This article covers how to watch YouTube on a Nintendo Switch, including how to download and navigate the app. Instructions apply to the Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch (OLED model), as well.

What to Know

  • Open the Nintendo eShop and sign in. Click the search icon and input YouTube. Select the YouTube app > Download. To access your account, highlight Subscriptions, Library, or Account on the left side of the Switch’s screen, then select Sign In.You can watch YouTube on a Switch without logging into your account.

Can You Watch YouTube on Nintendo Switch?

You can watch YouTube on a Nintendo Switch with the official YouTube app. Whether you want to catch up on the news, chill out to funny videos of animals, or sit down for a Let’s Play of the latest game, you can see it all. To start watching YouTube videos, download the YouTube app for Switch.

  • Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch and choose a user account.
  • Go to Search/Browse.
  • Search for YouTube.
  • Choose YouTube from the search results.
  • Click Free Download.
  • Click Free Download again to confirm.
  • Click Close.
  • Launch YouTube.

How to Sign In to YouTube on the Nintendo Switch

Sign in to your YouTube account to access your playlists and favorite channels. If you didn’t sign in when you first launched the app, highlight Subscriptions, Library, or Account on the left side, then select Sign In.

Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch and choose a user account.

Go to Search/Browse.

Search for YouTube.

Choose YouTube from the search results.

Click Free Download.

Click Free Download again to confirm.

Click Close.

Launch YouTube.

How to Navigate the YouTube App on Nintendo Switch

Click Sign in on your TV or Sign in with a web browser to log in. Or click Skip to start watching without logging in to your account.

Use the left joystick or D-pad to move around the app and select videos or functions. You can also use the touchscreen if you’re playing in handheld mode.

After you select and start a video, press Down to reveal a menu at the bottom of the screen with several icons.

  • Channel icon: Go to the video creator’s YouTube channel.Play/Pause icon: Start/stop your video.Closed Caption icon: Display captions if they are available for the video.More icon: See additional video options. For example, you can subscribe to the channel, rate the video you are watching, or flag a video for violating community guidelines.

Parental Controls and YouTube on Nintendo Switch

Kids can access anything that they want on the YouTube app, which is a concern for many parents. So if you’re dealing with children of different ages, some who are allowed to watch videos by themselves, and some who still need supervision, then you may want to put parental controls in place.

The Pre-teen and Child levels of Switch’s parental controls lock the YouTube Switch app. Teen and Unrestricted will allow access to the app. To access additional parental controls, highlight Settings on the left side of the YouTube app, then select Restricted Mode.

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