YouTube TV offers an unlimited cloud DVR feature, making it easy to save live TV, sports, and shows to watch later. But what if you no longer want certain recordings cluttering your library? If you’re asking how to delete recordings on YouTube TV, the answer is a little different than traditional DVR services.
This guide walks you through how YouTube TV’s DVR works and how to remove or stop recordings from your library on all devices, including mobile, web, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
Understanding YouTube TV’s Cloud DVR
Before deleting anything, it’s helpful to know how YouTube TV’s DVR system works:
- YouTube TV doesn’t store physical files on your device
- Recordings are cloud-based and available for nine months
- You can’t delete individual episodes—only remove the entire series or program from your Library
- Removing a program stops future recordings and removes access to saved episodes
So, while you can’t delete a single episode of a show, you can remove the entire title to clean up your saved content.
Why You Might Want to Remove Recordings
Here are common reasons users want to delete or stop recordings:
You’ve finished watching the show or season
You no longer want episodes to take up space in your Library
You accidentally added a show to your DVR
You want to simplify your content list
You’re organizing your library for easier access
Now let’s explore how to remove recordings step by step.
How to Delete Recordings on YouTube TV (Mobile App)
Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, the process is the same:
- Open the YouTube TV app
- Tap the Library tab at the bottom
- Scroll or search for the show, movie, or event you want to remove
- Tap on the title to open its details page
- Tap the checkmark icon that says Added to Library
- It will change to + Add to Library, confirming it’s been removed
This will remove all previously recorded episodes from your Library and stop future recordings.
How to Delete Recordings on YouTube TV (Web Browser)
If you’re on a computer:
- Go to tv.youtube.com and sign in
- Click on the Library tab on the left
- Find the program or event you want to remove
- Click the title to open details
- Hover over the checkmark icon labeled Added to Library
- Click it to remove the show or recording
- The checkmark will disappear, indicating it’s no longer being recorded or saved
This removes it from your saved content and stops it from showing up in the Library.
How to Delete Recordings on Smart TV or Streaming Device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV)
- Open the YouTube TV app on your smart TV or streaming stick
- Navigate to the Library section
- Use your remote to scroll to the show or event
- Select the title
- On the show’s detail screen, locate the “Added to Library” checkmark
- Click or press it to remove the recording from your Library
This action works across all devices and updates your account instantly.
Can You Delete Individual Episodes or Recordings?
Unfortunately, YouTube TV does not let you delete individual recordings or episodes. When you add a show to your Library, it automatically saves all upcoming airings, including reruns and new episodes.
To remove a specific episode, your only option is to:
- Remove the entire show from your Library
- Re-add it later if you want to resume recording
This is different from traditional DVRs but ensures that users don’t run out of storage space.
How to Remove Sports Team Recordings on YouTube TV
If you’re following a sports team and want to stop future recordings:
- Go to your Library
- Scroll to the Sports section
- Select the team you want to remove
- Tap or click the checkmark next to Added to Library
- The team will be removed, and upcoming games will no longer be recorded
Removing the team from your Library also removes past games from view.
How to Cancel Scheduled Recordings of Movies or Events
For one-time events or movies:
- Go to Library
- Select the movie or live event
- Tap or click Added to Library
- Once it changes to + Add to Library, the scheduled recording is canceled
This helps prevent your Library from becoming cluttered with past or unwanted content.
How to Organize or Hide Your Library (Alternative to Deleting)
If you don’t want to remove content entirely, try these options:
- Use the Search feature to quickly jump to active recordings
- Group by categories (like Shows, Sports, Movies) in your Library
- Mark favorites by keeping only your most-watched content added
- Re-add content after watching if you plan to rewatch later
While you can’t manually rearrange items, removing unused recordings can make your Library easier to navigate.
FAQs About Deleting YouTube TV Recordings
Can I delete a single episode on YouTube TV?
No. You can only remove the entire show or program from your Library, which deletes all stored episodes and prevents future recordings.
What happens when I remove a recording?
It’s no longer listed in your Library, and new episodes or airings won’t be recorded. Previous episodes also become inaccessible.
Can I recover deleted recordings?
No. Once you remove a show or event from your Library, it can’t be recovered unless it airs again and you re-add it.
Does YouTube TV have storage limits?
No. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, but recordings expire after 9 months.
Will deleting a recording cancel my subscription?
No. Removing recordings only affects your saved content. Your YouTube TV subscription remains active.