If you’re like me, you’ve been watching YouTube since you were ten years old and still avidly follow your favorite O.G. creators. You used to exclusively watch YouTube on your phone and computer, but you’ve recently wanted to watch it on a bigger screen.
You have a fairly old Samsung smart TV and have been wondering if you could install the YouTube TV app on it. It doesn’t support many mainstream apps, but maybe it will support this one.
Is YouTube TV available on old Samsung smart TVs? If so, how can you install it on your TV? What are some alternatives to downloading the YouTube TV app?
Keep reading to find out!
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Is YouTube TV Available on Old Samsung Smart TVs?
Yes, some old Samsung smart TVs support the YouTube TV app.
However, only Samsung smart TV models released in 2016 or after will support it. Samsung smart TVs released in 2015 or before will not be compatible with the app and, consequently, will not have it in their app stores.
To see if your Samsung smart TV supports YouTube TV, you can either try installing it by following the steps in the next section or look up its model number to see its release date.
How to Install YouTube TV on Old Samsung Smart TVs?
Follow the instructions below to install the YouTube TV app on your TV.
Step 1: Go to your TV’s Home page by clicking the Home button.
Step 2: Head to the top of the screen and access the Search function by clicking the magnifying glass icon.
Step 3: Use the on-screen keyboard to type YouTube TV into the search bar.
Step 4: Click on the YouTube TV app from the list of results.
Step 5: Click on Install.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to install apps on old Samsung smart TVs.
Alternatives
If your Samsung smart TV was released before 2016 and does not support YouTube TV, consider using a streaming stick.
Streaming sticks plug into your TV’s HDMI port (or an HDMI adapter, if your unit’s HDMI port is broken). They display a smart interface with countless streaming apps, including YouTube TV.
The great thing about streaming sticks is that they connect directly to your home’s internet and are compatible with any HDMI-compatible TV, no matter how old. This means you can use them on any TV in your house and even take them on vacation.
They’re modestly priced and a great addition to your aging TV setup.
Before you can add channels to your streaming stick, you will need to set up the hardware by plugging the device into your TV’s HDMI port or compatible adapter. Then, connect the streaming stick to power with its included power cable and USB power adapter.
Now, that your streaming stick is set up, you’re ready to install the YouTube TV app on it!
Let’s learn how!
Roku
Step 1: Click your Roku remote’s Home button, represented by a house icon.
Step 2: Navigate to Streaming Channels.
Step 3: Click on Search Channels.
Step 4: Type YouTube TV into the search bar and select it.
Step 5: Click Add Channel to install the app onto your Roku. If your device’s AppStore is PIN-protected, enter your PIN when prompted followed by OK.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to add apps to your Roku streaming stick.
Fire TV
Step 1: If your Fire TV’s voice command function is enabled, press and hold the remote’s Mic button and say “Search for YouTube TV in apps.”
Otherwise, you can search for it using the Search function found on the Home page.
Step 2: From the results, click on YouTube TV. Then, select Install to install it.
Watch the video to see how to install apps on a Fire TV device.
Apple TV
Step 1: Head to the Home screen.
Step 2: Open the App Store.
Step 3: Navigate to the Search tool, marked by a magnifying glass icon.
Step 4: Use the on-screen keyboard to search for YouTube TV. To download it, select Get. If your App Store is password-protected, enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to install apps on an Apple TV.
Wrapping Things Up
Samsung smart TVs released in 2016 or after will support the YouTube TV app, however models released before then will not.
If your Samsung smart TV does not support the YouTube TV app, you can access it using a streaming stick instead. These handy gadgets work with all HDMI-compatible TVs and feature a smart OS.
Simply connect the streaming device to Wi-Fi and download YouTube TV from their built-in app stores to start watching your favorite YouTubers in no time!
What’s your experience watching YouTube TV on an old Samsung smart TV? Do you have a favorite streaming stick brand?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.