# How to recover a YouTube account

Canonical: https://postmesh.app/blog/how-to-recover-a-youtube-account

By PostMesh team. Published 2026-10-31; updated 2026-10-31.

A YouTube channel belongs to a Google Account, so you recover it by recovering that Google Account at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. If the channel was hacked, recover the account first and then undo the hacker's changes; if YouTube terminated it, appeal from YouTube Studio within 1 year.

YouTube account recovery covers several different problems that look the same from the outside: you can't get into your channel. A forgotten password, a lost phone, a hacked channel, a terminated channel and a deleted account each have their own fix, their own time limits and their own chances of success. This guide covers all of them from Google's and YouTube's help pages, starting with a quick way to tell which one you're dealing with.

## The short answer

Work out what happened, then start in the right place. Most cases begin with Google's [account recovery page](https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery), because a YouTube channel can't be recovered until the Google Account behind it is back under your control.

**What happened to your YouTube account?**
- I forgot my password or lost my phone → Use Google's account recovery page and answer every question as best you can.
- Someone hacked it → Recover the Google Account, secure it, then clean up the channel and contact support if eligible.
- YouTube terminated it → Appeal from YouTube Studio within 1 year. You get up to 2 appeals in that year.
- It was deleted → A deleted channel can't be restored. A hidden channel or recently deleted Google Account might be.

*Find your case, then jump to that section.*

| What happened | Where to start | Time limits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Forgot password | accounts.google.com/signin/recovery | No limit on attempts; changed recovery info can take up to 7 days to apply |
| Forgot which email | Recover your username with your phone or recovery email | None stated |
| Lost phone or security key | Another second step, a backup code, or account recovery | Lost security key recovery can take 3 to 5 business days |
| Hacked channel | Google account recovery, then YouTube's cleanup tool | Support covers hacks from the past 9 months |
| Terminated channel | The appeal page in YouTube Studio | Appeal within 1 year; up to 2 appeals in that year |
| Google Account disabled | Sign in and select Start Appeal | None stated; unappealed accounts may be deleted |
| Deleted channel | No restore option described | Permanent |

## Why does recovering YouTube mean recovering a Google Account?

YouTube doesn't have its own passwords. You sign in with a Google Account, and the channel is attached to it. YouTube's [hacked channel page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/76187) says plainly that the channel can't be recovered until the Google Account linked to it is recovered and secured. So every sign-in problem in this guide starts with Google.

### If your channel uses a Brand Account

Some channels sit on a Brand Account, which lets several people manage the channel from their own Google Accounts without a separate password. YouTube's [Brand Account page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7286468) says you can see yours at myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts, under Your Brand Accounts. If your channel seems to be missing, you may just be signed in to the wrong Google Account, or using your personal channel instead of the Brand Account one. YouTube notes that having a Brand Account doesn't mean you're automatically using it, and you can only use one channel at a time.

### If your channel is older than May 2009

YouTube's page for [old YouTube usernames](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/55757) covers channels created before May 2009 that haven't been signed in to since 2011. Those were connected to a Brand Account automatically. To claim one, sign in to the Google Account you want to use, go to youtube.com/gaia_link, enter your old YouTube username and password, and select Claim channel. YouTube says there's no password recovery for these old accounts, so without the old password you may not be able to claim it.

## How do I recover my YouTube account if I forgot my password?

Use Google's recovery flow. Google's [recovery help page](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7682439) says wrong guesses won't kick you out of the process, and there's no limit to how many times you can try.

1. **Open the recovery page**: Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter the email address or phone number for the account.
2. **Answer every question**: Google asks questions to confirm the account is yours. Don't skip any. If you're unsure, make your best guess.
3. **Enter the most recent password you remember**: If asked for an old password, type the latest one you can recall, watching for typos and capital letters.
4. **Use a code if you can**: Google may send a verification code to the account's recovery email or phone. If you can't get it, choose Try another way.
5. **Set a new password**: When prompted, choose a strong password you haven't used on this account before.

