Sign in with your email and password

To log 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-step verification turned on, you will be asked to confirm your identity using your phone or a backup code before you can proceed.

YouTube uses Google accounts for login, so if you already have a Gmail address, you can use those same credentials. If you do not have a Google account yet, you can create one during the sign-in process by clicking Create account instead of entering an existing email.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube sign-in happens at youtube.com using your Google account email and password.
  • If two-step verification is enabled on your account, you will need to confirm your identity with your phone or a backup code.
  • You can reset a forgotten password by clicking Forgot password? on the login screen and following the recovery steps.
  • Once signed in, your subscriptions, watch history, and playlists will appear on your homepage and in the left sidebar.

What to do if you forgot your password

Click Forgot password? on the YouTube sign-in page. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any recent password, click Try another way and select a recovery method—usually your backup email address or phone number. Google will send a code to that address or phone, and you will enter it to verify your identity.

After you verify, you can create a new password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using passwords you have used before or passwords that are straightforward to guess, like your birthday or username.

Staying signed in across devices

When you sign in on a computer, tablet, or phone, YouTube remembers you on that device. You do not need to sign in again each time you visit, unless you clear your browser cookies or sign out manually. If you want to sign out, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Sign out.

If you use multiple devices, you will need to sign in separately on each one. Your subscriptions and watch history sync across all devices once you are signed in with the same Google account, but your login session is separate for each device. If you share a device with someone else, sign out when you are done so they cannot access your account.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see an error message saying your password is incorrect, double-check that Caps Lock is not on and that you are typing your password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you still cannot sign in after three attempts, wait a few minutes before trying again—YouTube temporarily locks accounts after multiple failed login attempts for security.

If you see a message saying your account was not found, make sure you are entering the correct email address. Google accounts can be created with a Gmail address, a non-Gmail email address, or a phone number. If you created your account with a different email than the one you are typing, use that original email instead. If you are still stuck, use the password recovery process to confirm which email is linked to your account.

Two-step verification and security

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your YouTube account. When it is turned on, you must confirm your identity with a second method after entering your password—usually a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. This means even if someone learns your password, they cannot access your account without your phone.

You can set up two-step verification in your Google Account settings by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking Security in the left menu, and selecting 2-Step Verification. You will choose whether to receive codes by text message, phone call, or authenticator app. If you lose access to your recovery phone or email, save your backup codes in a safe place—you can use them to sign in if you cannot receive a code through your normal method.

Signing in on TV and other devices

If you are signing into YouTube on a smart TV, streaming device, or game console, the process is different from signing in on a computer or phone. Most devices will show you a code on the screen and ask you to visit youtube.com/set up. Go to that website on your computer or phone, sign in with your Google account, enter the code shown on your TV, and authorize the connection. Your TV will then be signed in to your account.

Some devices may ask you to enter your email and password directly using the remote or controller. If that is the case, use the same Google account email and password you use on your computer. After you sign in, your subscriptions and recommendations will appear on that device, and YouTube will remember your watch history there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a phone number instead of an email to sign in?

Yes. If you created your Google account with a phone number, you can enter that number on the YouTube sign-in page instead of an email address. Google will recognize it and ask for your password. You can also add a phone number to an existing Gmail account in your Google Account settings if you want another way to sign in.

What should I do if I see a message saying my account is locked?

Google locks accounts temporarily after multiple failed sign-in attempts to protect against unauthorized access. Wait at least 24 hours before trying again. If you believe your account was hacked, go to myaccount.google.com and click Security to review recent activity and change your password when ready.

Do I need a credit card to create a YouTube account?

No. Creating a Google account and signing into YouTube is free and does not require a credit card. You only need a valid email address or phone number. A credit card is only needed if you want to make purchases, like buying movies or channel memberships.

Can I sign into YouTube without a Google account?

No. YouTube requires a Google account to sign in. However, you can watch public videos on YouTube without signing in. You will not be able to save playlists, subscribe to channels, or see personalized recommendations unless you are signed in.

How do I sign out of YouTube on a shared device?

Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Sign out. This will remove your account from that device. The next person to visit YouTube will see the sign-in page. If you want to make sure your data is not visible, you can also clear your browser cookies and history after signing out.