Getting the "Format not supported" error on YouTube TV? Here's what to do

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart the app first. Close YouTube TV completely and reopen it.
• Restart your device. A full reboot often clears playback glitches.
• Check for updates. Outdated app or TV software can trigger format errors.
• Still seeing it? Reinstall YouTube TV to clear corrupted files.

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You press play on YouTube TV®, and instead of your show, you get a message that says, “This video format is not supported.” It sounds technical, but it usually isn’t as serious as it looks.

Asurion Experts help customers troubleshoot streaming issues all the time, including playback and compatibility errors like this one. In most cases, the YouTube TV video format not supported error is tied to software, device compatibility, or temporary app glitches—not the actual video file.

Here’s what that message really means and how to fix it.

What does the “format not supported” error mean?

When YouTube TV says a video format is not supported, it usually means your device is having trouble decoding the stream. That can happen for a few reasons:

• Your TV or streaming device software is outdated
• The YouTube TV app needs updating
• The device doesn’t support the current video codec
• There was a temporary glitch during playback

It doesn’t usually mean the video itself is broken.

Restart YouTube TV first

Before changing any settings, fully exit the app and reopen it. Don’t just switch inputs—close the app completely from your device’s home screen and relaunch it.

If the error returns immediately, move on to restarting the entire device.

Restart your TV or streaming device

A proper restart refreshes system processes and clears temporary decoding issues.

1. Turn off the TV or streaming device.
2. Unplug it from power.
3. Wait at least 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and power it on.

Then try playing the same content again.

Check for app and device updates

If this video format is not supported on YouTube TV, outdated software is a common cause.

On most devices:

• Go to Settings
• Select System or Software update
• Install any available updates

If you need detailed instructions, follow this guide on updating or reinstalling the YouTube TV app across different devices.

Reinstall the YouTube TV app

If updates don’t fix it, reinstalling often clears corrupted playback files.

On Roku:

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

On Samsung TV:

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

Reinstalling ensures you’re running a clean version of the app.

Could it be a device compatibility issue?

In rare cases, older streaming devices may not support newer video formats or codecs. If YouTube TV video format not supported appears only on one device but works fine on another, that may point to hardware limitations.

Testing the same content on a phone, a different TV, or in a web browser can help confirm whether the issue is device-specific.

Check your HDMI setup

If you’re using an external streaming device, try:

• Switching HDMI ports
• Testing with a different HDMI cable
• Checking your TV’s input settings

Loose or older cables can sometimes trigger playback errors.

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FAQ

Why does YouTube TV say this video format is not supported?

This usually means your device or app cannot properly decode the video stream due to outdated software or a temporary glitch.

Is the YouTube TV video format not supported error permanent?

No. Most cases are resolved by restarting, updating, or reinstalling the app.

Does internet speed cause format errors?

Unstable connections can interrupt the stream, but true format errors are more commonly tied to software compatibility.

Why does it only happen on one device?

If it works elsewhere, the issue is likely device-specific—either outdated firmware or hardware limitations.