1. Start the recovery process
- Go to accounts.google.com or open the Gmail/Google app on your phone.
- Enter the email address or phone number associated with the account.
- Tap "Forgot password?".
2. Verification with your phone or email
Google will offer to send a verification code to the recovery phone or email you set up when creating the account. Enter the code you receive and follow the instructions to set a new password.
Tip: if you have the Gmail app open on another device (for example, a relative's tablet or phone), Google may send you a notification directly to confirm it's you, without needing a code.
3. If you don't have access to any recovery method
If you no longer have the recovery phone or email, Google will ask you questions to confirm the account is yours: the approximate date it was created, previous passwords you remember, or frequent contacts. Answer as accurately as possible; the more information matches, the easier the recovery will be.
4. Create a strong password
When you regain access, choose a new password you haven't used before on that account, with at least 12 characters, combining uppercase, lowercase, and numbers. Avoid personal details like birth dates or names.
5. After recovering access
- Turn on two-step verification (Account Settings → Security → Two-Step Verification) so that even if someone figures out your password, they can't get in without the code from your phone.
- Check "Devices where you're signed in" for any unfamiliar device and sign out of it.
- Update your recovery phone and email to ones you currently use.
✔ With two-step verification turned on, this problem is much less likely to happen again.