The Essential Guide to Changing Your YouTube TV Location

Many people are trying out YouTube TV for the first time for its extensive selection of content. If you’re thinking of giving this service a go, keep reading to learn how to easily manage your YouTube TV location settings — including using the best VPNs to unblock YouTube TV from almost any location. We’ll help you stream those fast-paced shows you won’t want to miss.

Use a VPN

Some YouTube TV subscribers opt to use a VPN to access content that's not available in their area. With this method, they can bypass changing the YouTube TV location settings. Many people use a VPN with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services.

Using a VPN is a reliable way to view different shows on YouTube TV when you’re on the move. It's also a secure way to stream online programming when you’re using public Wi-Fi.

To change your location permissions with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a VPN service like NordVPN.
2. Install VPN software.
3. Log in to your VPN app.
4. Connect to the server in the location you desire.
5. Sign in to your YouTube TV account and watch the shows on the network of the new location.

While YouTube TV is limited to the U.S., using a VPN to access content outside the U.S. doesn't violate the YouTube TV terms of service. But you may get blocked if YouTube TV can still detect you’re currently outside the U.S.

The best VPNs should bypass geo-blocked content, but YouTube TV still may not work outside the U.S. streaming areas.

You can always try a GPS location spoofing app in combination with a VPN if you’re trying to access YouTube TV from an available location.

These aren’t always reliable, though. GPS spoofers are used to override a GPS-enabled device’s actual location. It uses fake radio signals to display different locations. Note that some spoofing apps may have data leaks that reveal your true IP address and other data.

Best VPNs for YouTube TV

When searching for the best VPNs for YouTube TV, you want to opt for the ones that don’t log your data. Look for a high, or unlimited, data cap and numerous VPN servers. Having only a small amount of data can make it frustrating to stream your favorite television shows.

Sometimes you get what you pay for, so even low-cost VPNs may have limitations. If you want a reliable, high-speed VPN service, choosing a monthly, paid subscription service is likely your best bet. Most paid VPN services offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can request a refund if it doesn’t unblock the local channels you’re looking for.

Here are a few of the best VPNs for YouTube TV, many of which also unblock other streaming platforms:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN is one of our top-recommended services thanks to its fast speeds and security. We also like that you can opt for a two-year subscription to save money.
   
   Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
2. ExpressVPN: With servers in 105 countries and fast speeds, ExpressVPN is a favorite among those who want to stream geo-restricted content. It also has VPN apps for multiple devices, including gaming consoles and smart TVs, so you can watch YouTube TV wherever you're most comfortable.
   
   Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review
3. Surfshark: Not only does Surfshark come with some of the lowest pricing, but it also easily unblocked foreign TV shows for us. We were also impressed that it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use your subscription across all your devices.
   
   Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

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Change YouTube TV Home Area

Your Home Area is your home zip code. When you sign up for YouTube TV, you’ll enter your address to verify your service area.

YouTube TV allows you to view programs that air over affiliate networks within your service location. You can only update your home area twice per year and you must be in the new location to change your settings. Here’s how simple it is to change your Home Area:

On desktop

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to YouTube TV.
2. Select your profile photo.
3. Click on Location.
4. Next to Home area, click Update.

On Android and iOS

1. Open the YouTube TV app on your smartphone.
2. Select your profile photo > Location.
3. Next to Home area, tap Update. 

Update current playback area

With YouTube TV, your current playback area is different from your Home Area.

Your current playback area is the geographical area outside your home location.

YouTube TV detects the area based on your current location tags. If you travel outside your home area, you won’t be able to watch local networks only available in your designated home area. Instead, you’ll have access to the local programs in the specific region you go to, so you’ll need to adjust the settings as you travel.

For example, let’s say you travel to another town or state. YouTube will bookmark the new location as your playback area and you’ll be able to watch the shows available to that location.

Here’s how to change your current playback area on YouTube TV:

On your smart TV

To change the current playback area on your TV:

1. Open the YouTube TV app on your TV.
2. Click your profile picture.
3. Select Location.
4. Next to Current playback area, hit Update.
   
5. On your mobile phone, go to tv.youtube.com/verify.
6. Allow the website to use your phone’s location. That will update your current playback area.

On iPhone, Android, or browser

To change your current playback area on your iPhone, Android, or web browser:

1. Open the YouTube TV app or go to the YouTube TV website on your browser.
2. Click your profile picture.
3. Select Location.
4. Next to Current Playback Area, choose Update.
   

Change location permissions

When you set up your permissions, which includes your home area, you’ll have access to only the networks available to that location. If you move, you’ll need to adjust those settings to reflect the change. That’s especially important if you like to record shows. When you travel, you can view, but not record anything outside of your home area.

You’ll also want to know how to update these settings so that you don’t miss anything you’ve been wanting to see. Sports fans may go on vacation, but that doesn’t mean they want to miss the big game.

Football games tend to air over local affiliate networks, while other sports like hockey and baseball generally air over regional networks. Knowing this may help you plan how to change those settings or go somewhere to watch your favorite team play.

What you can watch and record on YouTube TV depends on your home area and your playback area settings. The location permissions are set up to designate what shows you get to watch based on your geographical location.

On iPhone or Android

If you need to update or manage the permissions on your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open your device’s settings.
2. Tap on Apps and Notifications.
3. Scroll to YouTube TV in your apps list.
4. Click Permissions, then Location to view your current settings.
5. Tap to select a different option if you need to switch to another setting.

On desktop

To update location permissions on your computer:

1. Open your browser Settings.
2. Go to the Privacy and security section.
3. Click Site settings.
4. Select Location and change the location settings.

YouTube TV location FAQ

Bottom line

YouTube TV streaming has allowed many people to cut the cable cord. Still, there are some settings you’ll need to be familiar with so that you can adjust the permissions as needed.

Knowing how to use YouTube TV more efficiently will give you the best viewing experience. If you travel and will need to bypass region blocks to view channels outside your home area, it’s a good idea to invest in a reliable VPN service. The best VPNs will help keep your online activity private and protect you against internet hackers while streaming your favorite YouTube TV programs.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.