Google Introduces ‘Selfie Video’ Feature to Help Users Recover Locked Accounts

By Paul Joseph

Google has launched a new account recovery feature called “Selfie Video,” offering eligible users an additional way to regain access to their accounts when conventional recovery methods are unavailable.

The new biometric tool, which began rolling out on July 23, is designed to help users who have lost access to trusted devices, recover phone numbers, or backup email addresses. It also incorporates live facial movement verification to reduce the risk of deepfake and identity spoofing attacks.

To activate the feature, users with supported personal Google accounts can record a short reference video through their Google Account security settings. During the setup process, they are prompted to make simple head movements while facing the camera, allowing Google’s system to capture multiple angles of their face.

If the account owner is later locked out, they can record another live selfie video. Google’s authentication system then compares the new recording with the encrypted reference video to verify the user’s identity before granting access.

According to Google, the stored video is encrypted, used only for authentication purposes, and can be deleted by the user at any time. The company recommends using the feature alongside other recovery options such as passkeys, recovery phone numbers, and backup email addresses.

The feature is currently available to many personal Google accounts but is not supported for Google Workspace accounts, children’s accounts, users enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program, and some standard accounts. Google also noted that users must enable the feature before they lose access to their accounts, as it cannot be activated during the recovery process.

Security experts say the new option reflects a growing shift toward biometric authentication as technology companies seek stronger protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and AI-powered identity fraud.

With millions of users relying on Google services such as Gmail, Drive, Photos and YouTube, the introduction of Selfie Video is expected to provide an additional layer of security and make account recovery faster and more reliable for eligible users.