4+ Ways to Find YouTube TV on (Old) Samsung TVs & Watch Your Favorite NFL Games

a big arrow pointing at the youtube tv app on the samsung tv screen

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What To Know

  • For older Samsung TVs (pre-2017 models), use streaming devices or screen mirroring methods to access YouTube TV.
  • If outside the U.S., change your Samsung TV’s location settings and use a VPN to access YouTube TV.
  • HDMI adapters offer a solution for Samsung TVs without HDMI ports to connect laptops or streaming devices for YouTube TV.

Are you having trouble finding and installing the YouTube TV app on your older Samsung Smart TV?

This article will walk you through simple and effective solutions, from downloading the app directly to alternative viewing methods.

Keep reading to discover how to seamlessly enjoy your favorite YouTube TV shows on any Samsung TV model.

Key Points to Remember

1. YouTube TV enforces a policy where you must use the service in your home area (linked to the zip code you provided at registration) at least once every three months.

Consequently, regardless of which methods you choose from this article, if you’re accessing YouTube TV from outside the US (or away from your original location), it’s essential to implement the two tricks discussed in this article.

2. You can only change your YouTube TV location (zip code) a maximum of two times each year.

3. No VPN service can precisely spoof your location to match your desired area. Hence, utilizing the two strategies outlined in the aforementioned article is vital for successfully watching YouTube TV from outside the US.

With these crucial points in mind, let’s delve into the main content in the upcoming sections.

2 Reasons Why Can’t You Find the YouTube TV App on Your Samsung TV?

1. YouTube TV App Is Not Supported on Older Samsung TV Models

It’s important to note that the YouTube TV app is compatible only with Samsung TV models released in 2017 or later.

However, if you own a Samsung TV from 2016 or earlier, there’s no need to fret. I’ll show you how to enjoy YouTube TV on any Samsung TV model you may have.

If you’re unsure of your Samsung TV’s release year, you can learn how to check it here.

Should your Samsung TV be a pre-2016 model, rest assured. The next two sections will offer detailed guides on how to access YouTube TV content on any Samsung TV model. Click here to proceed to the relevant solutions.

2. YouTube TV Is Not Available in Your Country – Change Its Location

Since YouTube TV is exclusively available in the United States, if you’re located elsewhere, the YouTube TV app won’t appear on your Samsung TV.

Besides, most TVs, including Samsung TVs, set their location based on the country of manufacture.

For example, my Samsung TV, manufactured in Vietnam, automatically sets its location to Vietnam, thereby excluding the YouTube TV app from the app store.

search for the youtube tv app on a samsung tv

However, you can change your Samsung TV’s location by adjusting its Internet Service Location.

Additionally, you will need to set up a VPN network to mask your IP address, as YouTube TV can detect your actual geographical location.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your Samsung TV’s location and set up a VPN network:

Step 1: Press the Home button, and head to Settings.

settings app of a samsung tv is highlighted

Step 2: Navigate to Support, and select Device Care.

device care option is highligted on a samsung tv

Step 3: Opt for Self Diagnosis.

self diagnosis is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 4: Tap Reset Smart Hub, and enter the 4-digit PIN (The default one is 0000.)

reset smart hub option is highlighted on a samsung tv

enter 4-digit pin to reset smart hub

Step 5: Once the reset process is done, press the Home button, and move upwards to Terms & Policy Setup.

setup option is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 6: Press this key sequence on your Samsung remote: Mute, Volume Up, Channel Up, Mute. This opens the Internet Service Location Setup. Select the United States of America.

united states of america option is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 7: You can check the boxes on the screen to accept some Samsung terms or simply click OK to proceed.

ok option to agree with samsung terms is highlighted

Step 8: Log into your Samsung account, or create a new one if needed.

Step 9: Click Got It.

got it option is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 10: Choose whether to receive Samsung promotions or click Skip.

skip samsung's promotions option is highlighted

Step 11: Decide if you want to Back Up your Samsung TV settings for easy restoration later.

back up option is chosen on a samsung tv

Step 12: Follow on-screen instructions to sign in to other apps, or tap Skip.

skip option is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 13: Select Save to complete the setup.

save option is highlighted on a samsung tv

Step 14: Finally, set up a VPN network to appear as if you are in the US. For detailed VPN setup instructions, refer to our comprehensive article on the topic.

youtube tv content on a samsung tv before and after setting up a VPN network

With your Samsung TV’s location settings changed, let’s move to the next section to install the YouTube TV app.

How to Install the YouTube TV App on Your Samsung TV (2017 or Later)

After successfully changing your Samsung TV’s location settings to the US, you will find the YouTube TV app available in your app store. Here’s the straightforward process to install it:

Step 1: Press the Home button, and head to Apps.

samsung tv's apps option is highlighted

Step 2: Move to the Search icon and type in “youtube tv”.

search icon is highlighted on a samsung tv

youtube tv app appears on the search result of a samsung tv

Step 3: Select the YouTube TV app from the search results and click on Install.

install youtube tv on a samsung tv

Step 4: Wait a few moments for the installation to complete, then choose Open.

open youtube tv app on a samsung tv

Step 5: Sign in with your YouTube TV account to start enjoying your favorite shows, including NFL games and more.

youtube tv app opened on a samsung tv

3 Alternative Ways to Watch YouTube TV on Your Samsung TV

1. Get a Streaming Device

For those with older Samsung TV models, a fantastic alternative is to use a streaming device.

