Google is rolling out a new “Selfie Video” option that lets users authenticate their identity by recording a short video with their device’s camera. The feature is designed as an alternative sign-in and account recovery method for people who may be locked out due to issues such as a lost device or forgotten password. Users set up the selfie video in advance and can later use it to verify they are the account owner. During setup, Google instructs users to look at the camera and follow head-movement prompts to capture multiple angles. When a user tries to sign in or recover access, Google compares the new video to the one saved to the account.

Google says the selfie video is encrypted and stored securely with the user’s consent. Users can delete the saved video at any time from Google Account settings. The company also positions the method as a way to help distinguish real people from automated or abusive activity, such as bots. Availability is described as limited: it is not offered for all regions, devices, or account types, and it does not work for Google Workspace accounts, children’s accounts, or accounts enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program. The feature has previously been tested in Brazil.