The basic steps to log into YouTube

To sign into YouTube, go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner. You'll see it next to the user icon. Click it, then enter the email address or phone number linked to your Google account, followed by your password. YouTube uses Google accounts for login, so if you don't have a Google account yet, you'll need to create one first.

After you enter your password, YouTube may ask you to verify your identity—this is a security step. You might receive a code by text, email, or through an authenticator app, depending on how you set up your account. Enter that code to finish signing in. Once you're logged in, your profile picture or initial will appear in the top right corner instead of the Sign in button.

If you're signing in on a phone or tablet, the process is the same: open the YouTube app, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, tap Sign in, and enter your Google account details. The app will walk you through any verification steps.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube login uses your Google account email and password—you cannot create a YouTube-only account.
  • If you don't have a Google account, you must create one before you can sign into YouTube.
  • YouTube may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email for security.
  • On phones and tablets, use the YouTube app and tap your profile icon to find the sign-in button.
  • If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login screen to reset it through Google.

What to do if you don't have a Google account

YouTube requires a Google account to sign in. If you don't have one, you'll need to create it before you can access your YouTube account. Go to accounts.google.com and click Create account. You'll be asked for your name, a new email address (or you can use an existing email), and a password. Google will send a verification code to confirm your email address.

Once your Google account is created, you can use that email and password to sign into YouTube. If you already have a YouTube channel or saved videos under an old YouTube username, you may be able to link that to your new Google account—YouTube will guide you through this when you first sign in.

Signing in on different devices

On a computer or laptop, the sign-in process is straightforward: visit youtube.com, click the Sign in button, and enter your Google credentials. Your browser may offer to save your password for faster login next time.

On an iPhone or iPad, read the YouTube app from the App Store, open it, and tap the profile icon at the bottom right. Tap Sign in and enter your Google account details. On Android phones, the process is identical through the Google Play Store version of the app.

On a smart TV or streaming device (like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick), you'll usually see a sign-in code on your screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on a phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in with your Google account. This links your TV to your account without typing your full password on the remote.

Two-factor authentication and security

If you've turned on two-factor authentication for your Google account, YouTube will ask for a second verification step after you enter your password. This is a security feature that makes your account harder to hack. You'll receive a code by text message, email, or through an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

Enter the code when YouTube asks for it. If you don't receive a code, check your spam folder or wait a few moments and request a new one. If you lose access to your phone or email, Google offers backup codes that you can use to sign in—save these somewhere safe when you first set up two-factor authentication.

Staying signed in and signing out

When you sign in on a personal device, YouTube will usually keep you signed in until you manually sign out. On a shared or public computer, you should always sign out when you're done. To sign out, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Sign out.

If you want to stay signed in on multiple devices, you can—just sign in on each one separately. Your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists will sync across all your devices because they're all connected to the same Google account. If you sign in on a device you don't own, remember to sign out before you leave.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying your password is wrong, double-check that Caps Lock is off and that you're typing it correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you've tried several times and still can't sign in, click Forgot password? on the login screen. Google will send you a link to reset your password through your email.

If YouTube says your account doesn't exist, make sure you're using the correct email address. Some people have multiple Google accounts and forget which email they used for YouTube. Check your email inbox for messages from Google or YouTube to find the right account.

If you're seeing a message about unusual activity or a security warning, Google is protecting your account from a possible unauthorized login attempt. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify it's really you. You may need to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your phone or email, or by answering security questions you set up when you created your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a YouTube username instead of my email to sign in?

No. YouTube only accepts the email address or phone number linked to your Google account at login. If you remember your YouTube username but not your email, go to accounts.google.com, click "Find your email", and follow the steps to locate your account using your username or recovery information.

What if I forgot which email I used for my YouTube account?

Go to accounts.google.com and click "Find your email". You can search by your phone number, recovery email, or the name on the account. Google will show you the email address associated with your account so you can use it to sign in.

Is it safe to stay signed in on my phone?

Yes, it's safe on a personal device you control. On shared devices or public computers, always sign out when you're done. If you lose your phone, you can sign out remotely by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Security" on the left, scrolling to "Your devices", and selecting "Manage all devices" to sign out from lost or stolen devices.

Why does YouTube keep asking me to sign in again?

This usually happens if you clear your browser cookies, use private browsing mode, or if your browser settings block third-party cookies. Try signing in again and making sure your browser allows YouTube to store cookies. If the problem continues, try a different browser or clear your browser cache.

Can I sign into YouTube without a Google account?

No. YouTube is owned by Google and requires a Google account to sign in and save your preferences. You can watch videos without signing in, but you won't be able to save playlists, subscribe to channels, or see personalized recommendations.