Recording on YouTube TV is simple: find a show, movie, team, or event and select the plus icon to add it to your Library. YouTube TV then records current and future airings automatically using its cloud DVR. You do not need a cable box, and the recording is available on supported devices signed in to your account.
How YouTube TV Recording Works
YouTube TV uses a cloud DVR rather than storage inside your television, phone, or streaming device. Your recordings are saved online and organized under the Library tab, so you can start watching on one device and continue on another.
The service includes DVR storage without a space limit. Adding a television series normally schedules all current and upcoming airings, including reruns. You generally do not choose an individual episode or set a fixed recording time as you would on a traditional cable DVR. Instead, you add the program to your Library and let YouTube TV manage its airings.
Recordings are typically retained for up to nine months. If an episode or movie airs again, a fresh recording can extend its availability. On-demand versions may also appear beside DVR versions, but they can have different ad and playback rules.
How to Record a Show on a Smart TV or Streaming Device
The exact button names can vary slightly by television, streaming stick, or game console, but the basic process is the same.
- Open the YouTube TV app and sign in to the correct profile.
- Use the Live guide, Home screen, or Search option to find the show you want.
- Select the show to open its information page.
- Choose the plus icon or Add to Library. The icon normally changes to a check mark when recording is enabled.
- Open the Library tab later to find recorded and scheduled episodes.
If a show is playing live, highlight or open it and display the player controls. Look for the plus icon, then select it to add the program. The current episode begins recording from that point, while later airings are recorded automatically.
How to Record on a Computer
On a desktop or laptop, open YouTube TV in a supported browser and sign in. Search for the program by title, or select it from the live channel guide. Open the program page and click the plus icon beside the title. A check mark confirms that the program is in your Library.
You can also schedule a recording directly from the Live guide. Select the program, open its details, and add it to the Library. There is no need to keep the browser open after scheduling because recording happens in the cloud.
How to Record on a Phone or Tablet
Open the YouTube TV mobile app, tap the search icon, and enter the name of the show, movie, team, or event. Select the correct result and tap the plus icon. You can also open a program from the Home or Live tab and add it from the program page.
Make sure you are using the intended family profile before adding anything. Each family member has a separate Library, watch history, and recommendations, so a recording scheduled on one profile may not appear in another person’s Library.
Recording Shows Already in Progress
You can add a show after it has started, but the first recording may begin only from the moment you add it. If the same episode airs again, YouTube TV may replace the partial copy with a complete recording. For an important premiere, finale, or live event, add it before airtime when possible.
When you open a program that is currently recording, playback choices may include starting from the beginning, joining live, or resuming where you stopped. The options depend on the program, device, and whether the recording was scheduled before the broadcast began.
How to Record Movies, Sports, and Special Events
Movies and one-time events use the same basic method: search for the title, open its page, and select the plus icon. The next available airing is recorded. If the movie airs again while it remains in your Library, YouTube TV may save another version.
For sports, you can often add a single game, a team, or an entire league. Adding a team is useful because eligible upcoming games are recorded automatically, while adding one event limits the selection more narrowly. Availability still depends on your plan, location, channel lineup, and any league restrictions.
Some packages work differently. For example, NFL RedZone must be added as the RedZone program block rather than by selecting an individual team or game. Check the event page for the exact recording option before relying on it.
How to Find and Watch Your Recordings
Open the Library tab to see scheduled recordings, recently recorded programs, series, movies, sports, and other saved content. Select a program to browse its available episodes or versions. If more than one version exists, review the labels before playback so you can choose a DVR recording instead of an on-demand copy when available.
YouTube TV uses your watch history to track progress and mark episodes as watched. If programs do not show the correct watched status, confirm that watch history is not paused. On a phone, tablet, or computer, you can also open the program’s menu and mark an episode as watched.
How to Stop Recording a Show
To stop future recordings, open the program page and select the check mark or Remove from Library. The symbol changes back to a plus sign. This removes the recording schedule for current and upcoming airings.
Removing a program is not the same as manually deleting one stored file. YouTube TV manages recordings as a Library collection, so it does not work like a DVR with a delete button for every episode. Existing recordings can remain accessible until they expire, even after you stop future recordings.
Common Recording Problems and Fixes
The recording is missing
First, check that the program shows a check mark and that you are viewing the correct profile. Look under scheduled recordings if it has not aired yet. A program added after broadcast will not create a past DVR recording, although an on-demand version may be available.
The beginning of the show is missing
This usually happens when the program was added after it started. Keep it in the Library so a rerun can produce a complete copy. Live schedule changes can also affect start and end times, particularly for sports and news.
You cannot fast-forward through ads
Confirm which version you selected. A DVR recording usually offers more playback control, while a network-provided on-demand version may require commercials. If several versions are listed, choose the one labeled as a DVR recording.
The recording has poor audio or video
Open the player’s menu and use the option to report a problem with the recording. Also test another program and restart the app to determine whether the issue is limited to one broadcast or affects playback generally.
Tips for Keeping Your Library Organized
- Use separate profiles: Family members can keep their recordings and recommendations from becoming mixed together.
- Leave recurring favorites added: New episodes and reruns will continue to record automatically.
- Remove finished series: Clearing the check mark prevents more airings from being added.
- Keep watch history enabled: It helps YouTube TV show viewing progress and distinguish watched episodes.
- Schedule live events early: Adding them before they begin reduces the chance of a partial recording.
- Check alternate versions: When both DVR and on-demand copies appear, choose the version that best matches your playback needs.
Final Takeaway
To record on YouTube TV, add the program to your Library using the plus icon. Once the icon becomes a check mark, YouTube TV will record eligible current and future airings in the cloud. Use the Library to watch and organize saved content, and remove the check mark whenever you want to stop future recordings.