### Tips that help Google verify you

Google's [tips for account recovery](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7299973) explain what makes a recovery more likely to succeed:

- Use a device you often sign in on, in the browser you usually use.
- Try from a place you normally sign in, such as home or work.
- Answer every question rather than skipping, and guess when you're unsure.
- Check spam or junk for an email titled Your Google support inquiry.
- If you recently changed your recovery phone or email, wait: Google says changes can take up to 7 days to take effect.

### If someone else changed your password

Use the same recovery page. Google's [compromised account page](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6294825) says account recovery is the route if someone changed your password or recovery phone, deleted your account, or you can't sign in for any other reason. Once you're back in, treat it as a hack and follow the hacked channel steps below, because whoever changed the password may have changed other things too.

### If Google couldn't verify the account is yours

Google's tips page says you can try again after seeing that message, and since there's no limit on attempts, try again from your usual device and location with your best answers. If recovery still doesn't work, Google suggests creating a replacement Google Account and setting it up so you don't get locked out again. That doesn't bring back the old channel, so keep trying recovery first.

> Work, school and other organization accounts may not follow these steps. If your channel is on one, Google says to contact your administrator.

## What if I forgot the email address on my YouTube account?

Google's recovery page has a separate flow for a forgotten username. You'll need the phone number or recovery email on the account, plus the full name on it. After you confirm your identity, Google shows a list of usernames that match. Google also suggests recovering your username first if you're not sure you're trying to recover the right account.

### Finding which account owns the channel

If you have several Google Accounts, sign in to each one and check its channel from your profile picture, then check myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts for Brand Accounts it manages. If you can see the channel's public page but none of your accounts can manage it, it's probably on an account you've lost track of, which is where the username recovery above comes in.

### If you manage the channel but don't own it

Managers and editors sign in with their own Google Accounts, so a manager who loses access recovers their own account, not the owner's. YouTube's channel permissions page says ownership can't be transferred to others and only the owner can delete the channel. If the owner's account is the one that's lost, only the owner can recover it through Google.

## What if I lost my phone or can't use 2-Step Verification?

2-Step Verification is required for the YouTube Partner Program, so many creators have it on. Losing the phone doesn't have to lock you out. Google's [2-Step Verification help](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185834) lists the other ways to prove it's you:

**Try these first**
- Another phone that's signed in
- A backup phone number on the account
- A backup code you saved
- A security key or a passkey on another device
- A computer where you chose Don't ask again on this computer

**If none of them work**
- Ask your carrier to move your number to a new phone or SIM
- Start account recovery
- Expect 3 to 5 business days if you lost a security key

*Second steps Google accepts, from its 2-Step Verification help page.*

### If the phone was stolen

Google says to sign out of the lost or stolen phone and change your Google Account password as soon as you can get in. Then remove the lost device from your account and add a new second step.

### If the verification code doesn't arrive

Google says you may have been sent a Google prompt on a signed-in phone instead of a text, so check for that first. Text delivery depends on your plan, device, location and connection. If you asked for several codes, only the newest one works. A text to a backup phone that fails can be replaced by signing in from your main phone or another trusted device.

### If you lost your backup codes

Once you're signed in, go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account, select Show codes, then Get new codes. That cancels the old ones, so a lost sheet of codes can't be used by anyone else.

> Google advises against using a Google Voice number for verification codes, because signing out of the Google Voice app could lock you out of the account it protects.

## Can I call Google or YouTube to recover my account?

No. Google's recovery page says that for your security, you can't call Google for help signing in to your account. It also says Google doesn't work with services that offer account or password support. Anyone who offers to recover your channel for a fee is not working with Google.

