Google launches video selfie sign-in for your account: here is how it works

Google has introduced a new way to access your account: the video selfie. Here is how it works.

Everyone has forgotten a password at some point. It is frustrating, but it does not have to be a dead end. Users can now sign in to their accounts in several ways, including with a phone number, biometrics or confirmation on a trusted device. Google is adding another option: the video selfie.

The Mountain View company has unveiled “selfie for sign-in”, a selfie-based method intended to make signing in to a Google account easier. Unlike Windows Hello or Android, which scan your face live, this approach relies on video. It is therefore designed to offer greater security.

How does selfie sign-in work?

Selfie sign-in is not enabled automatically, as it is intended as a last resort when you have forgotten your password. First, you need to record a short reference video in your account. When you later need to sign in, you record yourself again and follow the prompts: turn your head left and right, look at the camera, and so on. If Google recognises you, you can access your account:

“If you have trouble signing in in the future, you simply need to take another selfie to access your account. The video selfie compares the new video with the one you recorded to confirm your identity and allow you to sign in again.”

Video selfie security for your Google account

The key benefit over a standard selfie is security. The video requires you to move in real time and complete different random movements each time you sign in. This means the algorithm cannot be fooled by a photograph or even a deepfake. Google also seeks to reassure users about the security of the reference video stored on its servers. It is said to be encrypted and securely protected, so it should not be used for any purpose other than signing in:

“Your video selfie belongs to you and you remain in control of it. It is recorded and stored securely with your consent, and you can delete it at any time from your Google Account. It is only used to sign you in, unless you choose to share it for other purposes. Your video selfie is encrypted when it is not in use, which means it remains securely stored even while inactive.”

Availability of Google selfie sign-in

For now, selfie sign-in is being rolled out and is not yet available to everyone. Naturally, this will not be a compulsory method, and you will never need it if you remember your password or have several signed-in devices that can authenticate one another.