Streaming your favorite shows on YouTube TV is convenient, but there’s a catch: you are limited by your location. The service offers a broad range of channels, but what you can watch depends entirely on where you are. If you’re in Chicago, you’ll get local channels like WGN-TV, but if you’re outside the US, you might see a frustrating message indicating that the content isn’t available in your region. This is where changing your location on YouTube TV becomes essential.

To get around these restrictions, many people use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). But what exactly is a VPN? What are the best VPNs for changing your location on YouTube TV? We will answer these questions and much more in this article. So stay with us until the end.

Why Does YouTube TV Restrict Content Based on Location?

Ever noticed how some shows or channels just don’t appear on the platform when you’re in a different city? That’s because YouTube’s TV streaming service, like many streaming services, places restrictions on what you can watch based on your location.

The reason is pretty straightforward: licensing agreements. Content providers, like TV networks and sports leagues, sign deals with streaming platforms, dictating where their content can be shown. So, when you’re in New York, you might get different content than if you were watching from Los Angeles.

How YouTube TV Determines Your Location?

But how exactly does the service figure out where you are? It boils down to two key methods:

IP Address

Your IP address is like your device’s digital fingerprint on the Internet. It tells websites, including streaming services, where you’re connecting from. So, if your IP shows you’re in Chicago, the service thinks you’re there, and you’ll get the local channels for that area.

GPS Data

When you’re using YTTV on your mobile device, it might use your phone’s GPS data to pinpoint your exact location. This method is even more accurate than using just an IP address and is often used to enforce location-specific content, especially for things like local sports.

So while it can be frustrating to have content blocked or unavailable, as is the case for out-of-market NFL games, just because of where you are, understanding these restrictions helps us understand why they’re in place.

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Official Ways to Change Your Location on YouTube TV

Google provides official methods to change your location, such as updating your home area or current playback area. These options are straightforward and can be done directly through your account settings.

While these methods are more transparent and in line with YouTube’s terms of service, they come with limitations, particularly if you’re trying to access content that’s strictly geo-blocked.

If using a VPN isn’t your preferred option, you can use the official methods provided by YouTube to update your location.

Change Your YouTube TV Home Area

Your home area determines the local channels and regional sports networks you can access. Changing your home area can be helpful if you’ve moved to a new city or spend a good amount of time in different locations.

1. Log in to your YouTube TV account on a web browser.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, and then select “Settings”.
3. Navigate to the “Area” section under settings and then click on “Home Area”.
4. Follow the prompts to update your home area. You may need to allow the service to access your device’s location services to verify your new home area.
5. Once you’ve updated your home area, save your changes. You should now have access to the channels available in your new location.

Remember, YouTube TV only allows you to change your home area twice a year, so make sure to use this option wisely.

Update Your Current Playback Area

If you’re traveling or temporarily in a different location, you can update your current playback area to access local channels in that area. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Make sure that location services are enabled on your device. YTTV uses your device’s GPS data to determine your current location.
2. Log in to your account using the app or website.
3. Navigate to the settings by clicking on your profile picture, then select “Settings.”
4. Under the “Area” section, select “Playback area” and allow the app to detect your current location.
5. Once your location is detected, confirm it, and the service will update the local channels accordingly.

Note: Updating your playback area is temporary and does not change your home area. You can update your playback area as often as needed, but your access to local channels is dependent on the availability of YouTube TV in that location.

How to Change Your Location on YouTube TV Using a VPN

When it comes to changing your location on YouTube TV, there are multiple approaches, each with its own benefits. A VPN is your best ally for getting around location restrictions, as discussed in our article explaining how to change your Netflix region.

Specifically, NordVPN is a top choice for this task, offering advanced features that make it particularly effective for unblocking YTTV. Therefore, we will use it in our tutorial.

If you’d like to consider other options, here is our top 3 of the best VPNs for changing your location on YouTube TV:

Step 1: Download and Install NordVPN

Begin by downloading NordVPN from the official website. Then, install it on your device, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or Smart TV.

Step 2: Choose a Server in Your Desired Location

Once installed, open NordVPN and connect to a server in the location where you want to appear. For example, if you want to access YouTube TV as if you’re in New York, select a server located in New York.

Step 3: Activate NordVPN’s Browser Extension

For YouTube TV, simply changing your IP address may not be enough. The service also checks your browser’s location data, which can be a hurdle. NordVPN’s browser extension comes in handy here. Install the NordVPN extension for Chrome or Firefox.

This extension includes a Location spoofing feature in the Security and privacy settings, making it match the server you’re connected to. This ensures that the platform won’t detect your real location via GPS data.

Step 4: Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies

Before accessing the service, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This prevents YouTube TV from using stored data to identify your actual location.

Step 5: Log in to YouTube TV

Now, open YouTube TV in your browser. With NordVPN’s server and browser extension activated, the service should recognize your location as the one you selected, granting you access to the local channels and content from that area.

Best VPNs for Changing Your Location on YouTube TV

If you want to change your location on YTTV in 2024 without relying on the platform’s official methods, using a VPN is the most effective way to do so.

Below, we’ll cover three of the best VPNs that work flawlessly for this purpose in 2024. These VPNs help you bypass geo-restrictions, while also maintaining high speeds for smooth streaming.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best YouTube TV VPN overall. It will help you access the streaming platform whether you’re within the United States or streaming from outside the country.

With over 1,970 servers in the US, including major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, NordVPN makes finding a fast and reliable connection just a click away.

During our hands-on tests, NordVPN effortlessly bypassed YouTube TV’s VPN blocks, thanks to its obfuscated servers and Smart Play feature. These tools are specifically designed to conceal your VPN usage, making it appear as if you’re connecting from a regular, local IP address.

