Change your YouTube password through your Google Account settings

Your YouTube account is controlled by Google, so you change your YouTube password by updating your Google Account password. This single password works for YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, and any other Google service you use. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security" in the left menu, find "Password" in the middle of the page, and click it. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it's really you, then show you a form where you enter your current password once and your new password twice.

The new password takes effect when ready across all Google services. If you're signed into YouTube on your phone, computer, or tablet, you'll be signed out automatically. You'll need to sign back in with your new password on each device.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube passwords are managed through your Google Account at myaccount.google.com, not through YouTube itself.
  • Changing your Google password signs you out of YouTube and all other Google services on all your devices.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, even if you're already signed in.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your password, use the account recovery process on the Google sign-in page rather than trying to reset it through YouTube.

What makes a strong YouTube password

A strong password is long and random enough that someone guessing or using a computer program cannot crack it quickly. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words. Do not reuse a password you use anywhere else — if one website gets hacked, attackers will try that password on your other accounts.

Google's password strength meter on the change-password page shows you in real time whether your choice is weak, fair, good, or strong. If it says weak, add more characters or mix in different types of characters. A password like "BlueMountain2024!" is weaker than "7xK#mP2$vL9@qR4w" because the first one uses predictable words and numbers.

How to sign back in after changing your password

After you change your password, every device where you were signed into YouTube will sign you out within a few minutes. On your phone, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture in the top right, tap "Sign out", then tap "Sign in" and enter your email address and new password. On a computer, go to YouTube.com, click your profile picture in the top right, click "Sign out", then click "Sign in" and enter your credentials.

If you use YouTube on multiple devices — a phone, tablet, laptop, and smart TV, for example — you'll need to sign back in on each one. This is a security feature: if someone else had access to one of your devices, signing out everywhere forces them to sign back in with your new password, locking them out.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, go to the Google sign-in page at accounts.google.com/signin, enter your email address, and click "Forgot password?" Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you can't remember any recent password, Google will send a recovery code to your backup email address or phone number. You'll use that code to set a new password.

This recovery process can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much information Google needs to verify that the account is really yours. Keep your backup email and phone number current in your Google Account settings so recovery stays fast if you ever need it.

Using a password manager to store your YouTube password safely

A password manager is software that stores all your passwords in an encrypted vault protected by one strong master password. Instead of trying to remember your YouTube password, you open your password manager, search for YouTube, and it fills in your login details automatically. Popular password managers include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane. Most work on phones, tablets, and computers.

A password manager makes it safe to use a long, random password like "7xK#mP2$vL9@qR4w" because you don't have to remember it — the manager does. It also prevents you from reusing the same password across multiple websites, which is one of the biggest security risks. If you use a password manager, you only have to remember your master password.

Signing out of YouTube on devices you no longer use

If you change your password because you think someone else might have access to your account, or because you sold an old phone or computer, you can remotely sign out of YouTube on that device. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security" in the left menu, scroll down to "Your devices", and click "Manage all devices". You'll see a list of phones, tablets, and computers currently signed into your Google Account. Click the device you want to sign out of and select "Sign out".

This works even if you no longer have physical access to the device. The next time someone tries to use YouTube on that phone or computer, they'll see the sign-in screen and won't be able to access your account without your new password.

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security

Two-factor authentication (also called two-step verification) requires you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you sign in. This means that even if someone learns your password, they can't access your account without also having your phone. To turn it on, go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security", find "2-Step Verification", and click it. Google will walk you through the setup, which usually takes a few minutes.

You can choose to receive codes by text message, through the Google Authenticator app, or through a physical security key. The Authenticator app is more find than text messages because text messages can sometimes be intercepted. If you travel internationally or use your phone in areas with spotty cell service, a security key (a small physical device you plug into your computer or phone) is the most reliable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my YouTube password separately from my Gmail password?

No. YouTube and Gmail share the same password because they're both Google services. When you change your Google Account password, it changes for YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, and everything else connected to that account at the same time.

Will changing my password delete my YouTube videos or subscriptions?

No. Changing your password only updates your login credentials. Your videos, playlists, subscriptions, watch history, and all other account data stay exactly as they are. You'll still own everything you owned before.

Can I change my YouTube password on my phone?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, go to myaccount.google.com, and follow the same steps you would on a computer. You can also change it through the YouTube app by tapping your profile picture, tapping "Manage your Google Account", clicking the "Security" tab, and tapping "Password".

What if I'm locked out of my backup email and phone number?

Google's account recovery process can take longer if you can't access your backup email or phone. You may be asked security questions about your account, like what date you created it or what devices you normally sign in from. Have answers ready and be as specific as possible. Recovery can take several hours or days in these cases.

Should I change my password regularly even if nothing seems wrong?

Changing your password every few months is a reasonable security practice, but it's less important than using a strong, unique password in the first place and turning on two-factor authentication. Focus on those two things first. If you do change your password regularly, make sure each new password is different from the last one.