YouTube error · Common

YouTube keeps asking for password — fix the constant re-login loop

YouTube signs you out repeatedly and asks for your password again — sometimes daily, sometimes every few hours. Different from a one-off sign-out: this is persistent re-authentication that interrupts normal use.

Why this happens

  • Browser is clearing cookies on each close — the session that holds your sign-in is wiped on every restart.
  • You have 2FA enabled and a "trusted device" period that's shorter than your usage gaps.
  • Account had a security event (login from new location, etc.) and Google is re-verifying every session.
  • Multiple accounts sharing the same browser — session conflicts cause spontaneous sign-outs.
  • Browser extension clears site data periodically.

How to fix it

  1. 1

    Disable "clear cookies on close"

    Chrome → Settings → Privacy → Site Settings → Cookies → uncheck "Clear cookies when you close all windows". Same in Firefox/Edge under their privacy panels.

  2. 2

    Check 2FA settings

    myaccount.google.com → Security → 2-Step Verification → "Don't ask again on this device" should be checked on devices you use regularly. If you uncheck it once, the trusted-device cache resets and you'll see frequent prompts.

  3. 3

    Review recent security events

    myaccount.google.com → Security → "Recent security activity". If Google flagged any logins, that triggered the re-verify cycle. Mark suspicious events as "not me" or confirm them as you.

  4. 4

    Stop using multiple accounts in one browser

    Use Chrome profiles per Google account instead of multi-account sign-in. Cookies don't conflict, sessions don't spontaneously expire.

  5. 5

    Disable privacy / cookie-clearing extensions

    Cookie AutoDelete, ClearURLs, Privacy Badger and similar tools can clear youtube.com cookies on their own schedule. Whitelist youtube.com or pause them.

Frequently asked

How long is a "trusted device" valid for 2FA?
Google's trusted-device cache typically lasts 30 days from the last successful sign-in. If you don't sign in to that account for 30+ days, you'll need to re-verify on the next sign-in.

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