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Can I Watch YouTube TV in Multiple Locations?

If you’re like me, you’ve been trying to figure out if it’s possible to watch YouTube TV in multiple locations. I’ve been researching the pros and cons, and trying to find the best tips and tricks to make it work. After a lot of trial and error, I’m happy to say that I’ve finally figured it out. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned, as well as some other solutions I’ve come across.

If you’re a YouTube TV user, you might’ve wondered: Can I watch YouTube TV in multiple locations? Well, the short answer is yes. You can play YouTube TV in different locations.

TopicDescription
Watching YouTube TV in multiple locationsYes, you can with the same membership subscription, but live channels may vary depending on location or designated home area.
Changing Home AreaRequired to access the right local channels and networks; can be updated through the YouTube TV app or by signing in on a computer or mobile web browser.
Limitations in Changing Home AreaHome area can only be changed twice within 12 months; changing home area is only allowed at the new location.
Viewing Restriction for Other UsersOnly family managers can change home location, which may limit access for other family group members.
Managing Home Area with VPNUsing a VPN can help change your IP address and location, bypassing some restrictions.
ProsAccess local channels from different locations, share membership with family members, easy to update home area, watch on multiple devices simultaneously.
ConsLimited home area changes, family members may have restricted access, device-location permission required, may need VPN to change IP address.

Can You Watch YouTube TV in Multiple Locations with the Same Membership Subscription?

One of the great features of YouTube is that it allows its subscribers to access their favorite entertainment shows from different locations. 

As a result, you can still watch your favorite channels even when you’re away from home. However, the live channels available for streaming may vary depending on your location or your designated home area.

Some users don’t need to tweak the home area when watching YouTube TV at other locations. However, if you’re spending long periods at other places or moving to a new home, you’ll need to update your home area.

Why Do You Need to Change Your Home Area?

YouTube uses a home area basis to allow users to access content suitable for them. A great example is local channels. If you set up the wrong home location, chances are you won’t be able to stream the right local channel and network, including news, sports, and weather.

As a subscriber, you’ve already selected the home areas for your account. However, YouTube automatically changes the home location when you stream YouTube TV elsewhere. 

Fortunately, you can manually update the home area. If you’re using a computer or an Android, you can simply go to the YouTube TV app and click on your profile picture. Next, go to Settings and choose Area. Click Home Area and Update.

For iPhone or iPad users, you have to sign in to your YouTube TV account to a computer or mobile web browser. 

What You Should Know Before Changing Your Home Area?

While changing your home area is easy enough, there are some limitations that you should be aware of before making the change. Here are the major restrictions you should know about:

Limitations in Changing Home Area

YouTube TV only allows its subscribers to change their home location twice within 12 months. While most users are less likely to move out twice a year, some subscribers who travel a lot might find this restriction limiting.

For instance, a subscriber who spends a significant amount of time at more than two different locations will face difficulties accessing the right local channels and networks for other locations.

Home Area Updates Restriction

Another restriction that you should know about is the process of changing the location itself. YouTube TV only allows its subscribers to change their home area at the new location. For example, if you’re still planning to move out, you can’t change the home area just yet.

The YouTube TV app requires device-location permission, which means it can verify your real location via IP address, Wi-Fi networks, and GPS. Hence, typing a false home area isn’t going to work.

As a result, you can only update your location when you access YouTube at your new location.

Viewing Restriction to Other Users

YouTube TV allows you to create a family group and lets you share your membership with up to five family group members. This way, you can watch YouTube TV on multiple devices simultaneously. However, it doesn’t mean that the members get to choose their home area.

As the family manager, you’re the only one allowed to make changes to the location. This can cause some problems if not all group members are living in the same household. Hence, some members might not be able to access the same local networks if they’re traveling.

In this case, the family group member will have to create an individual membership.

What Are Other Ways to Manage Your Home Area?

As mentioned before, YouTube uses an IP address to verify your location. If you’ve already updated your home area twice this year, you can try the alternative below:

VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network, also known as VPN, is one of the most reliable ways to change your IP address. It makes you look like you’re browsing the web and accessing the app at a certain location. Some VPN apps can even change your GPS location!

Therefore, opting for VPN apps is worth considering.

Pros of Watching YouTube TV in Multiple Locations:

  • Access local channels and networks from different locations
  • Share membership with up to five family members
  • Easy to update home area with the YouTube TV app
  • Able to watch YouTube TV on multiple devices simultaneously

Cons of Watching YouTube TV in Multiple Locations:

  • Only allowed to change home area twice within 12 months
  • Family members may not be able to access same local networks if they are travelling
  • Needs device-location permission to verify real location
  • VPN apps may be needed to change IP address

The Wrap Up

So, can I watch YouTube TV in multiple locations? Yes, you can. Just make sure that your home area is updated. Otherwise, you won’t be able to access the right local channels and networks, including weather, sports, and the news.

Furthermore, you should keep in mind that you can only change your home location twice within 12 months. You can only update your home area when you access YouTube in your new location. 

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