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How to update or reinstall the YouTube TV app

Lifestyle image of a family watching a streaming service on a TV

⚡ Fast fix

  • Restart your device first. A quick restart fixes most temporary loading issues.
  • Check for app updates. An outdated version is a common reason YouTube TV won’t load.
  • Reinstall if errors continue. Removing and reinstalling clears corrupted data.
  • Still not working? Make sure your device software is up to date.

You open YouTube TV®, and instead of live channels you get an error message—or the app just won’t load at all. If your YouTube TV app is not working, the fix is usually simpler than it feels in the moment.

Most of the time, it comes down to one of two things: the app needs updating, or it needs a clean reinstall. Let’s walk through when to do each—and how to do it correctly on different devices.

When should I update the YouTube TV app?

Updating is the first thing to try if:

  • The app opens but freezes
  • You see playback errors
  • YouTube TV is not loading properly
  • Other apps work fine

Streaming apps rely on regular updates to stay compatible with your device’s software. If YouTube TV won’t load, an outdated version is often the cause.

How to update YouTube TV on Roku

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select System.
  4. Choose Software update.
  5. Select Check now.

Roku automatically updates apps during system updates, so keeping Roku updated keeps YouTube TV current, too.

How to update YouTube TV on Samsung TV

  1. Press the Home button.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Select Settings (gear icon in Apps).
  4. Enable Auto Update if it’s off.

You can also check for TV firmware updates under Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.

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How to update YouTube TV on Fire TV

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Applications.
  3. Choose Appstore.
  4. Turn on Automatic Updates.

Then restart the device and test the app.

How to update YouTube TV on Apple TV

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Apps.
  3. Turn on Automatically Update Apps.

If auto updates are already enabled, restarting Apple TV often completes pending updates.

How to update YouTube TV on iPhone or Android

  • Open the App Store® or Google Play® Store.
  • Search for YouTube TV.
  • Tap Update if available.

When should I reinstall the YouTube TV app?

Reinstalling is more powerful than updating—but it’s also a bigger reset. You should reinstall if:

  • YouTube TV won’t open at all
  • The screen stays blank
  • The app crashes immediately
  • Updating didn’t fix the issue

Reinstalling removes corrupted app files that updates don’t always clear.

How to reinstall YouTube TV on Roku

  1. Press Home.
  2. Highlight YouTube TV.
  3. Press the * button.
  4. Select Remove channel.
  5. Restart Roku under Settings > System > Power > System restart.
  6. Reinstall YouTube TV from the Channel Store.

How to reinstall YouTube TV on Samsung TV

  1. Press Home.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Select YouTube TV.
  4. Choose Delete.
  5. Restart the TV.
  6. Reinstall the app.

How to reinstall YouTube TV on Fire TV

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Applications.
  3. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
  4. Select YouTube TV.
  5. Choose Uninstall.
  6. Restart Fire TV.
  7. Reinstall from the Appstore.

How to reinstall YouTube TV on Apple TV

  1. Highlight the YouTube TV app.
  2. Press and hold the touchpad until it jiggles.
  3. Select Delete.
  4. Restart Apple TV.
  5. Reinstall from the App Store.

If YouTube TV is still not loading

If YouTube TV still won’t load after updating and reinstalling, check:

  • Your internet connection
  • Your device’s system software
  • Whether YouTube TV is experiencing an outage

If the app works on one device but not another, the issue is likely device-specific—not your account.

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FAQ

Will reinstalling YouTube TV delete my recordings?

No. Your recordings are saved to your account in the cloud, not on your device.

Why does YouTube TV keep saying something went wrong?

That usually points to outdated software or corrupted app data. Updating or reinstalling often resolves it.

How often should I update streaming apps?

Most devices update automatically, but it’s smart to check manually if you’re having issues.

Is there a difference between updating and reinstalling?

Yes. Updating refreshes the app version. Reinstalling removes corrupted files and resets the app completely.

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