Google now lets you log into your account using a selfie video

Google has announced another way to access your account if you’ve been locked out, forgotten your password, or don’t have a phone, computer, or two-factor authentication software you use. As the name implies, selfie video allows you to take a small video of your face on a mobile phone or PC, which is compared to an old video that Google keeps on file to verify that you are the owner of the account.

Creating a selfie video all you need to do is look at your device’s camera and follow a few computer instructions that guide you through simple head movements to ensure multiple angles of your face are captured. It’s similar to security settings like Apple’s Face ID, but without the need to add infrared light.

Google says the video is “recorded and securely stored” in the cloud using encryption, making it accessible to more than the device it was created for. You can remove it at any time through your account, and while the saved selfie video is only used to help you log in, Google says you can “share it with extras.”

Logging in to your account allows you to record another short video of your face performing simple movements to ensure that it is captured in real time so that it compares well with the saved video. A number of security features are used to block photo attempts using deep images or videos, Google says, as well as the company’s “preventive measures” to prevent suspicious attempts from happening.

Google will gradually be bringing the feature to users through the global section, but you can check if your account is eligible and set your selfie video on. g.co/signin-selfie.