Google Now Lets You Sign In With a Selfie Video
Google announced a new way back into your account this week: a selfie video. Instead of a password reset or a security question, users record a short video of themselves following on-screen prompts, turning their head, nodding, looking in different directions to capture multiple angles of their face. If they’re ever locked out of their account without their usual phone or computer nearby, they take another selfie video, and Google checks it against the one on file.
This isn’t meant to replace your password. Google is positioning it as a backup option, alongside passkeys and recovery contacts, for when traditional recovery methods aren’t available.
Why a Video and Not Just a Photo
The head movements aren’t decorative. They’re the whole point. Since the prompts happen in real time, a static photo or a pre-recorded clip won’t pass the check. Google also runs the video through additional checks designed to catch AI generated deepfakes and other impersonation attempts, on top of its usual fraud detection systems.
What Happens to the Video
Once recorded, the selfie video is encrypted and stored securely, and users can delete it at any time from their Google Account settings.
By default, it’s only used to help you sign in. Users can separately opt in to let Google use the video to improve facial recognition, age estimation, and other verification methods, and that permission can be revoked at any time.
Getting Set Up
The feature isn’t available for every account, region, or device yet. Where it is, setup means allowing camera access, following the on-screen prompts, and confirming the selfie. Eligible users can check their access and set it up at g.co/signin-selfie.
