The Basic Sign-In Process

To sign into YouTube, go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Google account, then click Next. On the next screen, enter your password and click Next again. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will be asked to verify your identity using a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.

Once you complete these steps, you will be signed in and can access your subscriptions, playlists, watch history, and upload videos. Your account settings and preferences will load automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube sign-in uses your Google account email or phone number and password — the same credentials you use for Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services.
  • If you do not remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery steps using your recovery email or phone number.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security step that requires you to verify your identity with a code each time you sign in from a new device.
  • If you do not have a Google account yet, you can create one during the YouTube sign-in process by clicking Create account.

Signing In on Mobile Devices

On an iPhone or Android phone, open the YouTube app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap Sign in and enter your Google account email or phone number. Tap Next, then enter your password and tap Next again. Complete any additional verification steps if prompted.

If you are already signed into Google on your phone, YouTube may recognize your account and sign you in automatically without asking for your password. This happens because your phone stores your Google login information across apps.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Password

Click Forgot password? on the YouTube sign-in screen. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any recent password, click Try another way and choose to verify your identity using your recovery email address or recovery phone number.

Google will send a verification code to your recovery email or phone. Enter that code on the next screen. You will then be able to create a new password. Make sure your new password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.

Staying Signed In Across Devices

When you sign into YouTube on a device, you remain signed in until you manually sign out. This means you can close the browser or app and return later without entering your password again. However, clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or uninstalling the YouTube app, will sign you out.

If you sign into YouTube on a shared device, always sign out when you are finished. Go to your profile icon, click Sign out, and confirm. This prevents other people who use that device from accessing your account, subscriptions, and watch history.

Two-Factor Authentication and Security

Two-factor authentication (also called 2FA) requires a second form of verification beyond your password. When you turn this on, YouTube will ask for a code from your phone each time you sign in from a new or unrecognized device. You can receive codes through a text message, a phone call, or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

To turn on two-factor authentication, go to myaccount.google.com, click Security in the left menu, and scroll to Two-Step Verification. Click get your free guide and follow the prompts to choose your verification method. This step is optional but strongly recommended if you watch sensitive content or upload videos to your channel.

Troubleshooting Sign-In Problems

If you see an error message when trying to sign in, first check that you are using the correct email address or phone number. YouTube accounts are tied to Google accounts, so you must use the Google email address you registered with, not a different email you may have added later.

If you are still stuck, try signing in on a different device or browser to see if the problem is specific to your current setup. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are on a work or school network, your organization's security settings may block YouTube sign-in — try connecting to a different network to test this.

If none of these steps work, visit the Google Account Recovery page at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. This tool walks you through recovering access to your account step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign into YouTube with a Facebook or Apple account?

No. YouTube only accepts Google account credentials. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com. You can use any email address, or create a new Gmail address as part of the signup process.

What happens if I forget the recovery email or phone number on my Google account?

Google has a recovery process for this situation. Visit accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and answer security questions or provide other proof of account ownership. The process can take several days, so keep your recovery information updated in your Google account settings.

Can someone else sign into my YouTube account if they know my password?

Yes, which is why two-factor authentication is important. With 2FA turned on, a person would need both your password and access to your phone to sign in. You can also check which devices are signed into your account at myaccount.google.com under Security and Your devices, and sign out of any unrecognized devices.

Do I need a separate password for YouTube, or does it use my Google password?

YouTube uses your Google account password. There is no separate YouTube password. If you change your Google password, that new password works for YouTube and all other Google services when ready.