Google Pushes Video Selfie Sign-In as Rare Recovery Option

Google is actively promoting its new video selfie sign-in method, which it rolled out in July. The feature isn't meant to replace passwords or passkeys but to help recover a Google account. After simplifying third-party sign-ups with your Google account and urging users to replace passwords with passkeys, Google now wants you to sign in with a selfie video.

The new sign-in method can be seen prompting users to set up login via selfie video on the homepage of Google's desktop version. According to Search Engine Watch, Google has started displaying a banner on its homepage to promote the new sign-in method. Users can click the 'Add a selfie' button to set up the feature.

Google says it will review your selfie using a model to determine whether you're a real person who is old enough. It insists that your facial data will be stored securely, but also gives users the option to share it with Google to refine its facial recognition. Interestingly, unlike Gemini's avatar feature, which explicitly requires you to record a similar selfie video on your phone, you can set up the sign-in method directly using your computer's webcam.

The feature is not meant for regular sign-in but for rare events such as account lockdowns. Logging in with video will not be instant once you've set it up. Google might ask you to re-upload your video selfie every few months so it knows your latest look.