Options such as Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick, and Chromecast with Google TV are all excellent choices, as they support the YouTube TV app in their respective stores.

The setup is quite simple: just connect your chosen streaming device to your Samsung TV and install the YouTube TV app on that device.

However, keep in mind that some older models, like the Apple TV 2nd generation, may not be compatible with the YouTube TV app.

For a comprehensive list of compatible devices, you can visit the official YouTube TV website.

If you’re in a location where YouTube TV isn’t available, remember you might need to create a US account for your streaming device, as content availability often depends on the account’s registered location.

For example, when using a Roku device, a US Roku account is necessary. The Roku interface can vary significantly depending on the account’s region.

To guide you through the process of setting up a US Roku account, we have a detailed guide on this topic available here.

Now, let me demonstrate with my Roku Express 4K+:

Step 1: Turn on both your Roku device and Samsung TV.

Step 2: Use an HDMI cable to connect the Roku to your Samsung TV.

Step 3: Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote and go to Source.

Step 4: Switch the input to the HDMI port connected to your Roku.

Step 5: On the Roku Home screen, navigate to the Streaming store.

streaming store option is highlighted on a roku

Step 6: Tap the magnifying glass icon, and type in “youtube tv”.

search for youtube tv on roku streaming store, youtube tv app is pointed at

Step 7: Select Add app to download it onto your Roku. If your Roku requires a PIN, enter it and press OK.

add youtube tv app on a roku

Step 8: Finally, log into your YouTube TV account to access its wide range of content.

sign-in screen of the youtube tv app on a roku

2. Mirror Your Laptop Screen 

mirror youtube tv from a laptop onto a samsung tv

Screen mirroring your laptop to your Samsung TV is an effective alternative to enjoying YouTube TV. Here are two methods to accomplish this:

Use an HDMI Cable

Step 1: Connect your laptop to your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable.

Step 2: Switch your Samsung TV’s input to the HDMI port that’s connected to your laptop.

Step 3: Now, open a web browser on your laptop and navigate to tv.youtube.com to start streaming your favorite YouTube TV shows and movies.

Use AirPlay

MacBook users can utilize AirPlay for a smooth screen mirroring experience to a Samsung TV.

We’ve compiled a detailed guide on how to use AirPlay from a MacBook to a Samsung TV. This guide provides comprehensive instructions to help you through the process.

After successfully mirroring your MacBook to the Samsung TV using AirPlay, simply open a web browser on your MacBook, log into your YouTube TV account at tv.youtube.com, and you’re ready to enjoy streaming.

3. Mirror Your Phone Screen

Encountering difficulties with accessing the YouTube TV app on your Samsung TV? There’s an easy solution!

Your smartphone can serve as a bridge to enjoy YouTube TV content on your television.

Here’s how you can do it, demonstrated with an iPhone 13 Pro and a Samsung UA43U7002KXXV TV:

Step 1: Ensure both your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: On your Samsung TV, head to Settings, and opt for General.

Step 3: Locate and enter Apple AirPlay Settings.

apple airplay settings option on a samsung tv is highlighted

Step 4: Enable the AirPlay feature.

airplay feature option is turned on on a samsung tv

Step 5: On the iPhone, swipe down from the top to open the Control Center, and tap on Screen Mirroring.

Step 6: From the list of devices, choose your Samsung TV, and enter the AirPlay Code if required.

Step 7: Install and open the YouTube TV app on your iPhone.

mirror youtube tv from a phone onto a samsung tv

This method is just the beginning! If you’re interested in discovering more ways to connect your smartphone – be it an iPhone or an Android – to your Samsung TV, we have plenty of information available.

Check out our comprehensive article that details various methods, both wired and wireless, for linking your devices.

How to Watch the YouTube TV App on Older Samsung TVs Without HDMI Ports?

If your Samsung TV lacks HDMI ports, or if they are unusable for some reason, don’t worry – alternative methods using different ports are available.

For detailed instructions on these methods, you can refer to a dedicated article we have on this topic.

Below, I’ll guide you through connecting a laptop to a Samsung TV using an HDMI to RCA adapter as an example.

Note: This approach is also applicable for connecting streaming devices like Roku with a suitable adapter.

Step 1: Ensure both your laptop and Samsung TV are powered on.

Step 2: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your laptop and the other end into the HDMI to RCA adapter.

Step 3: Plug the RCA cable into the adapter’s RCA ports and those corresponding ports on your Samsung TV.

Step 4: On the Samsung TV, hit the Home button and head to Source.

Step 5: Switch the TV’s input to the one connected to your laptop.

Step 6: Open a web browser on your laptop and visit tv.youtube.com to begin streaming YouTube TV content, mirrored from your laptop to your Samsung TV.

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