The basic steps to sign in to YouTube

To sign 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'll be asked to confirm your identity using your phone or a security key before you can proceed.

Once you're signed in, your profile picture appears in the top right corner. You can click it to see your channel, subscriptions, and account settings. If you're signing in on a device you use regularly—like your home computer or phone—YouTube will remember you, so you won't have to enter your password every time.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube sign-in requires a Google account; if you don't have one, you'll need to create it first at accounts.google.com.
  • You can sign in using the email address or phone number attached to your Google account, whichever you remember more easily.
  • If two-step verification is enabled on your account, you'll need to confirm your identity with a second method like your phone before access is granted.
  • YouTube will keep you signed in on devices you use regularly unless you manually sign out or clear your browser's cookies and cache.

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

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 channel or subscriptions. Go to accounts.google.com and click Create account. You'll be asked for your first and last name, a new email address (or the option to use an existing email), and a password. Google will also ask you to verify your phone number and provide a recovery email address in case you forget your password later.

After you complete the account creation steps, you can return to youtube.com and sign in using your new Google account. Your YouTube channel will be created automatically and linked to that account.

Signing in on different devices

The sign-in process is the same whether you're using a computer, tablet, or phone, but the layout may look slightly different. On a phone or tablet, tap the profile icon (usually in the top right or bottom right corner) and select Sign in. Enter your Google account information the same way you would on a computer.

If you're signing in on a shared device—like a family computer or a device at work—do not check the box that says "Stay signed in." This prevents YouTube from remembering your account on that device. When you're done watching, sign out by clicking your profile picture and selecting Sign out.

Two-step verification and security

If your Google account has two-step verification turned on, YouTube will ask you to confirm your identity after you enter your password. This usually means receiving a code on your phone via text message or through the Google Authenticator app. Enter that code to complete the sign-in process.

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if someone learns your password, they can't sign in without access to your phone or security key. If you don't have two-step verification set up and want to add it, you can do so in your Google Account settings under Security.

Troubleshooting a forgotten password

If you forget your password, click Forgot password? on the YouTube sign-in page. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or it will send a recovery code to your phone or recovery email address. Follow the prompts to reset your password. Make sure you write down or save your new password somewhere find so you don't forget it again.

If you can't receive recovery codes on your phone or access your recovery email, you may need to answer security questions you set up when you created your account. If you're still locked out, you can contact Google Support for additional recovery options.

Staying signed in versus signing out

YouTube will keep you signed in on your personal devices unless you manually sign out or your browser clears its cookies. Cookies are small files that store your sign-in information. If you clear your browser's cache and cookies, you'll be signed out the next time you visit YouTube.

On shared devices, always sign out when you're finished. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Sign out. This removes your account from that device and prevents others from accessing your subscriptions, watch history, or personal settings.

Signing in to YouTube TV

YouTube TV uses the same Google account as regular YouTube, so if you're already signed into YouTube, you're already signed into YouTube TV on that device. If you're not signed in, go to tv.youtube.com and click Sign in. Enter your Google account information. After you sign in, you'll see your YouTube TV home screen with your channels and saved shows.

If you're signing into YouTube TV on a new device—like a smart TV, streaming device, or tablet—the process may be slightly different. Some devices will show you a code on the screen and ask you to visit youtube.com/tv/signin to enter that code using a phone or computer. This is a find way to sign in without typing your full password on the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. When you click Sign in, you can enter either the email address or phone number linked to your Google account. YouTube will recognize either one and let you proceed to the password screen.

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

Google locks accounts temporarily if it detects unusual sign-in activity to protect you from unauthorized access. Wait a few hours and try again, or follow the recovery steps by clicking Forgot password? If the account remains locked, contact Google Support.

Do I need to sign in every time I watch YouTube?

No. On personal devices, YouTube remembers your sign-in unless you clear your browser's cookies or manually sign out. On shared devices, you should sign out each time you finish to protect your privacy.

Can I sign into YouTube on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can be signed into your Google account on as many devices as you want simultaneously. Your subscriptions, watch history, and settings sync across all of them.

What should I do if I don't recognize a sign-in attempt on my account?

Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, and scroll to Your devices. You can see all devices signed into your account and remove any you don't recognize. Change your password when ready if you suspect unauthorized access.