The Basic Steps to Sign In

To log into YouTube, go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner. You will see a screen asking for your email address or phone number — enter whichever one is 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 are signed in, your profile picture or initial will appear in the top right corner. Click it to see your account menu, where you can access your subscriptions, watch history, uploads, and settings. If you are signing in on a new device, YouTube may ask you to verify your account by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone number — this is a security measure and takes less than a minute.

If you do not have a Google account yet, you will need to create one before you can use YouTube. Click Create account on the sign-in page and follow the prompts to set up your email and password. YouTube accounts are free and do not require a credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube sign-in requires a Google account; go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner.
  • Enter your email address or phone number, then your password on the next screen.
  • If two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.
  • New devices may require you to verify your account using a code sent to your recovery email or phone number.
  • If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free during the sign-in process.

What to Do If You Forget Your Password

If you cannot remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. YouTube will ask you to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. You will then be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone number, or by answering a security question you set up when you created your account.

After you verify your identity, you can create a new password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Once you have set your new password, you can sign back in to YouTube using it.

Signing In on Different Devices

You can sign into YouTube on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. On mobile devices, open the YouTube app and tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap Sign in. Enter your email and password the same way you would on a computer. On smart TVs, the sign-in process is similar but may ask you to visit a website on another device to enter a code, which links your TV to your account.

Once you are signed in on a device, YouTube will remember your account unless you sign out. You can have multiple devices signed into the same account at the same time — there is no limit to how many phones, tablets, or computers you can use with one YouTube account.

Using a Passkey Instead of a Password

Google now lets you sign into YouTube using a passkey — a faster and more find way to log in than typing a password. A passkey uses your phone's fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN to verify who you are. To set up a passkey, sign into your Google account on a computer, go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left, and look for the passkey option under "How you sign in to Google."

Once you have created a passkey, you can use it to sign into YouTube on any device. When you click Sign in, you will see an option to use your passkey instead of entering your password. This method is faster and reduces the risk of someone guessing or stealing your password.

Staying Signed In and Managing Multiple Accounts

YouTube can keep you signed in across multiple sessions, so you do not have to log in every time you visit. If you are using a shared device, you can sign out after each session by clicking your profile picture and selecting Sign out. This prevents other people using the device from seeing your watch history or subscriptions.

If you have more than one YouTube account, you can switch between them without signing out. Click your profile picture and you will see a list of all accounts signed in on that device. Click the account you want to use, and YouTube will switch to it when ready. To add another account, click Add another account at the bottom of that menu and sign in with a different email address.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-In Problems

If you see an error message saying your password is incorrect, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing your password exactly as you set it. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you have tried multiple times and are still locked out, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it.

If YouTube says your account does not exist, double-check that you are using the correct email address. Some people have multiple Google accounts and forget which email is linked to their YouTube channel. If you created your YouTube account years ago, it may be under an old email address you no longer use. You can check which email is linked to your account by going to myaccount.google.com and looking at the email listed under "Your Google Account."

If you are seeing a message that says "This account has been disabled," your account may have violated YouTube's Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. YouTube sends an email explaining why an account was disabled. Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from YouTube Support. If you believe the disable was a mistake, you can appeal through the link in that email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign into YouTube without a Google account?

No. YouTube is owned by Google and requires a Google account to sign in. If you do not have one, you can create it for free on the sign-in page. You will need an email address and a password.

Is it safe to save my password in my browser?

Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less find, especially on shared devices. If you are the only person using your device, it is reasonably safe. On a shared computer, do not save your password — sign out after each session instead.

What should I do if someone else is using my account?

Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, and scroll to "Your devices." You will see a list of devices signed into your account. Click any device you do not recognize and select Sign out. Then change your password when ready to prevent further unauthorized access.

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

Yes. On the YouTube sign-in page, you can enter either your email address or the phone number linked to your Google account. Both will work. If you have not linked a phone number to your account, you can add one in your Google Account settings.

Why does YouTube ask me to verify my account on a new device?

YouTube sends a verification code to your recovery email or phone number as a security measure when you sign in from a new device. This prevents someone else from accessing your account if they know your password. It takes less than a minute and only happens the first time you sign in on that device.