How to Watch CBS on YouTube TV for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Learn how to install, sign in, and stream YouTube TV on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and troubleshoot missing CBS channels with our step‑by‑step guide.

Ever dreamed of turning your iPhone into a live‑TV hub? YouTube TV turns that dream into a reality. The big question—does youtube tv get cbs?—gets a simple yes, though a few regional quirks can hide the channel. In this guide we walk through installing, signing in, and troubleshooting on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so you can stream CBS and other channels without a hitch.
iPhone – Install, Sign In, and Stream
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube TV; the red TV icon pops up.
- Tap Get → Install (about 100 MB). Wait for the download.
- Launch the app and tap Sign in.
- Enter your Google credentials or create a new account.
- Verify your phone number or email when prompted.
- Choose a profile name, avatar, language, and region.
- Start streaming: tap a channel or use the search bar.
- To confirm CBS, search “CBS” or look under Network.
iPad – Install, Sign In, and Stream
The steps mirror the iPhone, but a larger screen makes navigation smoother:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube TV.
- Tap Get → Install.
- Launch and sign in.
- Enjoy full‑screen viewing and larger DVR controls.
Mac – Stream YouTube TV (Web Version)
YouTube TV has no dedicated macOS app, but Safari or any modern browser does the trick:
- Open Safari.
- Go to https://tv.youtube.com.
- Click Sign in and enter Google credentials.
- Accept permissions.
- Browse channels or search for “CBS” to verify.
Troubleshooting – Missing CBS Channel & Common Issues
- CBS channel missing: Verify region, refresh the list, clear app data, and check the CBS site for outages.
- Playback errors: Ensure a stable Wi‑Fi connection, disable VPN, and lower quality in Settings if needed.
- App crashes: Reinstall the app, update iOS/macOS, and restart the device.
- CBS shows a white circle: Clear cache (offload & reinstall) and check local outage reports.
- YouTube TV not on Apple TV: Ensure Apple TV 4th‑gen or newer, tvOS 13+; install from the App Store.
Optimizing Streaming Quality
- Enable HDR if your display supports it.
- Stick to Wi‑Fi for steady bandwidth.
- Turn off background app refresh.
- Keep the app updated for performance boosts.
- Use cellular data only when necessary.
Secure Streaming with Forest VPN
While YouTube TV offers great content, using a reliable VPN can protect your privacy and ensure uninterrupted access, especially when traveling or in regions with restricted streaming. Forest VPN is a convenient, affordable solution that supports all Apple devices and offers a variety of server locations. Many users report smooth streaming and no buffering when paired with YouTube TV. Give it a try to enjoy safe, hassle‑free live TV anywhere.
We’ve mapped every step and fix so you can enjoy CBS live on any Apple device. Ready to hit play?
Compatibility and System Specs
We’ve already tackled the big question: does youtube tv get cbs? The answer is yes, but only if your device meets a few simple specs. Ready to dive in?
Apple devices are a natural fit for YouTube TV. It runs on iOS 14+ and macOS 10.15+ (Catalina). The app is roughly 100 MB in size, and you’ll need at least 200 MB of free storage. A stable Wi‑Fi connection is essential; cellular data can work, but it’s slower.
iPhone – Install, Sign In, and Stream
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube TV.
- Tap Get → Install.
- Launch the app.
- Sign in with a Google account or create a new one.
- Pick a profile, set language, and hit Start Watching.
iPad – Same Steps, Bigger Screen
The process mirrors the iPhone, but the larger display makes live‑TV feel like a mini cinema.
Mac – Stream via Safari
- Open Safari.
- Navigate to https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/.
- Sign in with your Google credentials.
- Explore channels or search for CBS.
Troubleshooting – Missing CBS & Other Issues
Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
CBS channel missing |
|
Buffering or stalling |
|
App crashes |
|
Optimizing Streaming Quality
- Enable HDR if your display supports it.
- Prefer Wi‑Fi over cellular.
- Turn off background app refresh.
- Keep the app updated.