### Who can help, once you're back in

YouTube's hacked channel page says eligible creators, such as members of the YouTube Partner Program, can contact the Creator Support team after recovering their Google Account. If you can't reach Creator Support, you can get help from TeamYouTube on X. YouTube also offers a hacked channel assistant you can chat with to check whether your channel was hacked.

> Google says it never asks for your password or verification codes by email, phone call or message, and that you should only enter them at accounts.google.com. If someone claiming to be from Google or YouTube asks for a code, don't share it.

## How do I recover a hacked YouTube channel?

YouTube's hacked channel page lists the signs: changes you didn't make to your profile picture, descriptions, email settings or AdSense association, messages you didn't send, or videos you didn't upload. You might also get emails about strikes or penalties for uploads that aren't yours. If you see any of this, act quickly.

1. Recover the Google Account
2. Change the password and review devices
3. Turn on 2-Step Verification and fix recovery info
4. Undo the hacker's channel changes
5. Check for strikes and contact support if eligible

*The order YouTube's hacked channel page sets out.*

### Step 1: secure the Google Account

If you can still sign in, change your password right away. If you can't, use account recovery. Then follow Google's [steps for a compromised account](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6294825):

- Review security events: in your Google Account, open Security & sign-in and select Review security events. For anything you didn't do, choose No, it wasn't me and follow the steps.
- Review devices: open Your devices, then Manage devices, and use Don't recognize a device? for any you don't know.
- Change the password on any other site that used the same password, or that emails your Google address.
- Turn on 2-Step Verification, and check your recovery phone, recovery email and the apps with access to your account. Fix anything you didn't set.
- Ask everyone who manages the channel to secure their own Google Accounts too.

### Step 2: clean up the channel

YouTube's [cleanup page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/14849770) describes a cleanup tool in YouTube Studio that channel owners and managers can use on a computer. It only appears when YouTube detects unusual activity. It lists the activity in one place so you can mark what you did and what you didn't, and it can correct the changes you mark as not yours, usually within a few hours of submitting.

YouTube Studio: Cleanup tool › Start review › Review plan › Check permissions › Submit

*You can edit the review until the date in the confirmation email, usually 30 days later.*

Until that date you can still edit anything you marked as authorized, but you can't undo changes you marked as unauthorized. If the tool doesn't appear, or you aren't an owner or manager, clean up by hand:

- Delete videos the hacker uploaded, but only if they have no strikes or copyright claims. If they do, contact YouTube instead so it can investigate.
- Remove access for anyone you don't recognize. On a Brand Account, remove them from the Brand Account.
- Restore your channel name, handle, profile picture and banner quickly. YouTube warns that leaving a hacker's branding up can get the channel suspended for trademark infringement. If you can't change the name, delete any name translations first.
- Check video privacy settings, since hackers may hide your videos, plus recent comments, playlists, custom thumbnails, subscriptions, and your AdSense settings.

If you're rebuilding the channel's look, the [channel name character counter](/tools/youtube-channel-name-character-counter) checks the name's length, and [YouTube banner size](/blog/youtube-banner-size) and [YouTube thumbnail size](/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size) cover the dimensions to re-upload at. The [YouTube banner resizer](/tools/youtube-banner-resizer) crops your original art to fit, and if the hacker rewrote your channel description, the [channel description generator](/tools/youtube-bio-generator) can help you draft a new one.

### Step 3: deal with strikes from the hacker's uploads

Check your Dashboard in YouTube Studio for new Community Guidelines strikes. YouTube says to contact it to start an investigation for any strikes or claims on videos a hacker uploaded, rather than deleting those videos.

### How far back YouTube can help

YouTube says it can only support hacking incidents from the past 9 months, because of its data retention policy. It also says it can't always confirm that a hacker has been fully removed, so review the channel yourself after recovery. If the hacker deleted your videos, [how to find deleted YouTube videos](/blog/how-to-find-deleted-youtube-videos) covers where copies might still exist.

