How to Watch YouTube on Smart TV for Free? Step by Step Guide

Want access to YouTube videos on your big screen but for free? Don’t want to spend on a premium subscription? Then you are at the right place. Here we are going to decode the steps of how to watch your Fav videos for free. There are alternative ways to watch YouTube on a smart TV without spending a single penny. The good news is that most modern Smart TVs come equipped with the necessary features to make this a seamless experience.

This detailed guide will walk you through the various step-by-step methods to get the YouTube App on your Smart TV to set your gadget zone for absolutely no cost, focusing on the readily available free features of the platform.

Benefits of Watching YouTube on a Smart TV

• Big Screen Experience: Enjoy videos, concerts, documentaries, and vlogs on a large, immersive screen, far more engaging than a phone or tablet.
• Better Sound: Leverage your TV's speakers or a connected soundbar/home theatre system for superior audio quality.
• Family Viewing: Easily share content with family and friends in the living room.
• Comfort: Kick back on your couch and navigate content with a remote, without having to hold a mobile device.
• Reduced Mobile Data Usage: Watching on your Smart TV uses your home Wi-Fi, saving your mobile data allowance.

Understanding YouTube on Smart TVs (Free vs Premium)

Before diving into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the distinction between free YouTube and YouTube Premium. And after this, we will exclusively cover methods that allow you to watch the ad-supported, free version of YouTube on your Smart TV.

Free YouTube: This is the standard YouTube experience, supported by advertisements. You get access to millions of videos, live streams, channels, and features like subscriptions, likes, comments, and watch history. This is what we will focus on for free viewing.

YouTube Premium: This is a paid subscription service that offers an ad-free viewing experience, background playback on mobile devices, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium. While these features enhance the experience, they are not necessary for watching YouTube content on your Smart TV.

Also Read: Which Are The Best Smart TVs In 2025? 

Method 1: Using the Built-in YouTube Smart TV App

a) On your TV, Select the YouTube App
Find the red and white YouTube icon with a white triangle on the App screen of your TV. After opening the app, you will see a Sign In screen. If you do not already have the app, you must download it from the App Store to your TV.

b) Sign in to YouTube
To sign in to YouTube, you will need a Google Account. On a Smart TV, open the YouTube app and look for a "Sign in" option, usually on the left-hand navigation or via your profile picture if already in guest mode. You will typically be given a few options: sign in with your phone (if on the same Wi-Fi), directly on the TV using the on-screen keyboard, or via a web browser using a TV code. For the TV code method, go to youtube.com/activate on another device (phone/computer), enter the code displayed on your TV, and follow the prompts to sign in with your Google account. This connects your personalised YouTube experience, including subscriptions and watch history, to your TV.

Note: You can watch YouTube on an LG Smart TV without the App. If not this one, you can also look for another smart TV from brands like Samsung, Sony, and so on.

Method 2: Casting YouTube from Your Smartphone or Tablet

Streaming YouTube to a smart TV from an Android phone or tablet is a popular and convenient way to enjoy content on your Smart TV for free. This method essentially turns your mobile device into a remote control. To begin, ensure both your smartphone/tablet and Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and start playing any video.

You will then see a "Cast" icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) within the video player. Tapping this icon will display a list of compatible devices on your network; simply select your Smart TV. The video will then seamlessly transfer and play on your TV, allowing you to control playback, volume, and even queue additional videos directly from your phone.

Also This: Which Are The Top Smart TVs With Voice Assistants in India?

Method 3: Linking YouTube Using a TV Code (When Casting Fails or Wi-Fi Differs)

Linking YouTube via a TV code is a reliable alternative when direct casting is not working or your devices are on different Wi-Fi networks. First, open the YouTube app on your Smart TV and navigate to "Settings," then select "Link with TV code." Your TV will display a unique alphanumeric code. Next, on your smartphone or tablet, open the YouTube app, tap the "Cast" icon, and then choose "Link with TV code" from the options.

Carefully enter the code shown on your TV into your mobile device. Once entered and confirmed, your mobile device will connect to the TV, allowing you to control video playback from your phone, effectively turning it into a remote for your big-screen YouTube experience.

Additional Tips for an Optimal Free YouTube Experience

For smooth, free YouTube on Smart TV, ensure a stable internet connection: 3 Mbps for SD, 5-10 Mbps for HD, and 20-25 Mbps for 4K. Keep your TV and YouTube app updated for optimal performance and bug fixes. If issues arise, clear the YouTube app's cache (Settings > Apps > YouTube > Clear Cache) or restart your TV and router. Leverage YouTube's features like search, subscriptions, watch history, playlists, and recommendations by signing in. Remember, ads are part of the free experience and cannot be skipped.

Consider a Streaming Stick (Optional): If your Smart TV is older, has a slow interface, or doesn't support the latest YouTube app versions, consider YouTube smart TV app alternatives like a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku Streaming Stick. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and offer a dedicated, often faster, streaming experience with access to all major apps, including YouTube. They are a one-time purchase and provide free access to YouTube.

Read More: Top Smart TV Brands Of 2025

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