On virtually every modern smart TV, the YouTube app is already pre-installed, so you may not need to download anything at all. If it's missing from your home screen, you can download YouTube on your smart TV directly from the TV's official app store, the process takes less than a minute. Before you begin any of the steps below, confirm your TV is connected to a stable internet connection, either via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, as this is required for both downloading and using the app. If the app is installed but won't open, YouTube is not working on my LG smart TV may help you troubleshoot the issue. If your television lacks an app store entirely, you can still watch YouTube TV on non smart TV by using a streaming stick or game console.
Is YouTube already on your smart TV?
Most smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices come with the YouTube app pre-installed out of the box. If you see it, simply open the app and sign in with your Google account to access subscriptions, watch history, and personalized recommendations. If you don't see it, or if the app was accidentally deleted, you can reinstall it from your TV's dedicated app store using the steps below.
Compatible smart TVs and devices
The standard YouTube app (which provides access to the general video platform) is compatible with nearly all major smart TV brands. Verified compatible platforms include:
- Samsung (Smart Hub)
- LG (webOS / Content Store)
- Sony (Android TV / Google TV)
- Vizio (SmartCast)
- Hisense (Vidaa / Android TV)
- Sharp (Smart TV platforms)
- Roku TVs (Roku OS)
- Fire TV Edition (Fire OS)
Note that the YouTube TV app is a separate service, it's a live television streaming subscription, not the same as the standard YouTube app. This guide covers the standard YouTube app unless explicitly stated otherwise. If you're unsure about your specific model, check your TV's app store or the manufacturer's website for compatibility confirmation.
How to download YouTube on your smart TV from the app store
The primary and safest method to get YouTube is through your TV's built-in app store. The universal steps are simple, though the exact menu names differ slightly by brand.
- Turn on your smart TV and press the Home button on your remote to open the main menu.
- Navigate to the app store icon, this is usually labeled "Apps," "Smart Hub," "Content Store," "Google Play Store," or similar.
- Use the search function within the store to type "YouTube" (or browse the video category).
- Select the official YouTube app from the search results.
- Choose "Install" or "Download" and wait for the installation to complete.
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account to sync your subscriptions and history.
Specific steps for Samsung Smart TVs
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Select "Apps" (or "Smart Hub" on older models).
- Search for "YouTube".
- Choose "Install".
Specific steps for LG Smart TVs
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to the "LG Content Store".
- Search for "YouTube".
- Select "Download" or "Install".
Specific steps for Android TV / Google TV
- Open the "Google Play Store" from your apps list.
- Search for "YouTube".
- Select "Download" or "Install".
After installation, you'll find the YouTube app in your TV's app list. Signing in is optional but recommended for a personalized experience.
How to side-load YouTube on an Android-based smart TV
Side-loading is only necessary for Android TV boxes or Android-based TVs where the Google Play Store is missing or doesn't list YouTube. This method is more technical and carries security risks, so only use it if the app store method fails. You'll need a USB drive and a computer.
- On your computer, download the official YouTube APK file from a trusted source (preferably directly from a reputable APK mirror that verifies signatures).
- Copy the APK file to a USB drive.
- Plug the USB drive into your Android TV or TV box.
- Use a file manager app on your TV to locate the APK on the USB drive.
- Select the file and choose "Install", you may need to enable "Unknown Sources" in your TV's security settings first.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
Security warning: Side-loading bypasses the official app store's security checks. Only download APKs from well-known, reputable sources to avoid malware. If you're uncomfortable with this process, use the casting method below instead.
How to cast YouTube to your smart TV from a phone or computer
If installation fails or you'd rather not download the app, casting is a reliable alternative. This method works with any smart TV that supports built-in Chromecast or Miracast, and it requires no additional software on your TV.
- Ensure your smart TV and your phone/computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or a web browser on your computer.
- Play the video you want to watch.
- Tap the cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) in the video player.
- Select your smart TV from the list of available devices.
- The video will start playing on your TV. Use your phone or computer as the remote for play, pause, volume, and seeking.
Casting is especially useful if your TV is older or if the app store doesn't have YouTube. It also lets you keep browsing other videos on your phone while the TV plays.
Troubleshooting YouTube app issues on a smart TV
If you've installed YouTube but it's not working correctly, try these actionable fixes in order:
Clear the YouTube app cache
- Go to your TV's Settings menu.
- Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
- Select YouTube.
- Choose "Clear Cache" (and "Clear Data" if the problem persists, this will sign you out).
- Reopen YouTube and sign in again.
Check for firmware/OS updates
- Open your TV's Settings menu.
- Look for "Support", "Software Update", or "About".
- Select "Update" and wait for the TV to install any available updates.
- Restart your TV after the update.
Ensure a stable internet connection
- Test other apps on your TV, if they also buffer, the issue is your network.
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
- If using Wi-Fi, move your router closer to the TV or switch to an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
- Reduce network congestion by disconnecting other devices that are streaming or downloading.
Restart your TV and router
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from power for 1 minute.
- Unplug your router for 1 minute, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully reboot.
- Plug your TV back in and turn it on.
- Open YouTube and try again.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, consult your TV manufacturer's support documentation or contact their customer support, they may have model-specific fixes. For most users, the app store method will work flawlessly, and casting provides a simple backup option when needed.
For the wider topic, see Google apps on a smart TV.
