTube apk using Downloader
Step 1: Installing Downloader on Android TV
Downloader is an app that helps you add third-party apps to your device. You can find it on the Play store and download it on your Android TV.
1. Launch the Google Play Store on your Android TV.
2. Next, select the Search icon and search for Downloader by AFTV news.
3. Pick the app from the search results that appear on your screen.
4. Finally, select the Install button and start downloading the app.
Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources
The default settings of your Android TV don’t let you install third-party apps on it. So, you need to make changes to these settings in favor of the Downloader app.
1. Launch the Settings menu from your home screen and go to Device Preferences.
2. Click on the Security & restrictions option.
3. Next, select the Unknown Sources option.
4. Finally, click on the Downloader option and enable the toggle located next to it.
Step 3: Sideload the YouTube Apk
Now, we have made all the necessary changes in favor of installing third-party apps. So, let’s add the YouTube app from a trusted site as follows.
1. Initially, launch the Downloader app from the home screen.
2. If prompted, click on the Allow option.
3. In the respective field, enter the YouTube Android TV apk URL from a trusted site.
4. Click on the Go option and then download the APK file for the YouTube app.
5. Finally, install the YouTube app on your TV.
What is YouTube Vanced?
It is the modest version of YouTube that lets the user stream all the YouTube videos including originals without any ads and a premium subscription. However, it is not legal to use YouTube Vanced as it streams all the videos without permission. Because of its streaming nature, you can’t find this app officially. You have to install the apk version with the sideloading tool.
Related – How to install and stream YouTube Vanced on Android TV
Other Supported Devices
Almost all existing devices that could stream a video online will have the YouTube app.
- Fire TV, Firestick
- Roku
- TiVo
- Chromecast
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Apple TV (4th generation or higher)
- Android-based streaming devices
- Xbox 360 and Xbox One Series
- Nintendo Switch and Wii U
- PlayStation 3 to 5
- Sony
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV
- Panasonic, Philips, Sharp, TCL, Skyworth, Pioneer, Funai, Hisense, Toshiba, TPV, Vestel, VIZIO, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot stream YouTube TV with the YouTube app. YouTube TV has got its own app.
To make sure that the YouTube app is working properly, try the following solutions
1. Check with your internet connection
2. Restart the Youtube app.
3. Update the YouTube app.
4. Reboot your Android TV.
5. Clear cache for YouTube app.
5. Update the Android TV Firmware.
6. If nothing helps, try factory resetting your Android TV and stream YouTube without any hassle.
The YouTube app is available on almost all platforms. You can install it on every device. If you can’t install the app, the problem might be with network conditions. Restart your device and make sure it is connected to an uninterrupted service.