Hackers who get one password often try it elsewhere. If other accounts shared the same password, secure each of them through that network's own process, for example [Instagram's appeal process](/blog/instagram-account-disabled-appeal) or [how to contact Instagram support](/blog/how-to-contact-instagram-support).

## What if my channel was terminated after a hack?

Hackers sometimes break the rules on purpose, and YouTube may terminate the channel. YouTube's hacked channel page says to recover your Google Account first, then look for an email with appeal details, or use the appeal form it links to. It warns that an appeal may not be accepted if account recovery is incomplete, so finish securing the account before you appeal. Describe what actually happened: only appeal on the grounds of a hack if your channel really was hacked.

## How do I appeal a terminated YouTube channel?

YouTube's [terminations page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168) says channels are terminated for repeated Community Guidelines or Terms of Service violations, a single case of severe abuse such as predatory behavior, spam or pornography, or a channel dedicated to violating a policy, such as hate speech, harassment or impersonation. You'll get an email explaining the reason.

### What a termination means

- You lose access to most of YouTube Studio, though you can still sign in to read the termination details.
- Partner Program earnings stop, and YouTube may withhold unpaid earnings.
- You can't download your YouTube content anymore, but you can still download your Google data.
- You can't use, own or create any other YouTube channel, including channels where you're repeatedly or prominently featured.

### How to submit the appeal

1. **Open the appeal page**: On a computer, open the [channel appeal page](https://studio.youtube.com/channel-appeal?appealForm=1&hca=1) in YouTube Studio. You may need to sign in again or pass a verification step.
2. **Begin the review**: Below the termination information, click Begin Review, read the reason, then click Next.
3. **Start the appeal**: Select Start Appeal, then click Next.
4. **Explain your appeal**: Enter a contact email address and explain why you're appealing. Stick to the facts of your case.
5. **Submit**: Click Submit. Studio shows the anticipated review time after you submit.

YouTube Studio: Begin Review › Next › Start Appeal › Next › Submit

*If you can't use Studio, YouTube's terminations page links to a form.*

### How many times can I appeal?

YouTube says creators have up to 1 year from the termination date to appeal, can submit two appeals within that year, and face a limit on how many times a single termination can be appealed. If you've already appealed and been reviewed, or you're over the limit, you may get an automated reply.

- Termination day: Email explaining the reason
- Within 1 year: Submit an appeal; up to 2 in that year
- After review: Email with the decision
- If accepted: You're returned to your YouTube Studio dashboard
- 1 year after termination: Some creators may see Request new channel (pilot)

*From YouTube's terminations and new channel pilot pages.*

### What happens after the decision

If the appeal is accepted, YouTube sends you back to your Studio dashboard. If it's rejected, you're signed out once you accept the decision. Either way, the outcome arrives by email.

### If the termination was for copyright

If copyright strikes caused the termination and you believe they were mistakes, the terminations page says you can file a counter notification. YouTube's [counter notification page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2807684) says a terminated channel has to submit by email, fax or mail, or check Studio for options. Filing starts a legal process: your notice is shared with the claimant, and false information can lead to termination or legal consequences, so only file if you believe the removal really was a mistake.

## Can I start a new channel after a termination?

Not on your own. The terminations page says you can't create or use other channels after a termination, and YouTube's monetization policies say making new channels to get around restrictions can lead to all of them being terminated.

There is an official route for some creators. On October 9, 2025, YouTube's [Second chances post](https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/second-chances-on-youtube/) announced a pilot that lets some terminated creators request a new channel. YouTube's [rejoining page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16369459) sets the rules:

- You can't request a new channel until one year after your termination date.
- It isn't open to creators terminated for copyright infringement, creators who broke the Creator Responsibility policies, or creators who deleted their channel or Google Account.
- It's a gradual pilot, so you may not see the Request new channel option in Studio on a computer even if you qualify.
- YouTube weighs how severe or persistent the violations were and whether your activity harmed or may harm the community. The decision goes to the email on the terminated channel.

