When you sign up for YouTube TV, you’ll answer some questions about your current zip code. In some cases, you may need to verify where your device is located. These settings help you get the correct networks available in your area. YouTube allows the streaming of live and local shows, so setting up your location accurately will affect your viewing. After all, no one wants to miss their favorite games or new season episodes!

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. We’ll help you stream those fast-paced shows you won’t want to miss.

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 or Android

Changing Home Area on a computer or Android device:

1. Open YouTube TV.
2. Select your profile picture.
3. Click on Settings.
4. Click Area.
5. Choose Home Area.
6. Next to Home Area, click Update.

On iOS

Changing your Home Area on an iOS device:

1. Sign into YouTube TV on a mobile browser or computer.
2. Click your profile picture.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click Area.
5. Choose Home Area.
6. Next to Home Area, click 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 Settings.
4. Click Area.
5. Click Current Playback Area.
6. On your mobile phone, go to tv.youtube.com/verify.
7. 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 YouTube TV.
2. Click your profile picture.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click Area.
5. 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.

Use a VPN

Some YouTube TV subscribers opt to use a VPN to access content that was not originally 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 is 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.
2. Install VPN software.
3. Log into 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 while outside the U.S. does not 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. You should know 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 data cap and numerous 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 the best free VPNs may have limitations. If you want a reliable, high-speed VPN, 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 Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video:

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.
2. Atlas VPN: Atlas is a free plan that allows you to upgrade to the paid version for additional features. You get plenty of data per month and there are no bandwidth restrictions.
3. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries and supports live YouTube TV streaming.
4. 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 with Surfshark’s fast speeds when connected to both U.S. servers and U.K. servers.

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix

• Too many confusing plans

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.

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a freelance writer who specializes in all things technology. Her expertise includes antivirus software, online security strategies, and safety practices. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and extensive experience working in the IT field. In her spare time, Patti is an avid reader and researcher, and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.