How to Change Location on YouTube TV in 2024

YouTube TV makes it easy to watch your local channels and regional sports networks from the comfort of home. But what happens when you travel or move to a new city? Your YouTube TV location settings determine which local channels you can access.

Fortunately, there are several ways to change your location on YouTube TV so you never miss your favorite local programming. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:

Why You Might Need to Change Your YouTube TV Location

There are a few reasons why you may want to change the location on your YouTube TV account:

You’re traveling and want to watch your home local channels
You’ve recently moved and need to update to your new local stations
You want to access regional sports networks or content only available in certain areas

YouTube TV uses your home location to serve up the appropriate local channels, based on agreements with the various broadcast networks. If you’re outside your home area, you’ll lose access to your normal locals.

3 Ways to Change Your YouTube TV Location

Luckily, you have a few different options to work around YouTube TV’s location restrictions:

1. Use a VPN to Spoof Your Location

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to change YouTube TV location is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN masks your real IP address and allows you to connect to a server in a different location, making it appear as if you’re actually there.

To change your YouTube TV region with a VPN:

Sign up for a reputable VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device.
Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the location where you want to watch YouTube TV. For example, if you want to access your Chicago locals, choose a Chicago server.
Launch the YouTube TV app. It should now show your new location and the local channels for that area.

Not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to streaming, so it’s key to choose a service optimized for YouTube TV. Look for VPNs that offer:

Fast, reliable speeds to avoid buffering
Plenty of server locations in the US
Strong security and a no-logs policy
Apps for all the devices you use with YouTube TV
Money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free

If you’re having trouble getting YouTube TV to work with your VPN, check out our guides on fixing common issues:

2. Update Your YouTube TV Home Area

Within your YouTube TV account settings, you can update your Home Area up to twice per year. This is useful if you move to a new city and need to update your location long-term. However, YouTube requires that you’re physically located in the new area when you change it.

Here’s how to update your YouTube TV Home Area:

Open YouTube TV and click on your profile icon.
Select “Settings” and then “Area.”
Click “UPDATE” next to Home Area.
Enter your new location and click “UPDATE.”

Keep in mind you can only change your Home Area twice per year, so use this option sparingly. You’ll also need to wait 3 months between updates.

3. Use an Antenna and DVR

If you want a more permanent solution to access local channels on the go, you can set up an antenna and DVR at home. This allows you to record your local stations and stream them remotely using a compatible app.

Some of the best OTA DVRs for remote streaming include:

With an antenna and OTA DVR, you can watch your local channels from anywhere without needing to worry about YouTube TV’s location settings. The trade-off is you’ll need to purchase additional hardware and set it up yourself.

For more tips on getting the most out of YouTube TV, check out these popular articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about how to change location on YouTube TV? We’ve got answers to some of the most common queries:

Does a VPN work with YouTube TV?

Yes, most high-quality VPNs allow you to easily change your YouTube TV location by connecting to a server in a different city or region. This will mask your real IP address and make it appear as if you’re located somewhere else.

Can I use a free VPN for YouTube TV?

We don’t recommend using a free VPN with YouTube TV. Most free VPNs have slow speeds, limited bandwidth, and fewer server options. They also tend to be less reliable for streaming and may not work with YouTube TV’s location checks. It’s worth investing in an affordable, premium VPN for the best streaming experience.

Will changing my location affect my YouTube TV subscription?

Changing your YouTube TV location will only affect which local channels are available through your subscription. You’ll keep access to the base plan and any premium add-ons. However, if you change your Home Area, you may see a different regional sports network and may lose access to some content only available in your original area.

How often can I change my YouTube TV Home Area?

You can only update your Home Area in YouTube TV’s settings twice per year, and you need to wait at least 3 months between changes. This is why using a VPN is a better solution for most people who need to change their YouTube TV location temporarily.

Your YouTube TV location is tied to your viewing area and can only be used in one place at a time. If you share your account with family members, they’ll only be able to access your Home Area locals if they’re in the same location. To get around this, you can set up a VPN on your router so any device connected to your Wi-Fi appears to be in the same location.

Key Takeaways

Changing your YouTube TV location is easy with the right tools. To watch your favorite local channels while traveling or living somewhere new:

Use a VPN to connect to a server in your preferred location
Update your Home Area in your YouTube TV settings if you’ve moved permanently
Set up an antenna and DVR to stream your locals remotely

No matter which method you use, you’ll never have to miss your local news or sports teams again. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy YouTube TV from anywhere in the country.

Why You Might Need to Change Your YouTube TV Location