The basic sign-in process

To sign into YouTube, go to youtube.com on a web browser or open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet. You'll see a Sign in button in the top right corner of the screen (on mobile, it may appear as a profile icon). Tap or click it, then enter the email address or phone number linked to your Google account, followed by your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll be asked to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.

Once you're signed in, your subscriptions, watch history, playlists, and recommendations will appear personalized to your account. You can access these by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube uses your Google account to sign you in, so you need a Gmail address or a phone number registered to a Google account.
  • On computers, click the Sign in button in the top right; on phones and tablets, tap the profile icon and select Sign in.
  • If you don't have a Google account yet, you can create one for free during the sign-in process by selecting Create account.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security step that requires you to confirm your identity with a code, which you can set up in your Google account settings.
  • If you forget your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery steps using your recovery email or phone number.

Signing in on a computer or laptop

Open any web browser and go to youtube.com. In the top right corner, you'll see a Sign in button. Click it to open the Google sign-in page. Type the email address or phone number associated with your Google account, then click Next. On the next screen, enter your password and click Next again.

If your account has two-factor authentication enabled, Google will ask you to verify your identity. You may receive a code via text message, email, or your authenticator app. Enter this code and click Verify. You'll then be signed in and returned to YouTube.

Signing in on a phone or tablet

Open the YouTube app (available on iOS and Android) or visit youtube.com in your mobile browser. Look for the profile icon or account button, usually in the top right or bottom right corner of the screen. Tap it and select Sign in. You'll be taken to the Google sign-in page, where you enter your email or phone number and password just as you would on a computer.

On mobile devices, the sign-in process is the same whether you use the app or a browser. The app version may remember your device, so you won't need to sign in every time you open it. If you're on a shared device, you can sign out from your profile menu to prevent others from accessing your account.

What to do if you can't remember your password

On the YouTube sign-in page, enter your email or phone number and click Next. When prompted for your password, click Forgot password? Google will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created your account. You'll receive a code to confirm it's really you.

Once verified, you can create a new password. Make sure it's at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. After you've set your new password, return to YouTube and sign in with it. If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, Google offers additional recovery options through its account recovery page.

Creating a Google account if you don't have one

If you don't have a Google account, you can create one during the YouTube sign-in process. On the sign-in page, click Create account instead of entering an existing email. Google will walk you through creating a new account, which takes just a few minutes. You'll need to provide a first and last name, choose a Gmail address (or use an existing email), create a password, and provide a recovery phone number or email.

Once your Google account is created, you can use it to sign into YouTube and all other Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. You only need one Google account to access all of these services.

Staying signed in and managing multiple accounts

YouTube will keep you signed in on a device until you manually sign out. If you're on a personal device, you can stay signed in indefinitely. On a shared or public computer, it's a good idea to sign out when you're done to protect your privacy. To sign out, click your profile picture in the top right corner, scroll down, and select Sign out.

If you have more than one Google account, you can switch between them without signing out. Click your profile picture and select Switch account, then choose the account you want to use or sign in with a different one. YouTube will remember all your accounts on that device, making it straightforward to jump between them.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you're seeing an error message when you try to sign in, first check that you're using the correct email address or phone number. Typos in your email are the most common reason sign-in fails. Make sure Caps Lock is off and that you're entering your password exactly as you set it, including any special characters.

If you're still having trouble, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try signing in again. On mobile, try closing the YouTube app completely and reopening it. If you're using two-factor authentication and don't receive a code, check that your recovery phone number or email is current in your Google account settings. If none of these steps work, use Google's account recovery page to regain access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Gmail address to sign into YouTube?

No. You need a Google account, but you can create one using any email address you already own. During account creation, you can choose to use your existing email instead of creating a new Gmail address. Either way, that email becomes your Google account login.

Can I sign into YouTube on a smart TV or gaming console?

Yes. On most smart TVs and gaming consoles with YouTube, you'll see a sign-in option. The device will display a code on the screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on your phone or computer, enter that code, and authorize the device. This is safer than typing your password on a TV remote.

What happens if I sign into YouTube on a public computer?

Your account will be signed in on that computer until you sign out. Anyone using that computer afterward will see your account unless they sign you out or use a private browsing window. Always sign out when you're done on a shared device, and never check the "Stay signed in" option on public computers.

Can I use the same Google account on multiple devices?

Yes. You can sign into YouTube on as many devices as you want using the same Google account. Your subscriptions, watch history, and playlists will sync across all of them, so your recommendations will be consistent whether you're watching on your phone, tablet, or computer.

What should I do if my account was hacked?

Go to myaccount.google.com and check your recent activity and connected apps. If you see sign-ins from places you don't recognize, change your password when ready and remove any apps or devices you don't use. Turn on two-factor authentication to add an extra security layer. If you can't access your account, use Google's account recovery process to regain control.