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The easiest way is to open the YouTube app on your smart TV, game console, or connected streaming device and select the live stream. If your TV does not have the app, cast from the YouTube app on a phone or tablet, or cast from a computer browser. When your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks, you can link them with a TV code.
Start with the YouTube app on your TV
Open YouTube on your smart TV, game console, or streaming device, then find and select the live stream. YouTube says its app is available on most smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices. If you cannot find it, check the device’s app store and the installation instructions for that platform.
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For platform-specific installation guidance, see YouTube’s instructions for downloading the app on a smart TV or game console. The exact menus depend on your device model.
Cast a live stream from a phone or tablet
Use this option when the TV or streaming device can run YouTube and both devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network. YouTube’s mobile casting instructions apply to the YouTube app; a mobile browser at youtube.com cannot cast this way.
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- Connect the phone or tablet and the TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the YouTube app on the TV or streaming device.
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet and select the live stream.
- Tap Cast, then choose the TV or streaming device.
If the TV does not appear in the Cast list, make sure YouTube is open on the TV and check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi. Also check whether the mobile device needs local-network discovery permission enabled. YouTube’s casting help gives a specific permission note for Android 17 and later.
Link a phone to the TV with a code
If your phone and TV are on different networks, use YouTube’s TV-code linking route rather than ordinary same-network casting. This option is for a phone or tablet; YouTube does not offer TV-code linking with computers.
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- On the TV or streaming device, open the YouTube app and go to Settings > Add a device. A code should appear on the screen.
- On the phone or tablet, open the YouTube app and tap Cast > Add a device.
- Enter the code shown on the TV.
Once linked, select the live stream in the YouTube app and use the linked device to control playback. If linking fails, confirm the code is entered correctly and repeat the steps to display a fresh code.
Cast from a computer
A computer can cast from youtube.com when it and the TV or streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Browser casting does not include some features; YouTube directs viewers to its app for advanced features.
Rank #3
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- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Connect the computer and TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open youtube.com in a browser and open the live stream.
- In the video player, select the three-dot menu, choose Cast, and select the TV or streaming device.
If your TV does not have the YouTube app
A compatible streaming device with the YouTube app is an optional way to add app access to a TV that lacks it. YouTube documents installation paths for Android TV or Google TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV. Check the specific model’s app support before buying; compatibility depends on the device. A separate streaming device is not needed if your TV already supports YouTube.
Common problems and what to check
- The TV is missing from the phone’s Cast list: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, YouTube is open on the TV, and local-network discovery permissions are enabled if required.
- The phone and TV are on different networks: Use the TV-code method in the YouTube app instead of ordinary mobile casting.
- You are using an older Chromecast: YouTube says direct sign-in on older Chromecast devices is unsupported. You can control the cast session from a signed-in phone; see YouTube’s TV and game-console sign-in guidance.
- The stream still will not play: Device and stream compatibility are not universal, and availability can vary. The official help pages do not establish that every live stream works on every TV or in every country.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you are asking about keeping your own uploaded video live on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is a different use case from watching someone else’s live stream: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
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- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Keep ordinary YouTube Live separate from YouTube TV
These instructions are for watching a YouTube live stream in the YouTube app or on youtube.com. YouTube TV is a separate subscription television service; YouTube directs its members to the separate YouTube TV Help Center.
Quick Recap
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