How To Change Your Location on YouTube TV

In Q1 2023, YouTube TV’s paying subscribers reached around 6.3 million. While the streaming service provides more convenience than traditional cables can, its geo-restriction can be a headache.

YouTube TV channels are available anywhere in the US. However, Google’s pay-TV service restricts users from accessing and recording networks outside their local area. Luckily, there are ways to keep watching your local shows when you leave your playback area.

Spoofing the location allows users to access programs restricted to their current location. This method can go as far as accessing YouTube TV overseas.

There are multiple ways to spoof YouTube TV locations. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 methods to change YouTube TV location, including:

• Switching VPN location
• Using browser extension
• Managing your home area
• Updating current location permissions
• Changing IP address with proxy server

5 Ways to Change YouTube TV Location

There’s nothing like watching your favorite sports or news channel on a long trip. However, as you leave your playback area, the content you can access changes.

Frequent travelers encounter this hiccup due to geographical limitations. Content owners place geo-restrictions for censorship, including YouTube TV’s partnered networks.

Fortunately, changing your YTTV location does not require extra muscles. It only takes a few minutes to set it up.

Here are 5 simple ways to change your location on YouTube TV to get through this curb.

Method #1: Manage Your Home Area for YouTube TV

Signing up for YouTube TV will require your home zip code to verify your device’s location. Then, the playback area determines which local networks you can access.

Some local networks are only available in your home area. When your location changes, so will the accessible local programs. You must update your location settings to match your playback area. 

Here are steps to change your home area on different devices.

On a Desktop

Changing your home area on a web browser only takes a few clicks.

1. Go to tv.youtube.com.
   
   
2. Select your profile picture and click “Location.”
   
   
3. Next, go to “Home Area” and click “Update.”
   
   
   
4. Click “Update Home Area.”

On Android

To change your home area on your Android mobile device, simply follow these steps:

1. Open the YouTube TV app.
   
   
   
2. Select your profile picture and tap “Location.”
   
   
3. Select “Home Area.”
   
   
4. Follow the prompts to update the location on a web browser.

On iOS

Updating your home area on iPhone/iPad follows a similar process, with just a slight difference in the interface. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Log into YouTube TV on the iOS web browser.
   
   
2. Select your profile picture and tap “Home Area.”
   
   
   
3. Next to “Home Area,” select “Update.”
   
   
   
4. Click “Update Home Area.”

On Smart TV

Lastly, you can change your home area on a smart TV.

1. Launch the YouTube TV app on your smart TV.
   
   
   
2. Select your profile picture.
   
   
   
3. Click on “Location” and then “Home Area.”
   
   
   
   
4. Follow the prompts to update your location on a mobile device.

Method #2: Update the Current Location Permissions for YouTube TV

Adjust your location permissions to match your current playback area. Otherwise, you won’t be able to access your local networks from there.

Here’s how you can manage your location permissions for YouTube TV on a desktop, Android, and iOS.

On a Desktop

You can manage your location permission from your computer’s web browser in these four easy steps. For Google Chrome:

1. Open your browser Settings.
   
   
   
2. Go to the “Privacy and Security” section.
   

3. Select “Site Settings.”
   
   
   
4. Select “Location” and update the location settings.

On Android or iOS

For Android and iOS, location permission update goes like this:

1. Open your mobile device’s settings.
2. Tap on “Apps and Notifications.”
3. Find the YouTube TV in your apps list.
4. Click Permissions, then “Location,” to view your current settings.
5. Select a different option to switch to another setting.

Method #3: Switch Location With a VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an effective tool to bypass YouTube TV’s geo-blocking. However, some people still hesitate to use VPNs due to myths. On the contrary, using a VPN has the following benefits:

• Improved online security
• Override online censorship
• Adds privacy and anonymity
• Safe browsing in public networks
• Access to geo-restricted contents

VPNs use servers to “virtually” relocate you and access restricted content without changing your physical location. Even if you’re sipping tea in France, you can access YouTube TV shows only available in the US.

One of the leading VPNs for Android is Surfshark, which makes your network traffic untraceable. Its servers are available across 65 countries, including Europe and the US.

Method #4: Use a VPN Extension to Fake Geolocation

If VPNs hide your ISP location, browser extensions fake it. Streaming services such as YouTube TV try to block extensions that let you pass through geo-blocked programs. However, there’s a safe way to use extensions to change your broadcast location in browsers.

NordVPN is a top provider of VPN extensions compatible with Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs for streaming. You can safely conceal your IP address when using this service.

Method #5: Change Your IP With a Proxy Server

Substituting your IP address is another way to change location on YouTube TV. Proxy configurations reroute your web traffic and replace your address to a proxy IP instead of the default.

One of the best proxy providers for streaming is Hide.me. It has a dedicated IP and incredible features that support online video streaming.

While many agree that VPNs are better than proxies, it still depends on the purpose. Some proxies are better off for running a business, while others are more service-based.

Limitations in Changing YouTube TV Location

YouTube TV asks for your location to get you the right networks. The top reason users change their location is to have a broader program selection.

Unfortunately, there are limitations when changing YTTV locations. Here’s what you should remember:

• You can only change your home area twice a year.
• You must be physically in your new home area to update your home area settings.
• YouTube TV permits viewing content on up to three devices simultaneously from the same location.

Changing YouTube TV Location: Is It Legal?

It’s technically legal to change your YouTube TV location. However, it is subject to the service’s terms and conditions.

At the same time, bypassing geo-restrictions is illegal in some countries, depending on the method of accessing content.

Contrary to common belief, VPNs, browser extensions, and proxies are legal media except when used for mischievous activities like copyright infringement.

Do note that regulations for the use of these tools vary per country. For instance, Chinese and Russian governments restrict VPNs to regulate people’s online activities.

Wrap Up

Your access to local programs gets limited as you change your YouTube TV location. Spoofing your location with tools such as VPNs or proxies is one way to bypass geographical limitations easily.

While this is legal, other countries are more stringent with VPN use to regulate online activities. Still, premium or paid VPN or proxy services are the safest way to access content.