The blog post calls it a fresh start: you rebuild your audience on the new channel, and you can re-upload older videos that are within the Community Guidelines. If your old videos need cutting down before you re-upload them, [how to clip a YouTube video](/blog/how-to-clip-a-youtube-video) covers YouTube's own editing tools.

## What if my whole Google Account is disabled?

That's different from a channel termination. Google's [disabled account page](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/40695) says accounts are usually disabled when the owner doesn't follow Google's policies, with examples such as account hijacking, spam, harassment, impersonation and malware. When that happens, the whole account is unavailable, including YouTube.

1. **Sign in on a browser**: Try to sign in to the disabled account. You'll be shown that it's disabled.
2. **Select Start Appeal**: Follow the instructions to explain why you think the account shouldn't be disabled.
3. **Wait for the decision**: For some violations, Google reviews up to two appeals. If an appeal isn't approved, the account stays unavailable.

Google warns that without further action, a disabled account will be permanently disabled and considered for deletion. You may be able to download some of your data by signing in, but for some serious violations, accounts are disabled without that option.

## Can I recover a deleted YouTube channel or Google Account?

### A deleted channel

YouTube's [delete or hide page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/55759) says closing a channel permanently deletes its content, including videos, comments, messages, playlists and history. It describes no way to bring a deleted channel back, and warns that permanently deleting your channel may make it harder to recover your account. Deleting a channel doesn't delete the Google Account, but deleting the primary owner's Google Account deletes the channel too.

### A hidden channel

Hiding is reversible. YouTube's [re-enable page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2972692) says to sign in and fill out the channel creation form, which restores the existing channel. Don't choose the option to use a business or other name, because that creates a new channel instead. For a Brand Account, go to Settings, then Account, then Add or manage your channel(s), select the hidden channel, and click OK when asked to create a channel. You'll likely need to make videos and playlists viewable again yourself, and view counts can take up to a week to update.

### A deleted Google Account

Google's [deleted account page](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6236295) says you may be able to recover a recently deleted account through the usual recovery flow, which restores access to the account and its data. It gives no exact time window, only that an account deleted a while ago may not be recoverable, so try right away. Separately, Google can delete accounts that have been inactive across Google for at least two years.

## How do I keep my YouTube account from being lost again?

YouTube's [Secure your channel page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9701986) puts three things first: scan for malware, use a passkey for 2-Step Verification, and make an account recovery plan. It singles out links in spam or fake sponsorship emails as a common way in, and says passkeys give the strongest protection against phishing.

**Protect your channel**
- [ ] Turn on 2-Step Verification with a passkey
- [ ] Keep your recovery phone and email current
- [ ] Save backup codes somewhere safe
- [ ] Turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome
- [ ] Don't open files or links from unexpected sponsorship emails
- [ ] Give teammates channel permissions, not your password
- [ ] Run Google's Security Checkup now and then

*From YouTube's Secure your channel and hacked channel pages.*

### How hackers usually get in

YouTube's security page says malware arrives through suspicious links, infected downloads and fake software updates, and names fake sponsorship or brand deal emails as a common source of those links. It recommends antivirus software plus Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome, which also scans downloads that antivirus software may miss when files are encrypted. If an unexpected offer asks you to download a file to see the deal, treat it as a warning sign. Share these precautions with everyone who has access to your channel, since any of their accounts can be the weak point.

### Give access with channel permissions

YouTube's [channel permissions page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9481328) says granting permissions is safer than sharing your password. Each person uses their own Google Account, and you pick their role:

| Role | What it can do |
| --- | --- |
| Owner | Everything, including deleting the channel and managing permissions |
| Manager | Almost everything, including permissions and publishing, but can't delete the channel |
| Editor | Edit and publish content and manage live streams, but not permissions |
| Editor (Limited) | Same as Editor, without revenue data |
| Subtitle Editor | Only subtitles on eligible videos |
| Viewer | View channel details and revenue data |
| Viewer (Limited) | View channel details, without revenue data |

Invitations expire after 30 days. If your channel is on a Brand Account, YouTube says to switch to channel permissions to add or remove access. The hacked channel page also suggests using a different email for your channel than for your other accounts.

