Beyond the great offering, there’s a caveat.
It is not like the universal YouTube we know. YouTube TV content is only offered in select regions (the US), which means users outside these regions have no access.
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That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t watch YouTube from Australia.
How to watch US YouTube TV from Australia
In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about YouTube and how you can watch it from Australia.
You probably know what YouTube TV is if you are reading this. You also probably know that you can’t watch it if you are outside the US.
Yes, even paying customers that have moved or travelling out of the US have no access to its content. Why? Well, like most TV streaming services, YouTube TV has geo-block restrictions on its content.
Is YouTube TV available in Australia?
Due to geo-blocks, YouTube TV is not available directly in any other region besides the US. If you try to access any YouTube content outside the US, the YouTube TV servers will instantly block you. This is usually because of copyright issues and usage laws for the content it offers.
You will then receive an error message telling you that YouTube TV is only available in the US and not in your region.
Even so, you can still catch your favourite sport or TV show on YouTube TV from Australia. You will require a VPN to help you skirts the restrictions in place. VPNs are safe and legal in Australia.
By connecting to a VPN, you mask your device’s actual IP address with a new region-specific IP address. This temporarily changes your location and tricks site on the internet into thinking you are based in a different location than you are.
In addition to this, VPNs have other advantages that contribute to a good experience when you are watching YouTube TV. Premium VPNs come with encryption and obfuscation features that help encrypt and hide your traffic from ISPs.
Which devices can I use to watch YouTube TV from Australia?
Mobile devices
Smartphones/tablets running Android 5+
iPhone/iPad devices running iOS 10+
You will first be required to download the YouTube TV to your mobile device.
Computers
You can watch directly through tv.youtube.com/ using either Chrome, Firefox, or any other reputable browser.
Others
You can also watch YouTube TV via TVs with other media players, smart TVs, and game consoles by downloading YouTube TV. Some of the supported devices include Roku players/TVs, Apple TV, some Amazon Fire TV devices, Vizio TVs, Xbox One, LG & Samsung smart TVs, and HiSense TVs.
While the VPNs we recommend in this guide work with YouTube TV, you need to confirm that they are compatible with the device you use to watch YouTube TV.
You can choose to connect the VPN on your router, which will allow all device connected to the router to share the VPN connection. You can use VPNs for many other purposes, for example to watch US netflix from Australia.
What can I watch on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a variety of content ranging from sports to new and shows from over 85 channels. Some of these channels include FOX, CBS, TNT, NBC, HGTV ABC, and ESPN. The service also offers local as well as regional programming. In addition, you can enjoy movies and TV shows from on-demand networks.
Best VPNs that work with YouTube TV
We’ve tested several VPNs and here are those we are found effective in unblocking YouTube TV.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is easily the best overall VPN and the number 1 choice for watching YouTube TV. It features an extensive network of more than 20 US-based superfast optimized servers. It provides unlimited bandwidth so you can stream without inconveniences like buffering and throttling.
The VPN supports 5 simultaneous connections so you can share it you family or friends so everyone can follow their favourite content at the same time. Customer service is available all around the clock in case you experience any issues.
A default 256-bit encryption coupled with a kill switch and IPv6 leak protection will ensure your traffic is secure.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark may not be a big-name as Express but don’t be mistaken. The VPN delivers excellent performance when it comes to unblocking content from streaming service providers not limited to YouTube TV. It supports unlimited device connections which is a rare offering in VPNs.
You can connect to any of 25+ server locations in the US to access YouTube TV. It also has fast connections that don’t drop. What’s more, it features split tunnelling, which allows you only to encrypt the services you want while accessing others with the standard connection.
Surfshark uses the standard 256-bit encryption and comes with IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch as well.
How to access US YouTube TV from Australia using a VPN
Getting YouTube TV in Australia as straightforward as it sounds. All you have to do is know how to set up and configure the VPN in the device you intend to use to watch. While that may sound complicated, it is not. You don’t even need to have experience using a VPN before.
By setting the VPN, you will be able to trick the YouTube TV system into thinking you are located in Stateside. This will enable you to access to the otherwise geo-restricted content.
Here is a step by step procedure on how to go about it.
- The first thing is to sign up with a VPN service like ExpressVPN or Surfshark through the website. Signing up with either is a breeze as it doesn’t involve any lengthy processes.
- After registration is complete, download the VPN software compatible with your device. Both Express and Surfshark have specific applications for major operating systems.
- Install the software in your device and then proceed to launch it. You will be asked to log-in at which point you will need to enter your credentials.
- Now that you are logged in find the best server within the US, preferably one with high speeds and less load and connect to it.
- If you don’t have a YouTube TV account, you will also need to sign up before you can access the content.
- After signing up, log into the account and load any content you want to watch. You should be able to see the content almost instantly. If it doesn’t load, you can try refreshing the page, and in case that doesn’t work, you will need to clear your browser’s cache & cookies as they may be showing your actual location.
Note that signing up for YouTube TV requires that your payment method (in the case of a credit or debit card) is linked to an address in the US. It is much easier if you are using PayPal because the system doesn’t necessarily check that your account is American.
You can alternatively make use of Google Play gift cards. For this option, log in to the same Google Play account you used when registering with YouTube TV and redeem a gift card. If your account has sufficient credit, you can put it into service to pay the subscription fee.
If you are looking to watch a live show on the platform, it is best to carry out the steps above ahead of time to that you are already logged in before it starts. This will allow you to get set and fix any unexpected issues that you may arise so you won’t miss any part of the show.
If you only want to watch YouTube TV for a short while or catch up on a specific show, you can make use of the money-back guarantee on VPNs. Most premium VPNs, including ExpressVPN and Surfshark, come with a trial or 30-day money-back guarantee policy. Just remember to cancel the option before you are charged.
In a few cases, you might get an error message reading, “YouTube TV VPN proxy detected.” Don’t panic. What the error message means is that the system has identified that your connection is being routed through a VPN and consequently blocked it. If it happens, you will need to find a different VPN that works. That said, you have nothing to worry about if you are using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
How much does YouTube TV costs?
YouTube TV subscription costs $64.99/month for a membership, and you get up to 6 accounts. For traditional services, you will need to add $37/month.
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a cord-cutters dream and one of the best streaming service out there. Regular updates and content addition make it an even interesting choice if you are looking to catch the latest news or enjoy great shows and movies.
Just because you can’t access it directly from Australia, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the content it offers. Get you a premium VPN and start enjoying YouTube TV.