Why Doesn’t My YouTube Let Me Sign in

Computers have far exceeded human expectations, but they have yet to be perfect. If you’re having trouble signing in to YouTube, there are a few possible explanations. Maybe you’re using an old browser that isn’t compatible with the latest YouTube sign-in system. Or maybe you’re trying to sign in with an incorrect email address or password.

If you’ve tried all of these things and you’re still having trouble, you can try resetting your password. But what causes this problem? Let’s find out!

Causes of YouTube Sign-in Issue

There are several reasons why you are not gaining access to your YouTube account.

• Disabled cookies
• Uncleared Cache
• Outdated browser
• Unoptimized extensions
• Discordant third-party apps
• Workplace Restrictions
• Deactivated account

Solutions for the YouTube Sign-in Issue

There are many possible solutions to this issue. It all depends on what the root of the problem is. Sometimes you need to update your browser and clear your cache, but a simple restart can fix the issue. Let’s have a look at the solutions in detail.

Make Sure You Are Typing in the Right Credentials

Sometimes you look for every potential solution to a problem, only to discover that the base of the problem is an erroneous email or password. Make sure you turn off any auto-fill password extensions, re-check your password multiple times, and only then proceed to sign in.

Restart Your Device

Restarting your device is probably the most practical solution to most of the problems. It provides the device a breath of fresh air it really needs. So, before you try any of the following solutions, try rebooting your device. Check if the issue still persists, if it does, try this next step.

Try Incognito Mode

Before you try deleting your cache, try signing in using the incognito mode. If you are able to sign in using the incognito mode, it means that something in your regular browser settings is stopping you from accessing your YouTube account. In that case, it’s time to move to the next level. To log in from Google’s incognito mode, follow these steps.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots on the top right of the window.
3. Click on New Incognito Window.
   
4. Go to YouTube.com and try signing in.

Clear Caches and Remove Extensions

Cache is necessary for only a short period of time and a massive build-up of the cache can harm the performance. Extensions that manage passwords may have recorded the wrong password you type in instead of the correct password you re-entered. In such a case, the auto-fill feature will feed in the incorrect password every time you try to log in. So, to avoid that, delete the extensions before trying to sign in again.

For Mobile Devices

To remove cache from your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open your Browser. 
2. Tap on the three dots.
3. Go to History.
4. Tap on the Clear browsing data option.
5. Checkmark the ‘Cookies and site data and ‘Caches images and files’ options.
   
6. Tap on Clear data.

If for some reason you are unable to follow the above-mentioned procedure, there is another way to clear the cache too. Follow these alternative steps for clearing your cache.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap on your browser.
4. Tap on the Clear cache option.
   

Note: Doing this will remove all your caches, unlike the method described above, you will not have the option to choose what to remove and what not to remove.

Moreover, you can also try clearing your YouTube application’s cache. To clear your YouTube application’s cache, follow these steps.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap on YouTube.
4. Tap on the Clear cache option.
   

For PC Users

To remove caches from your PC, follow these steps.

1. Open your Browser.
2. Tap on the three dots and click on history or press the Ctrl + H key simultaneously.
3. Click on the ‘Clear browsing data’ option.
4. A window with customizable cache removal will pop up, customize your cache preference and remove the unwanted caches.
   
5. Click on Clear data.

Moreover, to remove extensions from your PC, follow these steps.

1. Open your Browser.
2. Click on the three dots and go to Settings.
3. Click on Extensions.
4. Click on the Remove buttons.
   

Update / Reinstall YouTube

In some cases, an outdated browser can also be the cause of the issue. An outdated browser can not communicate well with the constantly updating servers of YouTube. Try updating your browser and see if the issue still persists.

If you are using a phone, you should try updating your YouTube application. Sometimes, in the case of smartphones, the YouTube app can be corrupted for many reasons. To update your YouTube application on your mobile device, follow these steps.

1. Open Play Store or App Store.
2. Search for YouTube.
3. Tap on YouTube.
4. Tap on Update if available.
   

You can also try re-installing the YouTube app itself. To do so, follow these steps.

1. Go to Google Playstore.
2. Search for YouTube.
3. Tap on YouTube.
4. Tap on Uninstall.
   

Now, install YouTube again by opening the Play Store or App Store. If you still can not sign in to your YouTube account, try the next solution.

Allow Cookies

Malware can alter your browser settings in the worst ways imaginable. One of the scenarios would be that malware has disallowed cookies to YouTube. This can lead to YouTube not working properly and also the sign-in issue. To enable cookies follow these steps.

1. Open your Browser.
2. Click on the three dots.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Click on the Privacy and Settings tab.
5. Click on the Cookies and other site data option.
6. Checkmark the Allow all cookies option.
   

Stop Using VPN

Discordant third-party apps such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might also cause the sign-in issue. This could happen because of several factors. It could be the VPN’s incompetency or a certain website’s denial of connection over a VPN. To turn off any VPN connection, follow these steps.

For PC Users

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Click on the Network and Internet settings.
4. Go to the VPN tabs on the left of the screen.
5. Toggle off any VPN that is active.

For Mobile Devices

1. Open the VPN app you are using.
2. Tap on the Disconnect option.

Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus often block a number of sites in the name of protection. They usually do not block YouTube since it a completely safe and one of the most popular websites. Still, there are instances where this has been seen. To turn off your firewall, follow these steps.

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Click on the Update and Security settings.
4. Click on the Windows security tab on the left panel.
5. Click on Firewall and Network protection.
   
6. Click on Domain Network/ Private Network/ Public Network (depending on what type of connection you are using).
   
7. Toggle the Microsoft Defender Firewall off.

Likewise, To turn off your antivirus, follow these steps.

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Click on the Update and Security settings.
4. Click on the Windows security tab on the left panel.
5. Click on Virus and Threat protection.
6. Under Virus and Threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
7. Turn off Real-time protection.
   
8. Turn off Cloud delivered protection.

Sync Google Account

Out of all the solutions, this is the least used but who knows, it might just work for you. To sync your google account, follow these steps.

For PC

1. Open the Browser.
2. Click on the three dots.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Click on the Turn on option alongside your Google account’s username.
   

For Mobile Devices

1. Open your Browser.
2. Tap on the three dots.
3. Tap on Settings.
4. Tap on Sync.
   
5. Toggle the switch on.