Productivity · Platform not recorded
Link YouTube to a TV
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Cast on the same Wi-Fi network, pair while signed in to the same Google Account, or use the TV code shown in the YouTube TV app.
Choose the right connection method
Casting normally requires the phone, tablet, or computer and TV to use the same Wi-Fi network. Pairing can be offered when both YouTube apps use the same Google Account. A TV code can link a phone or tablet even when normal discovery is unavailable.
Prepare both YouTube apps
Open YouTube on the smart TV or streaming device and on the mobile device. Update both apps if the Cast icon or settings are missing, and confirm the TV is connected to the intended network.
Cast over the same Wi-Fi network
On the phone, tablet, or supported browser, open a video, select Cast, and choose the TV or streaming device. Start playback and use the sending device for pause, seeking, and queue controls.
Accept account-based pairing
When YouTube detects the same signed-in Google Account on both devices, it may show a Connect prompt on the phone. Confirm the TV name before accepting, especially on a shared network.
Link with a TV code
In the YouTube app on the TV, open Settings > Link with TV code and leave the code visible. On the phone or tablet, open YouTube Settings > Watch on TV > Enter TV code, type the displayed code, and select Link.
Stop or unlink the connection
Select Cast > Stop casting or Disconnect when finished. To remove a stored TV-code link, open Watch on TV settings on the phone or linked-device settings on the TV and delete the device.
Fix a TV that does not appear
Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi rather than separate guest networks, restart the YouTube apps, and verify local-network permission on the phone. Use the TV-code method if discovery still fails.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the TV is not discovered, verify both devices use the same non-guest Wi-Fi and that the phone allows local-network access. Restart both YouTube apps or use Link with TV code; remove stale links before pairing a shared or renamed TV again.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
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