Change your YouTube password from your Google Account settings

Your YouTube account is controlled by your Google Account, so changing your YouTube password means changing your Google password. You do this through Google's account security page, not through YouTube itself. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use YouTube on a computer, phone, or tablet.

You will need to know your current password to make the change. If you have forgotten it, Google can send you a recovery code instead — but that is a separate process covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube passwords are managed through your Google Account settings, not through the YouTube app or website directly.
  • You need your current password to change it, unless you have lost access to your account.
  • The change takes effect immediately across all Google services you use with that account.
  • If you forget your password, Google can verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number before letting you set a new one.
  • Changing your password signs you out of YouTube and all other Google services on all devices, and you will need to sign back in.

Steps to change your password on a computer

Go to myaccount.google.com in your web browser and sign in if you are not already signed in. On the left side of the page, click Security. Scroll down until you see the section labeled How you sign in to Google, and click Password.

Google will ask you to enter your current password again for security reasons. Type it in and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the first box and once again in the second box to confirm you typed it correctly. Click Change Password when you are done.

You will see a confirmation message. Your new password is now active. You will be signed out of YouTube and all other Google services on all your devices, and you will need to sign back in with your new password the next time you use them.

Steps to change your password on a phone or tablet

Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or whatever you normally use) and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in if needed. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then tap Security.

Scroll down to How you sign in to Google and tap Password. Enter your current password when prompted, then tap Next. Type your new password in both fields and tap Change Password. The change takes effect right away.

What to do if you have forgotten your password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the steps above. Instead, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery in your browser. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Google Account.

Google will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means entering a code that Google sends to your recovery email address or phone number. Once you have verified your identity, you can create a new password without needing to know the old one. This process can take a few minutes, and you may be asked security questions about your account history.

Why you might want to change your password

Change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You should also change it if you shared your account with someone and no longer want them to have access.

Changing your password immediately signs you out everywhere, which means anyone else using your account will be forced to sign back in. This is the fastest way to lock out unauthorized access.

What happens after you change your password

You will be signed out of YouTube on all devices — your phone, tablet, computer, and any smart TV or other device where you were signed in. The next time you open YouTube or any other Google service, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your email address and your new password to get back in.

If you use YouTube on multiple devices, you will need to sign in again on each one. This can take a few minutes but only needs to happen once per device. Your watch history, subscriptions, and playlists remain unchanged — only your sign-in credentials are different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my YouTube password affect my Gmail or Google Drive?

Yes. YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and all other Google services share the same password because they all use your Google Account. Changing your password changes it for everything at once.

Can I change my password on the YouTube app itself?

No. The YouTube app does not have a password change option. You must go through the Google Account website at myaccount.google.com to change it.

How long does it take for the password change to work everywhere?

The change is immediate on Google's servers, but it may take a few minutes for all your devices to recognize it. If you are still signed in on a device, you will not see the change until you sign out and sign back in.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

You can use the account recovery process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery again. Google will verify your identity using your recovery email or phone number and let you set another new password.

Do I need to change my password if I only use YouTube and never use other Google services?

Your YouTube account is still a Google Account, so changing the password changes it across all Google services whether you use them or not. If you only care about YouTube security, changing the password still protects your entire Google Account.