This feature lets you record any program you want, including shows, movies, live sports, and other events, and then watch the recordings on any device. If you’re ready to start using your YouTube DVR, here’s how to record on YouTube TV, the benefits and features, and also a handful of limitations.
How Does the YouTube TV DVR Work?
If you can’t find the DVR on the YouTube TV interface, don’t worry. You actually won’t find anything called a DVR regardless of whether you use the website or an app, because YouTube TV doesn’t call its DVR feature a DVR. You have a library instead, and you essentially record a program with your DVR by opting to add that program to your library. When you add a program to your library, the DVR feature will automatically record it when it airs. If you choose a TV show, it will automatically record that show every time it airs, including both first run and reruns. Programs recorded in this way are accessed by navigating to the My Library section of the YouTube TV website or app.
YouTube TV DVR Features
While it isn’t called a DVR, YouTube TV has one of the most expansive DVR feature sets that you’ll ever see. There are very few limitations and a ton of benefits. Here are some of the key features of the YouTube TV DVR:
Live recording: You can watch any program live even if you have added it to your library. You can also hit pause at any time while watching a live program to automatically add it to your library and start recording.Fast-forwarding live TV: If you’re watching a live program and pause it, you can fast forward during the commercials to catch up.Recording while watching another program: You are free to watch a live show while recording a different show to watch later.Limitations on simultaneous recordings: There are no limitations to how many shows you can record at once or the total number of shows you can record. Add as many shows to your library as you like.DVR storage limits: Unlike many live TV streaming services, YouTube TV has no DVR storage limits. You can add as many programs to your library as you want without worrying about storage space or a limited number of recording hours.Cloud DVR: Your recorded programs are stored in the cloud, so you can access them from anywhere.
How to Record Shows With the YouTube DVR
To record shows with your YouTube DVR, you need to add them to your library. The following instructions show how to do this using the YouTube website, but the process is basically the same using the YouTube app:
How to Watch Shows With the YouTube TV DVR
Once you’ve added a show to your DVR, you can watch it at any time by navigating to the Library section of the YouTube TV app or website. Your shows are stored for nine months, and they are stored in the cloud, so you can watch them on any device within that time frame. Here’s how to watch shows with the YouTube TV DVR:
How to Delete YouTube TV DVR Recordings
The YouTube TV DVR doesn’t actually give you the option to delete recordings. There is no limit to how many shows you can record though, so there’s no reason to delete anything. Nine months after you record a show, it will be deleted from the system automatically, so make sure to watch your recordings before that happens.
How to Remove Programs From Your YouTube TV Library
While you can’t delete YouTube TV DVR recordings, you can remove programs from your library. This can help reduce clutter, so you may want to remove things that you’ve already seen and things that you are no longer interested in from time to time. Here’s how to remove a program from your YouTube TV library:
Offline Playback of Your DVR Recordings
YouTube TV has an add-on option that allows you to download your DVR recordings via the YouTube TV mobile app and watch them later offline. This is handy if you’re traveling or going somewhere without Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. To access offline playback, you’ll need to upgrade your YouTube TV base plan and add the 4K Plus add-on for an additional $19.99 per month. You can do this anytime through your YouTube TV account. Navigate to YouTube TV online and select your account icon, then select Settings. Select 4K Plus, and it will be added to your plan. In addition to offline playback, the 4K Plus add-on brings support for 4K content and unlimited streams over your home Wi-Fi (normally capped at three streams per account).