FAQ
Why is CBS missing on does youtube tv get cbs? CBS may not be available in your region due to licensing restrictions. Check your location settings and ensure your account is set to a country where CBS is offered.
Can I watch YouTube TV on a Mac without Safari? The native macOS app is not available, so Safari or another supported browser is required.
We’re almost at the finish line. Next, we’ll explore how to tweak settings for the best viewing experience.
iPhone – Install, Sign In, and Stream
Ready to turn your iPhone into a live‑TV hub in minutes? We’ll walk you through opening the App Store, searching for YouTube TV, downloading the ~100 MB app, launching it, and signing in with a Google account. By the end, you’ll have CBS in your lineup and a handy offline‑ready copy.
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube TV.
- Tap Get → Install. The download will be about 100 MB, so make sure you have enough free space and a stable Wi‑Fi connection.
- Launch the app.
- Sign in with Google.
- Create a profile.
- Choose a name
- Pick an avatar
- Select region
- Set language
This step is crucial for channel availability, especially for CBS.
- Find CBS and start watching. If it’s missing, try refreshing the list or check your region settings.
Quick tip: swipe down on the home screen to refresh the channel list. Also, tap the download icon next to a show to save it for offline viewing. Delete old downloads to free space.
Don’t forget to check for app updates in the App Store; keeping YouTube TV current prevents playback glitches. Enable HDR in Settings → Video Quality if your display supports it.
iPad – Install, Sign In, and Stream
- Open the App Store on your iPad.
- Search for YouTube TV.
- Tap Get → Install.
- Launch the app.
- Sign in with Google.
- Create a profile.
- Find CBS and start watching.
Mac – Install, Sign In, and Stream
- Open the App Store on your Mac.
- Search for YouTube TV.
- Click Get → Install (or click the download button).
- Launch the app from the Applications folder.
- Sign in with Google.
- Create a profile.
- Find CBS and start watching.
Quick Offline & Update Checklist
- Download shows for offline use by tapping the download icon.
- Delete old downloads after watching.
- Update the app regularly from the App Store.
- Enable HDR for the best picture quality.
FAQ
Does YouTube TV get CBS? Yes, YouTube TV offers CBS as part of its channel lineup, but availability can vary by region. If you’re unable to see CBS, check your region settings in the profile section and ensure your device is up to date.
Why is CBS missing on “does youtube tv get cbs”? If CBS is missing, it may be due to regional restrictions or a temporary outage. Updating the app and refreshing the channel list often resolves the issue.
Next Steps
We’ll next explore how to install and stream YouTube TV on other Apple devices and keep your stream smooth.
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Ever wondered how to turn your Mac into a live‑TV hub without installing an app? YouTube TV’s web version does the trick, streaming live content right to your Mac. If you’re asking “does youtube tv get cbs,” the answer is yes—CBS is available on the web platform. We’ll walk you through opening the URL, signing in, and navigating the interface. Think of the web page as a living TV station—ready whenever you are.
Safari, Chrome, and the Web‑Only Experience
Getting Started
Open Safari, Chrome, or Edge and type https://tv.youtube.com. Press Return, and the page loads just like the app. Sign in with your Google account. After verification, you’re on the channel list, ready to browse.
Quick Access from the Dock
Add the site to your Dock for instant access. Drag the Safari icon to the right side until a gray bar appears, then drop it. Click it to launch YouTube TV immediately.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Playback
Keyboard shortcuts make watching smoother than a jazz solo. Spacebar pauses or plays; J and L jump 10 seconds back or forward. K toggles playback; M mutes; F toggles full‑screen. Use arrow keys to adjust volume.
Finding CBS
Look for CBS in the Network section. Click Network, scroll to CBS, and tap its bold icon. If missing, refresh or check your region.
HDR Support on Macs
Macs with HDR displays enjoy vibrant colors. Enable HDR in Settings → Video Quality. Make sure macOS supports HDR, or the option stays greyed.
