You can sign into YouTube on desktop and mobile using your Google account.
To use YouTube, you need a Google account. If you have a Gmail account, you already have a Google account, and you can use that to sign into YouTube. However, you don’t need a Gmail account to create a Google account. Read on to learn more.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you start, you will need your Google account username and password. For most people, this is your Gmail email address and password.
However, if you created a Google account using your existing email, such as your Outlook email address, you will need to use that email address and password.
If you don’t yet have a Google account, go to the Google signup page to create your account.
You may also need your phone on hand if you set up two-step verification. That way, you can access the security code required for sign-in. Alternatively, if you set up two-factor authentication using another method, such as a security key, make sure you have that on hand as well.
Sign in on Desktop (Youtube.com)
To sign in on your desktop, open youtube.com in your browser. Click on the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner.
Enter your email address and, on the next page, your password. If two-factor authentication is required, enter the two-factor authentication code sent to you.
Sign in on the YouTube App (Android & iPhone)
On the YouTube mobile app, the process is pretty similar. Open the YouTube app, tap on the profile icon in the corner, and then sign in using your Google account email address and password.
If you have an Android phone, you are likely already signed into a Google account, so you don’t have to repeat this step for YouTube. When you sign into your Google account on Android, it will automatically sign you in on all Google apps, such as Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube.
Switch Accounts or Channels (Personal vs Brand Account)
Once signed in, you can view your history and get recommended videos based on your browsing history.
To switch to another Google account on desktop, click on your profile image in the top-right corner. Then, click on “Switch account” and select another Gmail account (if you are already signed in) or on “Add Account” to add a new account to your browser.
You can also select a channel, if you have one or more channels associated with your Google account. A single Google account can have multiple YouTube channels. If you don’t see all channels, click on “View All Channels” and then select the channel.
On mobile, the process is similar. Click on your profile image and then on “Switch account.” Next, select the account or channel you want to switch to, or click on “Manage accounts” and then on “Add account” (you may need to scroll down to see it) to add a new account.
Recover Access if You Can’t Sign In
If you can’t sign in because you forgot your password, click on “Forgot Password” on the password screen. You can then recover your Google account using one of various methods, depending on which recovery methods you set up. For example, you may be able to approve the sign-in on another device or get a code at a recovery email address.
If you can’t remember your Google account email address, click on “Forgot Email” and then enter either the recovery email address or phone number.
Fix Common Sign-In Problems
If you can’t sign in to YouTube, try these quick fixes:
- Make sure you are entering the correct email address and password.
- Try resetting your password by clicking on “Forgot Password.”
- Clear cookies and try again.
- Disable extensions that may be blocking login.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Turn off your VPN, if you have one.
- If you have two-factor authentication turned on, make sure to authenticate by using your secondary device or SMS code (or another authentication method you approved).
Security Best Practices (Quick Reminders)
Remember, when you sign into your YouTube account using your Google account, the browser or device will be signed into your Google account for other things as well. That means people will be able to access your Gmail inbox, for example, or even your Google Maps history. If it’s a shared device or a public computer, log out after using it for privacy and safety.
You can always go to the security settings of your Google account and remove the device from the list to sign out of it remotely, if you no longer have access to it physically.
Conclusion
I hope this YouTube sign-in guide and checklist was helpful! Remember, if you can’t sign in, you can recover your account using two-step verification if you set up a recovery email address or phone number, or if you are already signed into another device that you have access to.
