The Basic Sign-In Process

To sign into your YouTube account, 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, type your password and click Next again. If you have two-step verification turned on, you'll be asked to confirm your identity using a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.

YouTube accounts are managed through Google accounts, so your YouTube sign-in is the same as your Google sign-in. If you don't have a Google account yet, you can create one during the sign-in process by clicking Create account instead of Sign in.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube sign-in uses your Google account email and password, entered at youtube.com in the top right corner.
  • If two-step verification is on, you'll need to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or from an authenticator app.
  • Staying signed in on a personal device saves you from typing your password every time, but you should sign out on shared computers.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it through Google's account recovery process.
  • You can manage which devices have access to your account and sign out of other sessions from your Google Account settings.

Staying Signed In on Your Device

After you sign in, YouTube will ask whether you want to stay signed in on that device. If you click Yes, stay signed in, your account will remain active the next time you visit youtube.com on that same browser or device. This is convenient on your personal phone, tablet, or computer.

Do not stay signed in on a shared computer, library computer, or anyone else's device. Always click Sign out before you leave a shared computer. You can find the sign-out button by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting Sign out from the menu.

Two-Step Verification and Security Codes

If your Google account has two-step verification turned on, you'll see an extra screen after you enter your password. Google will send a code to your phone via text message or ask you to open your authenticator app. Type the code into the box on the screen and click Next.

Two-step verification adds a layer of security so that even if someone learns your password, they can't sign in without access to your phone. The first time you sign in on a new device, you may be asked to verify your identity this way. On devices you use regularly, Google may remember that it's you and skip this step after the first sign-in.

Resetting a Forgotten Password

If you don't remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or skip that step if you can't recall it. You'll then be asked to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number linked to your account.

Google will send a code to your recovery email or phone. Enter that code on the next screen, and you'll be able to create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you can remember but that others can't guess — avoid birthdays, names, or common words.

Signing In on the YouTube App

The YouTube app on your phone or tablet works the same way as the website. Open the app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Sign in. Enter your Google account email and password, and complete any two-step verification if it's enabled on your account.

Once you're signed in on the app, you'll stay signed in unless you manually sign out. Your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists will sync across all your devices as long as you're using the same Google account.

Managing Your Signed-In Devices

You can see which devices are currently signed into your YouTube account by visiting your Google Account settings. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left side, then scroll down to Your devices. This shows all the phones, tablets, and computers where you're signed in.

If you see a device you don't recognize or no longer use, click on it and select Sign out. This removes your account from that device without affecting your sign-in on other devices. You can also sign out of all devices at once from this screen if you think your account may have been compromised.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-In Problems

If you're stuck on the password screen, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you're typing your password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you've tried multiple times and keep getting an error, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it.

If you're seeing a message that says your account is temporarily locked, Google has detected unusual activity and is protecting your account. Wait a few hours and try again, or follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. If you're on a public Wi-Fi network, try switching to a different network or using mobile data, as some public networks block sign-in attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, YouTube only accepts Google account sign-ins. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one for free during the sign-in process. You can use any email address, not just a Gmail address.

What should I do if I don't remember which email I used for my YouTube account?

Try signing in with your most common email addresses one at a time. If none of them work, use the "Forgot password?" option and enter a recovery phone number if you have one linked to your account. Google can help you recover your account using that phone number.

Is it safe to stay signed in on my phone?

Yes, staying signed in on your personal phone is safe. Only stay signed in on devices you own and control. On shared devices or public computers, always sign out before you leave.

Why does YouTube keep signing me out?

YouTube may sign you out if you clear your browser cookies, if your browser is set to delete cookies when you close it, or if you haven't visited YouTube in a long time. Check your browser settings to see if cookies are being deleted automatically. You can also try signing in again and making sure to click "Stay signed in" if you want to remain logged in.

Can I have multiple YouTube accounts signed in at the same time?

Yes, you can switch between multiple Google accounts on YouTube. After you sign in with your first account, click your profile picture and select Add another account. Sign in with a different Google account email and password. You can then switch between accounts by clicking your profile picture and selecting the account you want to use.