YouTube installs differently depending on what device you use

YouTube comes built into most phones and tablets, so you may already have it. If you don't, or if you need to reinstall it, the process takes less than a minute on Android or iPhone. On a computer, you don't install YouTube at all — you visit YouTube.com in your web browser instead. This guide covers all three routes.

The steps are straightforward on each platform, and YouTube is free. You'll need a Google account to sign in and save your preferences, though you can watch videos without one.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone and iPad users find YouTube in the App Store, search for "YouTube," and tap Get to download it for free.
  • Android phone and tablet users open Google Play Store, search "YouTube," and tap Install.
  • On Windows or Mac computers, open any web browser and go to YouTube.com — no installation needed.
  • If YouTube is already on your device but won't open, try uninstalling it first, then reinstalling from the app store.
  • YouTube requires a Google account to sign in, though you can watch some videos without one.

Installing YouTube on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad — it's the blue icon with a white square. Tap the search tab at the bottom right, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app appears at the top of the results, with a red play button icon.

Tap the button that says "Get" next to the YouTube app. Your phone may ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete that step, and the button changes to "Install." Wait for the installation to finish — it usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on your internet speed. Once done, the button becomes "Open," and you can tap it to start YouTube.

Installing YouTube on Android phones and tablets

Open Google Play Store — it's usually on your home screen or in your app drawer, with a colorful triangle icon. Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app appears at the top, with the red play button icon and "Google LLC" listed as the developer.

Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask for permission to access certain features — tap "Install" again to confirm. The download and installation happen automatically, usually in 10 to 30 seconds. Once finished, the button changes to "Open." Tap it to launch YouTube for the first time.

Using YouTube on Windows or Mac computers

You don't need to install anything. Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox — and type YouTube.com in the address bar. Press Enter, and you're on YouTube. You can watch videos, search, and browse without installing software.

If you want YouTube to feel more like an app on your computer, you can create a shortcut. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu at the top right, select "Create shortcut," and choose whether to show it on your desktop or in your taskbar. This doesn't install YouTube; it just makes it faster to open. On Safari or Edge, you can bookmark YouTube and pin it to your toolbar for similar convenience.

What to do if YouTube won't install or open

If you see an error message during installation, check that you have enough free storage space on your device. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings > Storage. If you're low on space, delete apps or files you don't need, then try installing YouTube again.

If YouTube is already installed but won't open, try uninstalling it first. On iPhone, press and hold the YouTube icon, tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." On Android, open Google Play Store, search for YouTube, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Uninstall." Then reinstall it using the steps above. If the problem persists, restart your device and try again.

Signing in to YouTube after installation

When you open YouTube for the first time, you'll see a sign-in screen. Tap "Sign in" and enter your Google account email and password. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one for free at Google.com. YouTube requires a Google account to upload videos, create playlists, or save your watch history, but you can watch many videos without signing in.

Once you're signed in, YouTube remembers your account on that device. You can watch personalized recommendations, access your subscriptions, and save videos to your library. If you want to sign out later, tap your profile icon at the top right and select "Sign out."

Updating YouTube to the latest version

YouTube updates regularly with new features and bug fixes. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon at the top right, scroll down to YouTube, and tap "Update" if one is available. On Android, open Google Play Store, search for YouTube, and tap "Update" if you see it. On computers, YouTube updates automatically in your browser — you don't need to do anything.

If you have automatic updates turned on, your phone will update YouTube in the background without you having to do it manually. To check your settings on iPhone, go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle "Automatic Updates" on. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap the three-line menu, go to Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update apps, and select "Auto-update apps over any network."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to watch YouTube?

No. You can watch most YouTube videos without signing in. However, signing in lets you save videos, create playlists, and see personalized recommendations based on your watch history. A Google account is free to create.

Can I install YouTube on a smart TV?

Yes, but the process depends on your TV brand. Most modern smart TVs have YouTube built in or available in their app store. Check your TV's manual or search "[your TV brand] YouTube installation" for specific steps. Some older TVs may not support YouTube.

Why does YouTube take up so much storage space?

YouTube caches videos you watch so it can play them faster next time. If storage is tight, you can clear this cache. On iPhone, go to Settings > YouTube > Clear Cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear Cache. This frees up space without uninstalling the app.

What if I see "YouTube is not available in your country"?

YouTube is available in most countries, but some regions have restrictions. If you see this message, contact your internet provider or check whether your country has specific YouTube policies. Using a VPN may bypass regional blocks, though YouTube's terms of service discourage this.

Can I install YouTube on an older phone or tablet?

It depends on your device's age and operating system. iPhone requires iOS 15 or later. Android requires Android 5.0 or later. If your device is older, check your device's settings to see which version of iOS or Android it runs. If it's too old, you can still watch YouTube in your web browser instead of using the app.