Quick answer
Check you have 100,000 subscribers, 2-Step Verification, and a banner, profile picture, description and at least one public video. Then in YouTube Studio (computer) go to Settings > Channel > Verified badge > Apply. No Verified badge tab? YouTube says you’re not yet eligible on subscribers. Just reached 100,000 or turned on 2-Step Verification? Check back in a few days.
Does this match what you see?
- There’s no Verified badge tab in YouTube Studio.
- You reached 100,000 subscribers but can’t open the form.
- Your check mark disappeared after a name change.
Computer (browser)
Based on YouTube Help’s “Verification badges on channels” page, read at the site owner’s request. Applying is done on a computer.
Why this happens: the possible causes
YouTube’s requirements to apply.
| Requirement | If you’re missing it |
|---|---|
| 100,000 subscribers | The Verified badge tab won’t appear yet |
| 2-Step Verification on the Google Account | YouTube Studio shows an option to turn it on |
| Complete profile: banner, profile picture, description, at least one public video | YouTube Studio shows an option to edit your profile |
| You’re the owner or a manager | Ask the owner to apply |
- Under 100,000 subscribersCheck this first
YouTube says if the Verified badge tab doesn’t appear, the channel isn’t eligible under the subscriber requirement.
- Systems haven’t updated yetPossible
YouTube says it can take a few days after you reach 100,000 subscribers or turn on 2-Step Verification.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Sign in with the email address for the eligible channel.
- Make sure the channel is public.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Meet the requirements
YouTube says only channels meeting all of these can apply.
- Reach 100,000 subscribers.
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for the Google Account. See secure your channel.
- Complete your profile: banner image, profile picture, description and at least one public video.
- Make sure the person applying is the channel owner or a manager. See channel permissions (external site, opens in a new tab).
Did it work? You meet every requirement.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: Apply in YouTube Studio
YouTube’s application is on a computer in YouTube Studio.
Computer (browser)
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Click Settings > Channel > Verified badge.
- Click Apply. If you have 100,000 subscribers but are missing 2-Step Verification or a complete profile, YouTube shows options to fix those first; Apply appears once they’re done.
YouTube then reviews authenticity (the channel must represent the real creator, brand or entity; it may check things like channel age and ask for more information or documents) and completeness (public, with a banner, description, profile picture, content, and activity).
Did it work? Your application is submitted.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
No “Verified badge” tab, or the form won’t open
- No tab at all: YouTube says the channel isn’t eligible under the 100,000-subscriber requirement yet.
- Just reached 100,000 or turned on 2-Step Verification? YouTube says systems can take a few days to update, so check back later.
- Signed in with the right account? Use the email address for the eligible channel.
Keeping (or losing) the badge
- Changing your channel name removes the badge, and you have to reapply. See change your channel name.
- Changing your handle doesn’t remove it.
- YouTube may revoke verification, or terminate the channel, for breaking the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.
- Verified channels get no extra features. YouTube says it’s not an award, milestone or endorsement.
- YouTube may verify channels with fewer than 100,000 subscribers that are well known outside YouTube. Criteria have changed over time, so you may see several kinds of verified channels.
Not verified yet? Stand out, and report impersonators
YouTube suggests a unique channel name or handle that reflects who you are, a high-quality profile picture, and a customized layout and branding. YouTube says it won’t verify channels that impersonate another creator or brand, and may take action against deliberate impersonation. If someone is impersonating you or your channel, YouTube’s badge page links to its impersonation reporting form.
How to know it worked
- You know whether you’re eligible, and you’ve applied or know what’s missing.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Channel hacked? See YouTube channel hacked. Need to verify your phone number instead? See YouTube verification code not received.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
How many subscribers do you need to get verified on YouTube?
YouTube says 100,000, plus 2-Step Verification and a complete profile. It may also verify some well-known channels with fewer.
Why don’t I see the Verified badge tab?
YouTube says the channel isn’t eligible under the 100,000-subscriber requirement, or systems haven’t updated yet; check back in a few days.
Will I lose my YouTube check mark if I change my name?
Yes. YouTube says a renamed channel loses verification and must reapply. Changing your handle doesn’t remove it.
Does a verified badge give extra features?
No. YouTube says verified channels get no extra features.
Is phone verification the same as the verified badge?
No. Phone verification unlocks features like long uploads; the badge marks an official channel.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
Last reviewed 6 November 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 6 May 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 6 November 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google or YouTube. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.