Sign in with your email and password

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 YouTube 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 backup code before you can access your account.

If you don't remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. YouTube will ask you to verify your identity by entering a recovery email address or phone number, then send you a link to reset your password. Check your email or text messages for that link, click it, and create a new password.

Once you're signed in, your profile picture appears in the top right corner of the page. You can click it to see your account menu, which includes options to view your channel, settings, and purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to youtube.com, click Sign in, and enter the email or phone number and password linked to your account.
  • If two-step verification is enabled, you'll need to confirm your identity with your phone or a backup code after entering your password.
  • Use the Forgot password? link if you don't remember your password, and YouTube will send you a reset link to your recovery email or phone number.
  • Your profile picture in the top right corner shows you're signed in and gives you access to your account menu.
  • If you don't have a YouTube account yet, click Create a new account on the sign-in page to set one up.

What to do if you see an error message

If YouTube says your password is wrong, make sure you're typing it correctly—passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you've tried several times and still can't sign in, use the Forgot password? option to reset it instead of guessing.

If you see a message saying "This account has been disabled" or "This account doesn't exist," the account may have been closed or removed. Contact YouTube Support through the help center to find out what happened. If you see a security warning or are asked to verify your identity in an unusual way, do not enter sensitive information on a page you didn't reach by clicking from youtube.com—this could be a fake sign-in page.

Signing in on the YouTube app

On the YouTube app for phones and tablets, tap your profile picture in the top right corner (or the Sign in button if you're not logged in). Enter your email or phone number, then your password. If you have two-step verification on, complete that step as well.

The app will remember your sign-in on that device, so you won't have to enter your password every time you open YouTube. If you want to sign out, tap your profile picture, scroll down, and tap Sign out.

Using a Google account to sign in

YouTube accounts are connected to Google accounts. If you created your YouTube account with a Gmail address, you can sign in using that Gmail password. If your YouTube account uses a different email address, you can link it to a Google account in your settings, which makes signing in easier across Google services.

When you sign in with a Google account, you're also signing into other Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos on that device. If you want to sign out of YouTube but stay signed into other Google services, you'll need to sign out of YouTube specifically through your account settings rather than signing out of your entire Google account.

Staying signed in safely

YouTube offers a Stay signed in option when you sign in on a computer. Checking this box keeps you signed in the next time you visit youtube.com on that device, so you don't have to enter your password every time. Only use this option on computers you own or trust—don't use it on shared computers, school computers, or public devices.

If you sign in on a public or shared device, always uncheck Stay signed in and sign out completely when you're done. You can also manage which devices have access to your account by going to your Google Account settings and checking "Your devices" or "Manage all your Google Accounts."

What to do if you can't remember your email address

If you don't remember the email address linked to your YouTube account, you can try signing in with a phone number if you set one up. Go to youtube.com, click Sign in, and enter the phone number instead of an email address.

If you don't remember either your email or phone number, you'll need to contact YouTube Support. Go to the YouTube Help Center, click Contact us, and describe your situation. YouTube may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing information about your account activity before they can help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign into YouTube with a Facebook or Apple account?

No, YouTube only accepts Google accounts or email addresses linked to a Google account. If you want to sign in with a social media account, you'll need to link it to your Google account first through your account settings, then use your Google credentials to sign into YouTube.

What if I'm signed in but YouTube keeps signing me out?

This usually happens if your browser is set to delete cookies when you close it, or if you're using private browsing mode. Check your browser settings and allow cookies for youtube.com. If the problem continues, try signing in on a different browser or clearing your browser cache and cookies, then signing in again.

Can I have multiple YouTube accounts under one email address?

Yes, you can create multiple YouTube channels under a single Google account. Sign in to your account, click your profile picture, and select Create a new channel. Each channel can have its own name and settings, but they all use the same email and password to sign in.

Is it safe to save my password in my browser?

Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less find than typing it in each time. Only save your password on devices you own and use alone. On shared devices, public computers, or devices you use at work or school, do not save your password—sign in manually each time and sign out when you're done.

What should I do if someone else is signed into my account?

Go to your Google Account settings, find "Your devices," and look for unfamiliar devices or locations. Click on any device you don't recognize and select Sign out. Then change your password when ready and turn on two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access in the future.