Sign in with your Google account on any device

To sign in to YouTube, you need a Google account — the same one you use for Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services. If you already have a Google account, you can sign in directly. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to create it first at google.com.

YouTube works the same way on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. The sign-in process is nearly identical across all devices: you enter your email address or phone number, then your password, and Google confirms your identity. Once you're signed in, your subscriptions, watch history, and playlists follow you everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • You sign in to YouTube using your Google account email address and password — the same credentials you use for Gmail or other Google services.
  • On a computer or phone, go to youtube.com or open the YouTube app, then click or tap the profile icon in the top right corner and select "Sign in".
  • If you see a message asking you to verify your identity, Google may send a code to your phone or email — enter it to complete sign-in.
  • If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery steps using your recovery email or phone number.
  • On a smart TV or streaming device, you'll usually see a code on screen that you enter at youtube.com/set up to link your account without typing your password.

Sign in on a computer or laptop

Open your web browser and go to youtube.com. In the top right corner, you'll see a circular profile icon or a "Sign in" button. Click it. If you see "Sign in", click that button. If you see a profile picture, you're already signed in to a Google account — click the picture to see options for switching accounts or signing out.

When you click "Sign in", a new page opens asking for your email address or phone number. Type the email or phone number connected to your Google account, then click "Next". On the next screen, enter your password and click "Next" again. If Google doesn't recognize your device, it may ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your phone or email. Check your messages, enter the code, and you're signed in.

Sign in on the YouTube mobile app

Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet. At the bottom of the screen, tap the profile icon (it looks like a circle with a person inside). If you're not signed in, you'll see a "Sign in" button — tap it. If you're already signed in to a Google account on your phone, YouTube may sign you in automatically.

If you need to enter your credentials, the app opens a sign-in screen. Type your email address or phone number, tap "Next", then enter your password and tap "Next" again. Just like on a computer, Google may ask you to verify your identity with a code. Once you're signed in, your profile icon appears at the bottom right, and you can tap it anytime to access your account settings, subscriptions, and watch history.

Sign in on a smart TV or streaming device

Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast use a different sign-in method to avoid typing long passwords on a remote. Open the YouTube app on your TV. You'll see a blue code on the screen — it's usually 8 to 12 characters long.

On your phone or computer, go to youtube.com/set up. Sign in with your Google account if you're not already signed in. You'll see a box asking for the code from your TV screen. Type or paste the code and click "Allow". Your TV automatically signs in to that account. This method is faster and more find than typing your password with a remote.

What to do if you can't remember your password

On the sign-in screen, after you enter your email address and click "Next", look for the text "Forgot password?" below the password box. Click it. Google will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your recovery email address or phone number.

Check your email or text messages for the code, enter it on the screen, and Google lets you create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you can remember but that others can't guess. Once you've set a new password, go back to the sign-in screen, enter your email and new password, and you're in.

Switching between multiple accounts

If you have more than one Google account, you can sign in to multiple accounts on the same device and switch between them without signing out. On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right corner. You'll see the account you're currently using and an option to "Add another account". Click that option and sign in with a different email address and password.

Once you've added a second account, your profile icon shows a small dropdown arrow. Click it anytime to see both accounts and switch between them when ready. On the YouTube app, tap your profile icon at the bottom, then tap your account name at the top of the menu. You'll see "Add account" — tap it and sign in with your other Google account. Switching between them works the same way.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see an error message saying "Couldn't sign you in", first check that you're using the correct email address or phone number. Google accounts are case-sensitive for passwords, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you're copying and pasting your password, remove any extra spaces before or after it.

If Google asks you to verify your identity repeatedly, it may be a security check. Make sure you're using a device you've signed in from before, or that you have access to your recovery email or phone number. If you're on a public or shared computer, sign out when you're done — don't stay signed in. If you still can't sign in after trying these steps, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset your password and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to watch YouTube videos?

No. You can watch most YouTube videos without signing in. You only need to sign in if you want to save playlists, subscribe to channels, upload videos, or keep a personalized watch history. Signing in is free and takes less than a minute.

What's the difference between signing in and creating a new account?

Signing in means entering the email and password for an account you already have. Creating a new account means setting up a brand-new Google account with a new email address and password. If you don't have a Google account yet, you must create one first at google.com before you can sign in to YouTube.

Can I sign in to YouTube without a Google account?

No. YouTube is owned by Google, and all YouTube accounts are Google accounts. You cannot create a YouTube-only account. If you don't have a Google account, you'll need to create one at google.com first, then use those credentials to sign in to YouTube.

Why does YouTube ask me to verify my identity with a code?

Google sends a verification code to your phone or email as a security check, especially if you're signing in from a new device or location. This protects your account from unauthorized access. Enter the code when prompted, and you'll be signed in. This usually happens only the first time you sign in on a new device.

Can I stay signed in on a public computer?

You can, but it's not recommended. If you sign in on a public or shared computer, anyone using that computer afterward can access your account. Always sign out when you're done. Click your profile icon and select "Sign out" before you leave the computer.