When you sign up for YouTube TV, you’ll be asked a few questions about your current zip code. Sometimes, you may need to verify the location of your device. These settings are essential for accessing the correct networks available in your area. As YouTube TV offers live and local shows, accurately setting up your location will ensure that you don’t miss out on your favorite games or new episodes of your favorite shows.
Many people are now trying out YouTube TV for the first time due to its extensive content selection. If you’re considering giving this service a go, keep reading to discover how to easily manage your YouTube TV location settings, including using the best VPNs to unblock YouTube TV from almost any location. We’ll ensure that you can stream those fast-paced shows without any hassle.
Changing Your YouTube TV Home Area
Your Home Area refers to your home zip code. During the YouTube TV sign-up process, you’ll enter your address to verify your service area.
YouTube TV allows you to access programs that are broadcasted by affiliate networks within your service location. You can update your home area twice a year, but you must be physically present in the new location to make the change. Here’s how simple it is to change your Home Area:
On desktop or Android
To change your Home Area on a computer or Android device, follow these steps:
- Open YouTube TV.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Area.
- Choose Home Area.
- Click Update next to Home Area.
On iOS
To change your Home Area on an iOS device, use the following steps:
- Sign into YouTube TV on a mobile browser or computer.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Area.
- Choose Home Area.
- Click Update next to Home Area.
Updating Your Current Playback Area
Your current playback area on YouTube TV is different from your Home Area. It refers to the geographical area outside your home location.
YouTube TV detects your current playback area based on your location tags. If you travel outside your home area, you won’t be able to watch the local networks available in your designated home area. Instead, you’ll have access to local programs in the specific region you’re visiting, so you’ll need to adjust your settings accordingly. Let’s say, for example, you’re traveling to another town or state. YouTube will recognize the new location as your playback area, and you’ll be able to watch the shows available in that location.
Here’s how you can change your current playback area:
On your smart TV
To change the current playback area on your TV, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube TV app on your TV.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Area.
- Click on Current Playback Area.
- On your mobile phone, go to tv.youtube.com/verify.
- Allow the website to access your phone’s location. This will update your current playback area.
On iPhone, Android, or browser
To change your current playback area on your iPhone, Android, or web browser, use the following steps:
- Open YouTube TV.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Area.
- Choose Update next to Current Playback Area.
Changing Location Permissions
When you set up your location permissions, including your home area, you’ll have access to networks available in that location. If you move, you’ll need to update these settings to reflect the change. This is especially important if you like to record shows. While you can still view content outside your home area when you travel, recording will only be possible within your designated home area.
To update or manage location permissions on your mobile device, follow these steps:
On iPhone or Android
- Open your device’s settings.
- Tap on Apps and Notifications.
- Scroll to YouTube TV in your apps list.
- Click on Permissions, then select Location to view your current settings.
- Tap to select a different option if you need to switch to another setting.
On desktop
To update location permissions on your computer, follow these steps:
- Open your browser’s Settings.
- Go to the Privacy and security section.
- Click on Site settings.
- Select Location and change the location settings.
Using a VPN
Some YouTube TV subscribers choose to use a VPN to access content that is not originally available in their area. This allows them to bypass changing the YouTube TV location settings. VPNs are commonly used with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services.
Using a VPN is a reliable way to watch different shows on YouTube TV while you’re on the move. It also provides a secure way to stream online programming when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
Here’s how you can change your location permissions using a VPN:
- Sign up for a VPN service.
- Install the VPN software.
- Log into your VPN app.
- Connect to a server in the desired location.
- Sign in to your YouTube TV account and watch shows from the network of the new location.
While YouTube TV is limited to the U.S., using a VPN to access content outside the U.S. does not violate its terms of service. However, YouTube TV may still detect that you are currently outside the U.S. and block your access to the streaming service in certain regions.
Please note that while the best VPNs should bypass geo-blocked content, YouTube TV may not work outside U.S. streaming areas even with a VPN. In some cases, you can try using a GPS location spoofing app in combination with a VPN to access YouTube TV from an available location. However, keep in mind that these methods are not always reliable, and some spoofing apps may have data leaks that could compromise your privacy.
Best VPNs for YouTube TV
When searching for the best VPNs for YouTube TV, it’s important to choose services that don’t log your data. Look for VPNs with a high data cap and a wide range of servers. Limited data can be frustrating when streaming your favorite television shows.
While some low-cost VPNs may seem appealing, they often come with limitations. If you want a reliable and high-speed VPN, it’s recommended to opt for a monthly paid subscription service. Most paid VPN services offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if the VPN doesn’t unblock the local channels you’re looking for.
Here are a few of the best VPNs for YouTube TV, many of which also unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video:
- NordVPN: NordVPN is one of our top-recommended services, thanks to its fast speeds and strong security. Plus, you can save money with a two-year subscription.
- ExpressVPN: With servers in 94 countries and fast speeds, ExpressVPN is a favorite for streaming geo-restricted content. It offers VPN apps for multiple devices, including gaming consoles and smart TVs, ensuring you can watch YouTube TV wherever you’re most comfortable.
- Atlas VPN: Atlas VPN has a free plan that allows you to upgrade to the paid version for additional features. It offers plenty of data per month and has no bandwidth restrictions.
- Surfshark: Surfshark offers some of the lowest pricing options, making it an attractive choice. It easily unblocks foreign TV shows, and we were impressed with its fast speeds on both U.S. and U.K. servers.
YouTube TV Location FAQ
Why is YouTube TV showing the wrong location?
YouTube TV may display the wrong location if you frequently access the service outside your home area from a different device than the one you initially set up. In such cases, you may need to update your location settings.
Can I use a free VPN with YouTube TV?
While you can use a free VPN with YouTube TV, not all of them will bypass the geoblockers employed by YouTube. Therefore, they may not provide access to the content you want.
Does YouTube TV block VPNs?
YouTube TV may block VPN connections, resulting in an error message stating “YouTube TV VPN proxy detected.”
Conclusion
YouTube TV streaming has allowed many people to break free from cable subscriptions. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the necessary settings to have the best possible viewing experience. If you travel frequently and need to bypass region blocks to watch channels outside your home area, investing in a reliable VPN service is highly recommended. The best VPNs will not only ensure your online activity remains private but also protect you against hackers while streaming your favorite YouTube TV programs.
