The Essential Guide to Changing Your YouTube TV Location

There are two main ways to change your location on YouTube TV: use a VPN to make it seem like your internet connection is coming from a different location then updating your playback area, or change your Home Area by putting a new zipcode.

Both methods will help you catch the latest games or hottest local news, no matter where you are.

Use a VPN and update playback area

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 (you may need to update your playback area. See below).

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.

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. If you want to spoof a different location then your current one, make sure you download a VPN mobile app to change your location. A GPS spoofing app may be needed as well.
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 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.
   

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:

• 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. Plus, this top VPN provider is known for seamlessly unblocking streaming platforms and boasts 6,800+ servers worldwide.
  
  
  Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

  

  5.0

  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

  BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 74% off + 3 free months

  • 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
  
  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• 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.
  
  
  Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

  

  4.8

  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 Surfshark's website

  VPN

  Surfshark

  BLACK FRIDAY: Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra

  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• 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.
  
  
  Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go

  

  4.6

  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 ExpressVPN's website

  VPN

  ExpressVPN

  BLACK FRIDAY: Save 61% + 6 months extra

  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
  
  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Top 3 VPN services for YouTube TV compared

VPN
Starting price	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually)
Unblocks YouTube TV
Number of servers	6,300+ in 111 countries	3,200+ in 100 countries	Servers in 105 countries
Other streaming support	Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Yes — Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, Hotstar, and more	Yes — Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

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. 

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 playback area settings. The location permissions designate what shows you can 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 for YouTube TV will help keep your online activity private and protect you against internet hackers while streaming your favorite YouTube TV programs.