Google introduces new ‘selfie video’ sign-in method
9to5 Google 2026-07-23 13:00:00
Context: Google has introduced a new sign-in method for Google Accounts, called "selfie video," which allows users to authenticate using a short video of themselves. This method is designed to be helpful in situations where users lose their phone or passkeys. The selfie video sign-in method is supported on both mobile and desktop devices.
Key Facts
- The set-up process for the selfie video sign-in method involves looking at the device's camera and completing a "few short, guided head movements to capture multiple angles."
- Users can authenticate using their phones if their PCs lack cameras, and they can delete the selfie video at any time.
- Google employs "multiple layers of security" to help prevent fake photos or videos, including detection of suspicious sign-in attempts and verification that the video is live.
- The selfie video is encrypted at rest, meaning it is securely stored even when it is not being used, and it is used only for signing in by default, although an optional opt-in allows data to be used to improve verification methods.
- Users can check whether their account is eligible and set up their selfie video at g.co/signin-selfie, and this method joins other sign-in methods like passkeys and recovery contacts, with Google recommending that users set up multiple methods.