When it comes to streaming, NordVPN delivers consistently high speeds, even when connecting to distant servers. Whether we were tuning into ABC San Francisco from Buffalo or catching a local Dallas broadcast from London, NordVPN maintained smooth, buffer-free streaming. This is largely due to its NordLynx protocol, which combines speed with security, and its ability to switch to OpenVPN for stealth mode when needed.

One crucial feature for bypassing YTTV’s strong location blocks is NordVPN’s browser extension, which includes location spoofing. This feature allows you to mask your GPS location, making it appear consistent with the VPN server you are connected to. This capability makes NordVPN the most reliable option for changing your region on YouTube TV.

NordVPN offers competitive pricing, with long-term plans starting at around $3 per month. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for switching your location on YouTube TV, thanks to its user-friendly design and top-tier performance. It’s also one of our favorite VPNs for streaming sports.

With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including 20+ locations across the US, ExpressVPN allows you to easily find a reliable connection for accessing content.

During our hands-on testing, ExpressVPN delivered impressive speeds, with only an 11% reduction when connecting to US servers, making it ideal for UHD streaming. The proprietary Lightway Protocol is a standout feature, offering faster data transmission by using a more efficient code base than older VPN protocols. This meant we could stream YouTube TV in high-definition without any buffering or lag, even on distant servers.

One of ExpressVPN’s winning features is its browser extension, which not only secures your connection but also allows for location spoofing, a crucial feature for bypassing The platform’s strong geo-restrictions. Whether you’re using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, the extension provides a smooth, secure streaming. This makes ExpressVPN a trusted VPN that unblocks YouTube TV seamlessly.

Setting up ExpressVPN is quick and easy, taking only 2-3 minutes. The app’s Shortcuts feature also enhances convenience, allowing you to add direct links to the service, so you can start streaming immediately without additional steps.

While ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than other VPNs, with plans starting at around $6 per month, it offers regular discounts (see our ExpressVPN coupons and discounts page) and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try out the service risk-free.

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Pros

• Fast speeds across 24 US locations
• User-friendly design with quick setup
• Location spoofing via browser extensions
• Smart location feature for server selection
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Higher cost compared to other services
• Customization features are limited

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3. PIA VPN

Private Internet Access stands out as a budget-friendly yet powerful VPN for unblocking YouTube TV. Priced at approximately $2 per month with its 2-year plan, PIA offers tremendous value with servers in all 50 US states. This extensive server network makes it ideal for unblocking YouTube TV content or accessing it from overseas.

Although PIA’s speeds might not match those of NordVPN, our tests revealed that it still delivers impressive performance, often reaching optimal speeds. This is more than sufficient for changing your location and watching content on YouTube TV in high definition without buffering. The variety of US servers it offers means you can experiment to find the best connection for your needs.

PIA excels in streaming due to its uncapped bandwidth, coupled with features like its MACE ad blocker and Smart DNS, which enhance the streaming experience. Security is another area where PIA shines. It offers top-tier protection with the WireGuard protocol, keeping a balance of speed and security.

One of PIA’s most significant advantages is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices with a single account. This is particularly beneficial for families, as each member can connect to the server that best suits their streaming needs. However, it’s worth noting that PIA lacks a dedicated Firestick app, which could be a limitation for some users.

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Pros

• Extensive server network with locations across the US
• Customizable encryption for speed and security
• Browser extension with location spoofing
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons

• Slightly slower speeds compared to top-tier VPNs
• US Jurisdiction (Five Eyes)

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Summary

When it comes to changing your YouTube TV location from anywhere in the world, having the right VPN is crucial. YouTube TV’s geo-restrictions are robust, and accessing it outside the US requires a VPN that not only offers a vast selection of US servers but also provides reliable speeds and strong security features.

NordVPN is the go-to choice for those who want a combination of security, speed, and functionality. Its obfuscated servers and Smart Play feature make it the best option for bypassing YouTube TV’s tough geo-blocks.

ExpressVPN shines with its user-friendly design and lightning-fast speeds. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value simplicity and performance, making it an excellent option for streaming YTTV without any setup hassles. PIA, with its extensive server network across all US states, offers great value, especially for users looking for an affordable solution that still delivers solid performance.

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FAQs

Do you have a few doubts about changing the YouTube TV location? Here’s everything you need to know.

Can I change my location on YouTube TV without a VPN?

Yes, you can change your location using the official methods, such as updating your current playback area or changing your home area.

However, these methods have limitations, such as only being allowed to change your home area twice a year. If you need more flexibility or want to access YouTube TV from outside the US, a VPN is the most reliable solution.

Will using a VPN slow down my streaming on YouTube TV?

Using a VPN can sometimes result in a slight speed reduction, but with high-quality VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or PIA, the impact is minimal. These VPNs offer fast, reliable servers specifically optimized for streaming, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

Can YouTube TV detect and block free VPNs?

Yes, the platform has strong VPN detection measures and can block known VPN IP addresses. However, premium VPNs like NordVPN use advanced obfuscation techniques and regularly update their IP addresses to avoid detection, making them highly effective at bypassing these blocks.

What should I do if YouTube TV still detects my VPN?

If the service detects your VPN, try connecting to a different server within the US, switch to a different VPN protocol, or use the browser extension with location spoofing features, as available in NordVPN and ExpressVPN. This can help you regain access without interruptions.

Is it legal to use a VPN to change my YouTube TV location?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN to change your location on YouTube TV. However, it might violate the platform’s terms of service, which could result in your account being restricted or terminated. Always use a VPN responsibly and understand the risks involved.