How Many Devices Can YouTube TV Be On? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s cut to the chase: YouTube TV allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. This is a crucial point for families or households with multiple TV enthusiasts. But that’s not the whole story. There are nuances to this seemingly simple number. Read on to uncover all the details and frequently asked questions.

Concurrent Streaming Limits Explained

Understanding the limitations surrounding concurrent streaming is key to a smooth YouTube TV experience. While you can have unlimited devices logged into your YouTube TV account, only three can stream content at the same time. Let’s break this down further:

• The 3-Device Rule: This is the golden rule. Regardless of how many smartphones, smart TVs, or tablets are logged into your account, only three of them can actively stream different content at the same time.
• What Counts as a Device? Any device capable of running the YouTube TV app counts as a device. This includes Smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Chromecast, or Apple TV), smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Why This Limit? The limit is in place to prevent account sharing with individuals outside your household. It’s a common practice among streaming services to protect their revenue streams.
• What happens if you try to exceed the limit? When you try to stream on a fourth device while three others are already playing, you’ll receive an error message. The message will typically state that you’ve reached the maximum number of simultaneous streams. You’ll then need to stop a stream on one of the other devices to begin watching on the new one.
• The 4K Plus Add-on: This add-on will let you stream on unlimited devices within your home network, with a maximum of 3 simultaneous streams outside your home network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions users have about YouTube TV’s device limits.

1. How many profiles can I create on YouTube TV?

You can create up to six individual profiles within a YouTube TV account. Each profile can have its own personalized recommendations, watch history, and DVR library. This allows each member of the household to have a customized experience.

2. Does watching on a computer count as a device?

Yes, watching YouTube TV on a computer through a web browser does count as one of the three allowed devices. It’s treated the same way as streaming through a smart TV or streaming device.

3. Can I watch YouTube TV on my phone while someone else watches on a TV?

Yes, you can. A smartphone, a smart TV, and a tablet could all stream different content simultaneously, as long as they are on separate profiles and within the three-device limit.

4. What happens if I’m traveling? Can I still watch YouTube TV?

Yes, you can watch YouTube TV while traveling, but your viewing experience might be subject to certain limitations. YouTube TV uses your home location to determine the local channels you receive. When you travel, you will receive the local channels available in your current location, which could be different from your home channels. Also, you can only stream on 3 devices simultaneously outside of your home network, even with the 4K Plus add-on.

5. How do I manage devices logged into my YouTube TV account?

You can’t directly see a list of all the devices currently logged into your account and remotely log them out through the YouTube TV interface. However, if you suspect unauthorized access, changing your Google account password will force all devices to re-authenticate, effectively logging them out.

6. Does the 4K Plus add-on affect the number of simultaneous streams?

Yes, the 4K Plus add-on changes the rules. With this add-on, you can stream on unlimited devices simultaneously within your home network. The simultaneous 3-device limit, however, still applies when you’re streaming outside your home network.

7. How does YouTube TV define “home network”?

Your home network is determined by your primary viewing location, which you set up when you first subscribed to YouTube TV. It’s important to keep this location updated, especially if you move. YouTube TV will periodically ask you to confirm this location to ensure you’re receiving the correct local channels.

8. Can I share my YouTube TV account with people outside my household?

While technically you can, it’s against YouTube TV’s terms of service. The service is intended for use within a single household. Sharing your account with people outside your household can lead to account suspension. The 4K Plus add-on can allow you to stream on unlimited devices on your home network, but it is still meant for use within the household.

9. If I have a family sharing plan on Google, does that affect the number of devices I can use with YouTube TV?

No, Google Family Sharing allows you to share other Google services like YouTube Premium, Google One storage, and purchased apps. It doesn’t change the YouTube TV simultaneous streaming limits.

10. I’m getting an error message saying I’ve exceeded the device limit, but I only have two devices streaming. What’s going on?

There are a few possible reasons for this. First, double-check that no other devices are streaming, even in the background. Second, a device might be stuck in a “streaming” state even if it’s not actively playing video. Try restarting all devices that might have been recently used to watch YouTube TV. Third, contact YouTube TV support for assistance; they can investigate your account and identify any issues.

11. Can I download content to watch offline on multiple devices?

YouTube TV does not currently offer the ability to download content for offline viewing. This is a common feature request, but as of now, it’s not available. You’ll need an active internet connection to stream content.

12. How does YouTube TV track device usage for the simultaneous stream limit?

YouTube TV likely uses a combination of IP address, device ID, and Google account information to track device usage. When a device starts streaming, it registers with YouTube TV’s servers. When the number of registered streaming devices exceeds the limit, subsequent attempts to stream are blocked.