The basic sign-in process for YouTube
To sign in to YouTube, go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your Google account, then your password. If you have two-step verification turned on, you'll be asked to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Once verified, you're signed in and can access your subscriptions, playlists, and watch history.
YouTube uses your Google account for sign-in — you cannot create a YouTube-only login. If you don't have a Google account yet, you'll need to create one first at accounts.google.com. The process takes a few minutes and requires an email address and password.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube sign-in uses your Google account email and password, not a separate YouTube username.
- If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen to reset it through your recovery email or phone number.
- Two-step verification adds a security layer by requiring a code from your phone or authenticator app after you enter your password.
- On phones and tablets, you can stay signed in to the YouTube app without re-entering your password each time you open it.
Signing in on your phone or tablet
Open the YouTube app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Sign in. Enter your Google account email and password. If you use two-step verification, follow the prompts to confirm your identity.
Once signed in, the app remembers you. You won't have to sign in again unless you clear the app's data, uninstall it, or manually sign out. This makes it convenient to watch on mobile without entering your password repeatedly.
What to do if you forget your password
On the YouTube sign-in page, click Forgot password? below the password field. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, then send a reset link to your recovery email address or a code to your recovery phone number. Follow the link or enter the code, then create a new password.
If you don't have access to your recovery email or phone, Google has additional verification steps. You may be asked security questions you set up when you created your account, or to verify your identity another way. This process can take a few minutes but ensures only you can reset your password.
Using two-step verification for added security
Two-step verification means Google sends a code to your phone or authenticator app after you enter your password. This protects your account if someone learns your password. To turn it on, sign in to myaccount.google.com, click Security in the left menu, scroll to "How you sign in to Google," and click 2-Step Verification. Follow the prompts to add your phone number or set up an authenticator app.
When you sign in to YouTube with two-step verification on, you'll enter your password first, then receive a code on your phone. Enter that code to complete sign-in. You can choose to trust the device for 30 days so you don't have to enter a code every single time on that computer or phone.
Signing in on a shared or public computer
If you sign in on a computer you share with others or use in a public place, always sign out when you're done. Click your profile picture in the top right, then click Sign out. This prevents the next person from accessing your account, subscriptions, and watch history.
On a shared device, do not check the "Stay signed in" box during sign-in. This option is convenient on your personal computer but risky on a shared one. If you accidentally stayed signed in, go back to that computer and sign out as soon as you can.
Troubleshooting sign-in problems
If you see an error message when trying to sign in, first check that you're using the correct email address — many people have multiple Google accounts. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you're on a phone, try closing the YouTube app completely and reopening it.
If the problem continues, make sure your internet connection is working. Try signing in on a different device or browser to see if the issue is specific to one device. If you still cannot sign in after these steps, visit the Google Account Recovery page at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery to regain access to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a YouTube username to sign in instead of my email?
No. YouTube only accepts the email address or phone number connected to your Google account. If you remember your YouTube channel name but not your email, go to myaccount.google.com and look for your email address in the account settings.
What if I have multiple Google accounts?
You can switch between accounts by clicking your profile picture and selecting a different account from the list, or by signing out and signing in with a different email. YouTube will remember all your accounts on that device, making it straightforward to switch without re-entering passwords each time.
Do I have to sign in to watch YouTube videos?
No. You can watch most public videos without signing in. Signing in lets you save videos to playlists, subscribe to channels, and keep a watch history. Some videos marked as private or age-restricted require you to be signed in.
Why does YouTube ask me to verify my identity?
YouTube may ask for verification if you sign in from a new device or location, or if Google detects unusual activity on your account. This protects your account from unauthorized access. Follow the prompts to verify with a code sent to your phone or recovery email.