The basic sign-in process
To sign in to YouTube, go to youtube.com and click the Sign in button in the top right corner. You'll be taken to a Google sign-in page where you enter the email address or phone number linked to your YouTube account, then your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll need to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app before you can access your account.
If you're signing in on a device you use regularly—like your home computer or phone—you can check the box that says "Don't ask again on this device" so you won't have to enter your password every time. This is safe on devices only you use, but not on shared computers.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube sign-in uses your Google account email and password, which may be different from the email you use for other services.
- If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the Google sign-in page to reset it through email or phone verification.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security step that requires a code from your phone or authenticator app each time you sign in from a new device.
- You can stay signed in on your own devices by checking "Don't ask again on this device," but always sign out on shared or public computers.
What to do if you forgot your password
Click "Forgot password?" on the Google sign-in page. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or skip that step if you can't recall it. You'll then verify your identity by entering a code sent to your recovery email address or phone number—whichever you set up when you created your Google account.
After you verify, you can create a new password. Make it something you haven't used before and something you can remember. Once you've set the new password, return to YouTube and sign in with your email and the new password.
Signing in on different devices
The sign-in process is the same on phones, tablets, and computers, but the steps look slightly different. On a phone or tablet, open the YouTube app or go to youtube.com in your browser, tap the profile icon (usually in the top right), and select "Sign in." Enter your Google email and password as you would on a computer.
On smart TVs or streaming devices, YouTube will show you a code on the screen. Go to youtube.com/set up on your phone or computer, sign in with your Google account, and enter that code. This method keeps you from having to type a long password on a remote control.
Two-factor authentication and security
Two-factor authentication (also called 2FA) adds an extra security layer by requiring a second form of proof that you're really you. After you enter your password, Google sends a code to your phone via text message or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. You enter that code before you can access your account.
The first time you sign in from a new device, you'll always need that second code. On devices you own and use regularly, you can choose to trust that device for 30 days so you won't need the code every single time. If someone tries to sign in from an unfamiliar location, Google will ask for the code even if you've trusted the device before.
Staying signed in versus signing out
When you check "Don't ask again on this device," YouTube keeps you signed in until you manually sign out or clear your browser's cookies and cache. This is convenient on your personal computer or phone, but it's a security risk on shared devices like a family computer or a device at a library or internet café.
To sign out, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Sign out." If you're on a shared device, always sign out before you leave. You can also sign out of all devices at once by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Security" on the left, scrolling to "Your devices," and selecting "Manage all devices," then "Sign out of all other sessions."
If you don't have a YouTube account yet
YouTube accounts are Google accounts. If you don't have one, go to accounts.google.com and click "Create account." You'll need to provide a name, create an email address (or use an existing one), set a password, and verify your phone number. Once your Google account is created, you can sign in to YouTube when ready.
If you already have a Gmail account, a Google account for work, or any other Google service, you already have a YouTube account—just sign in with that email and password.
Troubleshooting common sign-in problems
If you see an error message saying your password is wrong but you're sure it's correct, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you're not accidentally including spaces. If you still can't sign in, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it. Google will verify your identity and let you create a new one.
If Google says your account has suspicious activity, you may be asked to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your phone or recovery email. This is a security measure to protect your account. Follow the prompts to verify, and you'll be able to sign in. If you can't verify your identity, you may need to recover your account through Google's account recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different email address to sign in to YouTube?
No. YouTube is tied to your Google account, so you must sign in with the email address (or phone number) associated with that Google account. If you want to use a different email, you'd need to create a new Google account with that email and then sign in to YouTube with it.
What happens if I forget which email I used for my YouTube account?
Go to accounts.google.com and try signing in with email addresses you think you used. If you remember a phone number linked to the account, you can use that instead. If you're still stuck, use Google's account recovery tool at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and follow the steps to verify your identity.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
It's safe on your personal device that only you use. On shared computers, never let your browser save your password. If you do, anyone with access to that computer can sign in as you and change your settings or watch your private videos.
Can I sign in to YouTube without a Google account?
No. YouTube requires a Google account to sign in. You can watch some videos without signing in, but you won't be able to save playlists, subscribe to channels, or access personalized recommendations.
Why does YouTube keep signing me out?
This usually happens if your browser is set to clear cookies when you close it, or if you're using private browsing mode. Check your browser settings and turn off "Clear cookies on exit" if you want to stay signed in. If you're using private browsing, you'll be signed out each time you close that window.