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To watch YouTube TV on a non-smart TV, connect a supported streaming device or game console, install the YouTube TV app, and sign in. You can also cast from a phone or computer if the TV or an attached receiver supports the casting method. Check your exact device model against Google’s supported-device list before buying or setting up equipment.
Choose the method that fits your equipment
Google supports YouTube TV on streaming devices, selected game consoles, and computers. It also supports casting from a phone or computer to a compatible receiver. The best option depends on what you already own and whether you want to control playback with a TV remote or from another device.
- Streaming player: A straightforward choice when you want to open the app on the TV and control it with a remote.
- Game console: A convenient option if you already have a supported PlayStation or Xbox connected to the TV.
- Casting: Useful if you prefer to select and control playback on a phone or computer and have a compatible receiver.
- Computer: Watch in a supported browser, or connect the computer to the TV if their available ports and connection requirements match.
Use a compatible streaming device
Google’s supported platforms include Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV devices, Apple TV (4th generation and 4K), Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube models, Roku players, TiVo Stream 4K, and Xfinity Flex devices. Support can depend on the particular model or generation: Google’s list identifies specific Roku models, for example, so a brand name alone does not confirm compatibility. Review Google’s current supported-device list for the exact model.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Connect the streaming player to a compatible input on the TV, following the device maker’s instructions.
- Connect the player to the internet and complete its on-screen setup.
- Open the player’s app store, find and install YouTube TV, then open the app.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in to your YouTube TV account.
YouTube TV is a separate app from the regular YouTube app. Google’s instructions for downloading it are on its TV app setup and control page. Some devices with 512 MB or less of memory may have a different experience or lack some features.
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Use a supported PlayStation or Xbox
If one is already connected to the TV, a supported console can provide access to the YouTube TV app without adding another player. Google lists PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, plus Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. Check the current supported-device list for any model-specific changes, then find YouTube TV in the console’s app store and sign in.
Cast from a phone or computer
Casting requires both a sending device and a compatible receiver. The TV must support the relevant casting feature itself or be connected to a supported receiver. For Google’s casting workflow, connect the phone or computer and receiver to the same Wi-Fi network.
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- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Open YouTube TV on the phone or computer.
- Select the Cast or AirPlay option, as applicable to your device and receiver.
- Choose the receiver from the available list.
- Use the phone or computer to select and control playback.
Google documents this workflow on its TV app setup and control page. Chromecast models can serve as casting targets. Google cautions that first-generation Chromecast may perform worse because it no longer receives software or security updates, and technical support for it has ended; see Google’s Chromecast and Google TV Streamer casting guidance.
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Watch on a computer or connect one to the TV
YouTube TV supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on computers. Open YouTube TV in one of those browsers to watch on the computer. Google also documents casting from a computer to a receiver.
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- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
For a direct wired connection, check the computer’s video output and the TV’s available inputs, along with the computer and cable requirements. Google’s support pages do not specify one universal adapter or cable setup, so the right connection depends on the equipment.
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- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Check compatibility and service requirements
- Confirm the exact model: Model and generation matter, particularly for Roku and Apple TV devices. Verify compatibility on Google’s supported-device page.
- Check the TV connection: Make sure the selected player or console can connect to an input on the TV. For a computer connection, verify both ends and any adapter requirements.
- Check network and eligibility: Google says YouTube TV eligibility depends on system, location, and internet download-speed requirements. Casting also requires the sending device and receiver to be on the same Wi-Fi network. See Google’s casting guidance.
- Check desired features: Support for 4K, 5.1 surround sound, full multiview, and background playback varies by device. Google says the app’s Device Capabilities area can show support for a particular device as a feature rolls out.
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