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To get YouTube on a smart TV, open the TV’s app store or Apps screen, search for YouTube, then install it or add it to your home screen. If the app is already installed, open it. Menu names differ by platform and model. If you mean downloading videos for offline viewing, that is different: YouTube documents offline downloads for certain videos on supported mobile devices in select areas, not downloads onto a smart TV.
Install YouTube from your TV’s app store
YouTube says its app is already available on most smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices. Start by checking the TV’s existing apps or app store before looking for another device. The steps below are from YouTube Help; labels and availability can vary by model, region, and software version. YouTube Help: Download the YouTube app on your smart TV or game console.
Android TV or Google TV
- Open the Google Play Store on the TV.
- Search for “YouTube.”
- Select the app and download it.
LG TV
- Press Home on the remote.
- Open LG Content Store and search for “YouTube.”
- Download the app; if you want, add it to the home screen for easier access.
Samsung TV
- Press Home on the remote and open Apps.
- Find YouTube among the recommended apps.
- Add its shortcut to the home screen. Menu wording can vary by model.
Roku
- Open Streaming Store or Streaming Channels.
- Search for “YouTube” and download it.
- Roku may display a “Channel added” confirmation.
Fire TV
- Search for YouTube from the home screen, or open the app store.
- Select YouTube and download it.
Apple TV or Chromecast with Google TV
- On Apple TV, search for YouTube in the App Store. On Chromecast with Google TV, search from the Apps tab.
- Select YouTube and download it.
What to do if YouTube is missing
First confirm that the TV is connected to the internet, then search its app store for YouTube. If the app is not offered, or the TV no longer supports it, casting from a phone, tablet, or computer may work if your TV or connected streaming device supports casting. You can also use a compatible streaming device, but check that it works with your television before buying one; an extra device is unnecessary when the TV already has the app.
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- Connect the phone or tablet and the TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the YouTube app on the phone or tablet and tap Cast.
- Select the TV or streaming device from the available targets.
Link a phone or tablet with a TV code
If the devices are not on the same Wi-Fi, YouTube supports linking a phone or tablet using a code. YouTube Help: Watch YouTube on your smart TV documents this option.
#1 Best Overall
- 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
- Open YouTube on the TV and go to Settings.
- Select Add a device to display a code.
- Enter that code in the YouTube app on your phone or tablet.
The TV-code method is not available with computers.
Installing YouTube is not downloading videos for offline playback
Installing the app gives you a way to stream YouTube on the television; it does not save ordinary YouTube videos onto the TV for offline viewing. YouTube’s offline-download help describes downloading certain videos in the YouTube mobile app in select areas. Availability depends on region and account eligibility, and downloaded videos are encrypted and can only be watched in the YouTube app. The documented feature is for supported mobile devices, not smart-TV storage. YouTube Help: YouTube videos offline FAQs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
Rank #4
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Rank #3
- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Rank #2
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 40" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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