### Be careful what you connect

Every app with access to your Google Account is a way in. Review the list during the Security Checkup and remove anything you don't use. Tools that publish for you should sign in through Google rather than ask for your password: [PostMesh connects to YouTube](/platform/youtube) with Google sign-in and never sees your password, which keeps your channel's credentials with Google when you [schedule YouTube videos](/blog/how-to-schedule-youtube-videos).

If your channel is monetized, [when does YouTube start paying you](/blog/when-does-youtube-start-paying-you) explains the payment holds that can delay a payment and how to clear each one, and [how much YouTube pays for 1 million views](/blog/how-much-does-youtube-pay-for-1-million-views) covers the numbers.

## Questions

### Can I recover my YouTube account without a phone number or email?

You can try. Google's recovery flow asks other questions, such as your last password, and there's no limit on attempts. Use a device and location you normally sign in from.

### How long does YouTube account recovery take?

Google doesn't give one timeline. Changed recovery info can take up to 7 days to apply, and recovery after losing a security key can take 3 to 5 business days.

### Is there a YouTube support phone number for account recovery?

No. Google says you can't call it for help signing in, and it doesn't work with paid recovery services. Eligible creators can contact Creator Support after they've recovered their account.

### Can someone else recover my channel for me?

Google says it doesn't work with services that offer account or password support. Recovery has to go through Google's own flow, and you should never share passwords or verification codes.

### Will my subscribers come back after I recover a hacked channel?

If the channel wasn't deleted, recovering the account gives you back the same channel. Check that the hacker didn't hide your videos or change your branding, and fix those quickly.

### How long do I have to appeal a terminated YouTube channel?

Up to 1 year from the termination date, with up to two appeals in that year.

### Can I make a new YouTube channel if mine was terminated?

Not by yourself. Some creators can request a new channel through YouTube's pilot one year after termination, except those terminated for copyright or Creator Responsibility violations.

### Can I get back a YouTube channel I deleted?

YouTube describes no way to restore a deleted channel. If you hid it instead of deleting it, you can re-enable it.

### What does YouTube's hacked channel support cover?

Hacking incidents from the past 9 months. YouTube says it can't support older incidents because of its data retention policy.

### Why can't I find my channel after signing in?

You may be in the wrong Google Account or not switched to the Brand Account that holds the channel. Check myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts while signed in to each of your accounts.

## Sources

- [Google Account Help: How to recover your Google Account or Gmail](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7682439)

- [Google Account Help: Tips to complete account recovery steps](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7299973)

- [Google Account Help: Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185834)

- [Google Account Help: Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6294825)

- [Google Account Help: Your account is disabled](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/40695)

- [Google Account Help: Recover a recently deleted Google Account](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6236295)

- [YouTube Help: Recover a hacked YouTube channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/76187)

- [YouTube Help: Clean up a hacked YouTube channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/14849770)

- [YouTube Help: Secure your YouTube channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9701986)

- [YouTube Help: Check if you have a Brand Account](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7286468)

- [YouTube Help: I signed in with a YouTube username](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/55757)

- [YouTube Help: Channel or account terminations](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802168)

- [YouTube Help: Submit a copyright counter notification](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2807684)

- [YouTube Help: Rejoining the YouTube community after a channel termination](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16369459)

- [YouTube Official Blog: Second chances on YouTube (October 9, 2025)](https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/second-chances-on-youtube/)

- [YouTube Help: Delete or hide your YouTube channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/55759)

- [YouTube Help: Re-enable hidden channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2972692)

- [YouTube Help: Add or remove access to your YouTube channel (channel permissions)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9481328)