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How to Switch Between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV: Step-by-Step Guide

Before You Switch

  • Check channel availability: Enter your zip code on the new service's website to verify local channels before switching.
  • Watch your DVR recordings: All recordings are deleted when you cancel. Watch anything important before switching.
  • Note your billing date: Time your switch to avoid paying for both services in the same month.
  • Check free trial eligibility: Both services offer free trials for new subscribers only. If you have used one before, you may not qualify.

Switching from YouTube TV to Hulu + Live TV

1

Sign up for Hulu + Live TV free trial

Visit hulu.com and select the Hulu + Live TV plan. The free trial is typically 3 days. Choose the with-ads ($82.99) or no-ads ($95.99) tier.

2

Set up profiles and DVR recordings

Create profiles for each household member. Set up DVR recordings for your regular shows. The DVR will start recording immediately.

3

Test for 3-7 days

Watch live TV, test the channel lineup, try the on-demand library, check Disney+ and ESPN+ integration. Make sure your must-have channels are available.

4

Cancel YouTube TV

Go to tv.youtube.com > Settings > Membership > Cancel. Your YouTube TV service continues until the end of your current billing period.

5

Time your cancellation

Cancel YouTube TV a few days before your next billing date. Your service continues until the end of the paid period, giving you overlap time.

Switching from Hulu + Live TV to YouTube TV

1

Sign up for YouTube TV free trial

Visit tv.youtube.com and start the 7-day free trial. Full access to all channels and features during the trial.

2

Set up accounts and DVR recordings

Create household accounts (up to 6). Set up DVR recordings for your shows. Test Multiview during a live sports event.

3

Test for 7 days

Watch live TV, test channel switching speed, try Multiview, verify local channels work. Compare the interface to Hulu.

4

Cancel Hulu + Live TV

Go to hulu.com > Account > Cancel. Consider keeping Hulu on-demand ($7.99/mo) if you want the streaming library.

5

Handle Disney+ and ESPN+ separately

Cancelling Hulu + Live TV removes your Disney+ and ESPN+ access. Subscribe to these individually if you want to keep them (total: $21.98/mo extra).

What You Lose When Switching

Leaving YouTube TV

  • All DVR recordings deleted
  • NFL Sunday Ticket access
  • Multiview and Key Plays features
  • 3rd simultaneous stream (Hulu has 2)
  • PBS channel access
  • MTV, Comedy Central, BET channels

Leaving Hulu + Live TV

  • All DVR recordings deleted
  • Disney+ access (unless subscribed separately)
  • ESPN+ access (unless subscribed separately)
  • Hulu on-demand library (unless you keep basic Hulu)
  • A&E, History, Lifetime, Hallmark channels
  • Ad-free on-demand option

Switching FAQ

Will I lose my DVR recordings when I switch?
Yes. DVR recordings do not transfer between services. When you cancel YouTube TV, all your recorded content is deleted. When you cancel Hulu + Live TV, the same applies. Before switching, watch any important recordings you have saved. There is no way to export or migrate DVR content between streaming services.
How do I avoid paying for both services at the same time?
Start the new service's free trial 3 to 7 days before your current service's billing date. Test the new service during the trial period. If you are satisfied, cancel the old service before your next billing date. Both services continue until the end of your current paid period, so you will have overlap without double-paying if you time it right.
Can I keep Hulu on-demand if I switch to YouTube TV?
Yes. Hulu offers a standalone streaming plan at $7.99 per month (with ads) or $17.99 per month (no ads) that provides the on-demand library without live TV. Many people who switch to YouTube TV keep the basic Hulu plan for on-demand content. YouTube TV ($82.99) plus Hulu on-demand ($7.99) totals $90.98 per month, which is $8 more than Hulu + Live TV alone but gives you YouTube TV's better sports features plus Hulu's on-demand library.
Should I switch during a specific time of year?
The best time to switch depends on your viewing priorities. If you are moving FROM YouTube TV, switch after the NFL season ends (February) since you will lose NFL Sunday Ticket access. If you are moving TO YouTube TV, switch before NFL season starts (August) to set up Sunday Ticket. Avoid switching during March Madness or NFL playoffs when you want uninterrupted access to your DVR recordings.
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Updated 9 April 2026.