YouTube introduces Account Lock feature for shared smart TVs

YouTube has introduced a new privacy feature called ‘Account Lock’ designed for shared smart TVs, streaming sticks, and gaming consoles. The feature allows users to secure their individual accounts using a four-digit PIN, preventing others using the same device from accessing personal search histories, subscriptions, and recommendations.

To unlock an account, users can either enter the code directly on the television or use the YouTube mobile app, which can provide a prompt or push notification to facilitate the process.

YouTube emphasizes that this PIN is device-specific and is not a replacement for a global Google password. It does not authenticate or protect any other Google products or services outside of the YouTube application on that specific device.