In the hassle of managing multiple accounts online, there comes a time when you might forget a password. In particular, there is the problem of forgetting an important password, such as that of your Google and Gmail accounts. If this happens to you, you will need to recover this account manually.
But don’t stress. Recovering a Google and Gmail account is quite simple. Here’s how. Note that our guide will tell you what to do if you forgot your password, if you forgot your email address, and how to recover an account that you can’t log in to or recover from at all.
I forgot my Gmail password
The most common recovery issue with Gmail accounts is forgetting your password. It happens to the best of us, and recovering that password is a fairly easy feat. Here’s how.
Step 1: First, you’ll want to visit this web page from Google. It’s the account recovery web page. Enter your e-mail adress.
2nd step: After entering your email address, Google will ask you to enter your last remembered password. If you don’t remember, click on the Try another way link below.
Step 3: Google will then send you a verification code to the phone number you signed up with. You can choose between text or call, as a phone number is usually required during account setup.
Step 4: A message with the verification code will be sent to your phone. Enter the code in the box on the Google account recovery page and click Following. You should be able to reset your password and access your email.
Step 5: You should be able to return to your Gmail account after entering the code. But if you don’t have a phone number linked to your Gmail account, you can choose the Try another way to log in and follow the on-screen steps.
I need to recover my Google account
A second instance of recovering your Gmail or Google account involves both forgetting your password as well as your email address. It’s a terrible situation, of course, but Google has a few steps to take if this happens to you.
Step 1: First, visit the Google account recovery help page. You’ll want to choose the Find your username option. It will be under You forgot the email address you use to log in.
2nd step: From there, enter your phone number or alternate email address that you set up when you first signed up for Gmail or Google. You will also need to enter your full name. Again, Google will send you a code to verify that you are entering the account.
Step 3: Google will offer you a list of accounts that it thinks belong to you. Choose your account and follow the on-screen steps. You will be able to reset your password, as we describe in the section above.
Step 4: In some cases, Google may also ask you to answer as many questions as possible to recover your account. Choose the right questions and answer them, and you can reset the password.
I can’t sign in to my Google account at all
The absolute worst-case scenario is when you can’t log into your Gmail or Google account at all. If this happens to you and none of our methods above work, you might think you’re lost. But don’t worry, Google has a support page that might help you.
Step 1: First, visit this Unable to sign in to your Google account page. From there, pick one of the issues you’re facing. There will be many lists.
2nd step: Follow the instructions given for each result. You may need to take additional steps. Most of them involve verifying your identity with your phone number or by answering questions.
If we don’t have the solution for you, then check out Google’s support page, where you can get in touch with someone who can help you. You can also check out our other related guides. These explain how you can recover deleted Google contacts and how to recover deleted messages on an iPhone or iPad.
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