Troubleshooting Quick Fixes
Issue | Fix | Why |
|---|---|---|
CBS missing? | Refresh the page or clear Safari cache. | Cache can block channel listings. |
Playback stalls? | Switch to Wi‑Fi or lower resolution. | Bandwidth throttles streaming. |
Site not loading? | Disable VPN, then reload the page. | VPNs sometimes block YouTube TV. |
Using Chrome or Edge
Chrome and Edge work just as well. Open the browser, go to https://tv.youtube.com, and sign in. The interface looks identical, and shortcuts work the same.
Bookmarking for Quick Access
Bookmark the site by pressing Command + D. Future visits load instantly, saving time and clicks.
Adjusting Video Quality
Navigate Settings → Video Quality to choose 4K, 1080p, or 720p. Lowering resolution can reduce buffering on slow networks.
Using Multiple Tabs
Open multiple tabs for different channels. Switch between them without leaving the web page, like flipping through a TV guide.
Voice Commands
Use Siri to open YouTube TV by saying, “Hey Siri, open YouTube TV.” It launches the site instantly.
Troubleshooting Network Issues
Check router settings for port blocking. Restarting the router often clears hiccups that affect streaming.
Common Error Codes
- Error 503 means service unavailable—wait a few minutes.
- Error 502 indicates a bad gateway; try a different browser.
Safari Reader Mode
Activate Reader Mode to simplify channel lists, reducing clutter and focusing on titles.
Safari Developer Tools
Open Developer Tools to diagnose network errors; check console logs for blocked requests.
Right‑Click Dock Option
Right‑click the Safari tab, choose ‘Options’ → ‘Keep in Dock’ for quick launch.
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We’ve all been there: you’re ready for a live game, but CBS just won’t show up. It’s like the channel’s hiding behind a curtain. Don’t let frustration take over—let’s pull back the veil together.
does youtube tv get cbs? yes, it does, but sometimes you need to refresh the channel list.
Common Pitfalls That Keep CBS Mysteriously Missing
When YouTube TV feels like a broken record, the culprit is often simple: a stale channel list, a rogue VPN, or a shaky Wi‑Fi signal. Think of your device as a library—if the catalog isn’t updated, the books (channels) stay hidden.
Quick‑Fix Table
Issue | Fix | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
CBS missing | Pull‑down refresh + offload app | Forces the app to re‑download the lineup |
Buffering or stutter | Disable VPN, lower quality | Removes extra hops, less strain |
App crashes | Reinstall + OS update | Clears corrupted files and patches bugs |
Network hiccups | Reset settings | Flushes stale routes |
Step 1: Refresh the Channel List
- Open YouTube TV.
- Swipe down from the top of the channel list.
- Wait for the spinner to finish.
- Search “CBS” again. If it still’s gone, move on.
Step 2: Offload and Re‑install the App
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Find YouTube TV.
- Tap Offload App; confirm.
- Re‑install from the App Store.
- Sign in and re‑check CBS.
Step 3: Disable VPN or Proxy
- Open Settings → VPN.
- Toggle it off.
- Restart the app.
- Test playback. If the stream runs smoothly, the VPN was the blocker.
Step 4: Lower Playback Quality
- In the app, tap the gear icon.
- Select Video Quality.
- Choose Standard or Low.
- Re‑play the channel. A lighter stream means fewer stalls.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm.
- Reconnect Wi‑Fi.
- Launch YouTube TV again.
Need More Help?
If CBS still hides, check the official support page at support.google.com/youtubetv or drop a question in the YouTube TV Community. Reddit’s r/youtubetv often has quick fixes from fellow users.
Forest VPN
If you’re using Forest VPN, it’s a reliable, affordable option that keeps your streaming smooth. Make sure it’s updated and set to a server that supports YouTube TV. Forest VPN is known for its minimal latency and strong privacy protections, making it a great fit for Apple devices.
Takeaway Checklist
- Refresh channel list first.
- Offload + reinstall if CBS stays missing.
- Disable VPNs to eliminate routing problems.
- Lower quality to beat buffering.
- Reset network settings as a last resort.
Ready to reclaim your live‑TV experience? Follow these steps, and you’ll have CBS back in your lineup in minutes. Let’s get that game on the screen—your couch deserves it!