Skip to main content

    Recover Your Google or Gmail Account

    Locked out of your Gmail account? Google's official recovery steps can restore access using your phone number, backup email, or security questions.

    4 min read · 6 steps · Checked April 2026

    1. Step 1. Go to Google's account recovery page

      On your phone or computer, open a web browser and go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. You can type this directly in the address bar at the top of your browser. Alternatively, go to gmail.com, tap "Sign in," enter your email address, and tap "Forgot password?" on the password screen.

    2. Step 2. Enter your Gmail address

      Type your complete Gmail address (including @gmail.com) and tap "Next." If you're not sure which email address you used, try the one you use most often. Google will tell you if the account isn't found.

      Quick Tip

      If you don't remember the exact Gmail address, tap "Find my account" on the sign-in page to search by phone number or recovery email address.

    3. Step 3. Follow the identity verification steps

      Google will offer several ways to prove it's you. The most common are: sending a text message to a recovery phone number, sending an email to a recovery email address, or asking you to confirm a code on a trusted device. Choose the option that works for you and follow the instructions. Each method sends you a 6-digit code that you enter on screen.

      Warning

      If Google texts a code to your recovery phone number, that code expires in 10 minutes. Enter it quickly after receiving it.

    4. Step 4. Try another method if the first doesn't work

      If a verification method fails (you don't have access to that phone number or email anymore), tap "Try another way." Google will offer alternative questions — like asking for a previous password you remember, or asking about when you created the account. Answer as accurately as you can.

    5. Step 5. Create a new strong password

      Once Google verifies your identity, you'll be prompted to create a new password. Choose something you haven't used before that is at least 8 characters long and includes letters and numbers. Write it down in a safe place. Enter the new password twice to confirm it, then tap "Save password."

    6. Step 6. Add a recovery phone number to prevent this in the future

      After you're back in your account, go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Recovery phone and add your current phone number. This makes future recovery much faster. Also consider turning on 2-step verification (myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification) to protect against others getting into your account.

      Quick Tip

      Take a screenshot of your new password and store it in a secure notes app, or write it on paper and keep it in a safe location.

    If you've forgotten your Google or Gmail password — or if someone else has changed it — Google has an official account recovery process that can help you regain access. The process is free and can often be completed in a few minutes.

    The key to successfully recovering your account is whether Google has a way to verify your identity. The more recovery options you set up ahead of time, the smoother recovery will be. Common verification methods include:

    • A recovery phone number (Google texts you a code)
    • A recovery email address (Google emails you a link)
    • Answering your security question
    • Confirming a code shown on a device where you were recently signed in

    If you're locked out right now, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery

    On that page, enter your Gmail address and click "Forgot password." Google will walk you through a series of steps to verify your identity. Answer each question as best you can. If one method doesn't work, click "Try another way" to attempt a different verification method.

    Tips for a successful recovery:

    • Use a device you've used to log into your Google account before — Google recognizes trusted devices
    • If asked for a phone number, enter the phone number associated with your account (Google will only show the last two digits as a hint)
    • If asked when you last successfully signed in, give your best estimate — it doesn't have to be exact
    • If asked what your previous password was, try to remember recent passwords you may have used

    After recovery:

    Once you're back in, right away add a recovery phone number (Settings > Security) so this is easier next time. Also enable 2-step verification, which adds an extra layer of protection against others getting into your account.

    If self-recovery fails: Google has a form at support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/2402620 where you can request additional help. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your account history.

    Official sources

    Still stuck?

    A real person can walk you through it over the phone.

    Get help from a person

    Related guides