How To Watch YouTube TV Local Channels When Traveling?

Knowing how to watch YouTube TV local channels when traveling outside your region gives you the possibility to stay in touch with local media.

When you travel beyond your state, your YouTube TV channel lineup changes automatically. But don’t worry, there is a way to keep watching your favorite local content no matter where you are. I’ll explain all you need to know below.

Can I change local channels on YouTube TV?

Yes, you can change local channels on YouTube TV and watch content from other regions. For that, you’ll need to do 2 things: update your ZIP code information and use a VPN to get an IP address from your desired region.

This is because YouTube TV picks the channels based on the location information in your user profile. Furthermore, to ensure accuracy, it cross-verifies said information with the location data from your IP address.

So, how can you change that?

How to watch YouTube TV local channels while traveling?

Here’s how to watch YouTube TV with VPN:

1. Set up the VPN on your device

The process of setting up a VPN on your device is easy. Below, you have an example of how to configure NordVPN on PC.

You can apply these steps with any other service or device, as they are pretty similar.

1. Download the VPN client and install it on your device.
   
2. Launch the application and go to the available server locations.
   
3. Select a VPN server from your new US location. NordVPN has servers in many different US location, including Atlanta, Charlotte, LA, New York, San Francisco, and many more.
4. Connect to that server and start watching YouTube TV local channels hassle-free.

A thing to note here is that YouTube TV attempts to block VPNs. This means not all services will work, so you have to be careful what you choose.

How to pick a VPN for YouTube TV:

As a seasoned VPN user, here’s what I recommend you look for:

• US Server Locations: Opt for a VPN with a wide range of servers across the US, especially in cities where YouTube TV offers local channels you want to access.
• High-Speed Connections: This ensures you can watch live TV, sports, and shows without buffering, ideally in HD or 4K.
• Consistent Reliability: Your VPN should have a track record of stability. This means no sudden disconnections or drops in quality, which are important for live events and shows on YouTube TV.
• Strong Privacy Features: Ensure the VPN uses strong encryption and maintains a strict no-logs policy. This keeps your streaming habits secure and prevents your ISP from throttling your bandwidth while watching YouTube TV.

Here’s a quick overview of the best VPNs for YouTube TV that check all these boxes:

Feature	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	PIA (Private Internet Access)
US Server Locations	Over 1,970 servers in 15+ cities	23+ server locations across the US	Over 1,500 servers in 14+ cities
In-House Speed Test Results (on 152 Mbps Internet)	125 Mbps – Good for HD and some 4K streaming.	135 Mbps – Excellent for HD and 4K streaming.	120 Mbps – Good for HD streaming.
Device Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
Simultaneous Connections	6	5	Unlimited

With these VPNs, you can trick YouTube TV location and access local content from different states and even from outside the US.

If you complete the process successfully, you should be able to watch YouTube TV local channels that match the area identified after you entered your US ZIP Code.

2. Change your YouTube TV area

Make sure your VPN connection is up and running, and let’s get started:

1. Open YouTube TV and click on Settings.
2. Go to Area. Here, you have the option to update either your Home area or Current playback area.
3. Select the area and click on UPDATE LOCATION. Make sure to allow your browser to access your location if prompted.
4. Alternatively, you can update the area using your phone by clicking on UPDATE WITH MOBILE and following the instructions.

When you subscribe to YouTube TV, you provide your home ZIP Code and even might have to confirm location through device permissions.

Based on this information, YouTube TV decides which local channels to show you. To watch hometown channels or programs from other regions, you have to update this information to match your VPN’s region.

Note: You can only change your home area twice per year.

Also, If you travel frequently, make sure to use YouTube TV at least once every 3 months in your home area. This check-in makes sure YouTube TV can continue to offer you the correct local networks.

Does YouTube TV block VPNs?

Yes. YouTube TV does block VPNs. From my research and multiple tests I ran trying to access YouTube TV with various VPNs, I can say that YouTube TV isn’t VPN-friendly at all.

Whether you want to use the service from the USA or from abroad, they may detect and block your VPN. As a result, you won’t have access to the service, and you’ll get this error message in return:

This means YouTube TV detected that you’re using a VPN or proxy server to get around its geo-block.

Why does YouTube TV block VPNs?

Since YouTube TV pays for digital streaming rights, it does not want to allow users outside the locations to watch their content.

That’s because this can generate issues with licensing and copyright.

Therefore, YouTube TV does all it can to block access to its service for those outside of its broadcast areas. The streaming service uses complex detection technology to blacklist IPs coming from VPN providers.

For example, when it detects a large number of simultaneous connections coming from the same IP address, it will blacklist that IP.

This process can continue until an entire VPN network of servers is banned by YouTube TV. That’s why you need to pick a VPN that can bypass this detection in the first place.

How to subscribe to YouTube TV from abroad

Watching YouTube TV local channels is pretty straightforward if you’re within the US and already have an account.

However, if you’re a first-time subscriber and are currently located outside the US, you have to follow an extra step: create a YouTube TV account.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Use a VPN to connect to a US server. Before you access YouTube TV, make sure to connect to a VPN server from the States. Otherwise, the site will know you’re abroad and block you.
2. Hop on YouTube TV and create a new account.
   • Open YouTube TV on your device.
3. Click on SIGN IN.
4. Add your Google account.
5. Enter the ZIP code for your location. You can find US Zip codes from various areas on sites like unitedstateszipcodes.org/ or even on Google Maps. Make sure you use a Zip Code from the same area of your VPN server, i.e. if you connect to a New Jersey server, use a New Jersey Zip Code.
6. Check the channels identified based on your ZIP code.
7. Choose your plan, then click NEXT.
8. Customize your plan if you wish, then click on NEXT: CHECKOUT.
9. Select a payment method.
10. Enter your payment information.
11. Click on START TRIAL (new subscribers get a 5-day free trial).
12. Click START WATCHING to watch on your current device or click SET UP YOUR TV to watch on your smart TV.

How to change YouTube TV Playback Area

Changing your current playback area on YouTube TV (distinct from your home area) allows you to access local content and regional sports networks available in the area you’re currently in.

This updates your profile information based on your current location. For this, you will not need a VPN.

On a Mobile Device or Tablet:

1. Open the YouTube TV app on your mobile device or tablet.
2. Tap on your profile picture located at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
4. Tap “Area” and then choose “Update” next to “Current Playback Area.”
5. Allow YouTube TV to access your device’s location to automatically update your current playback area, or manually enter the ZIP code of your current location.

On a Computer:

1. Visit the YouTube TV website and sign in to your account.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Go to “Settings” and select the “Area” section.
4. Click “Update” next to “Current Playback Area.”
5. Allow YouTube TV to access your computer’s location to automatically update, or manually input the ZIP code for your current location.

Wrapping up

With more than 8 milion users, YouTube TV has become an increasingly popular service for cord-cutters. Launched in 2017, it is available in the United States and gives access to plenty of live and on-demand content.

You get access to news, sports, and TV shows from over 85 networks. Some of the most popular partner networks include ABC, CBS, Fox NBC, ESPN, HGTV, and TNT.

To make the most of your subscription and watch YouTube TV local channels even outside a specific region, you have to change your location with a VPN.

This tool can even help you watch YouTube TV beyond the borders of the US, making it a great choice for those of you who travel a lot but want to keep an eye on local media. Remember that a reliable YouTube TV VPN requires fast speeds, US servers and the ability to bypass VPN detection.

Frequently asked questions