How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password

To reset a forgotten Gmail password, open Google’s Account recovery page, identify your account, and complete the verification steps Google offers. Set a new password when prompted. Gmail uses your Google Account password, so the change also affects services such as YouTube.

This guide covers a personal Google Account on a computer, phone, or tablet. Google chooses the questions and available verification methods for your account; your screens may differ. Recovery is not guaranteed, and a code alone does not promise that Google will approve the request.

Before you start

Use a device, browser, and location where you normally sign in. Keep any device where you are still signed in available rather than signing out to start over. Have access to your existing recovery phone or email if possible.

Enter passwords and verification codes only at accounts.google.com. Google does not ask you to send those details by email, phone call, or message. Avoid anyone offering to unlock the account for a fee.

Reset your forgotten Gmail password

1. Open Google’s Account recovery page in your browser. Check the accounts.google.com address before entering information.
2. Enter the email address or phone number for your Google Account and select Next. Use the account you want to recover, rather than an unrelated recovery email as the account identifier.
3. Answer the questions shown. If asked for a previous password, use the most recent one you remember and check capitalization and spelling.
4. Complete the verification method Google offers. If you cannot use a displayed method and Try another way is available, choose it and follow the next prompt. You may not receive every option described in online guides.
5. If Google sends a code, retrieve it from the indicated destination and enter it on the Google page. Continue through any remaining checks rather than assuming that entering one code finishes recovery.
6. When Google allows a password reset, choose a strong password you have not previously used for this account. Complete the reset using the button shown, then check that you can open Gmail.

The process follows Google’s account recovery instructions. The exact sequence is determined by Google, so do not look for a security-question screen or a specific text-message option that your account does not offer.

If you cannot use the recovery phone or email

Choose Try another way when offered. Answer as many questions as possible; if asked for an email you can check now, use an address already connected to your account. If a code is sent to the Gmail account you cannot normally open, existing access through another email app or forwarding may help. Otherwise, skip that challenge with Try another way.

You cannot add new recovery information while locked out or during the recovery process. An old phone number or inaccessible email cannot be replaced simply by entering a new one into the challenge.

If Google cannot verify the account

You can try again. Use the familiar device and browser mentioned above and answer carefully instead of cycling through unrelated details. Google’s recovery tips explain why previous passwords and your usual sign-in context can help.

Recovery attempts do not have a universal promise of success. If Google cannot establish ownership, it may not return access. A replacement account does not automatically give you the old account’s messages or files.

If you are looking for a person to contact, read our Gmail support options guide. It distinguishes personal account recovery from Google One member support and Workspace administrator support, and explains why a phone call does not replace sign-in verification.

If Google asks you to wait

A security hold delays processing of a recovery request so the account owner has time to respond to suspicious activity. Google says a delay can last hours or days; there is no fixed completion time for every account. Follow the instructions and timing shown for your request.

If you regain access to another verification method during the delay, such as a device where you normally sign in, Google says you can try recovery again using it. See why Google delays some recovery requests.

After you regain access

• Expect sign-in prompts elsewhere. A password reset signs you out of most places. Exceptions include devices used to verify your identity, some connected third-party apps, and authorized helpful home devices.
• Update recovery details while signed in. In your Google Account, open Security & sign-in and review Recovery phone and Recovery email under How you sign in to Google. Use a mobile number you control and an accessible email other than the account’s own sign-in address.
• Allow changes to take effect. New recovery details can take up to seven days to become effective. Google may still use previous information during a security period.

Google’s recovery-option guide explains the available settings. Availability varies by account, device, and region; adding a setting now does not retroactively solve an earlier verification failure.

Frequently asked questions

What if I forgot the email address too?

Select Forgot email? on Google’s sign-in page. Google’s username-recovery process asks for the account’s recovery phone number or email and the full name on the account.

What if I can still sign in and only want to change the password?

Use your Google Account’s password setting. On a computer, open Security & sign-in, then Password under How you sign in to Google. Google may ask you to sign in again. For the Gmail app on an Apple tablet, see how to change your Gmail password on an iPad.

Why didn’t the reset email arrive?

Check spam, junk, and other addresses associated with the account. Follow the recovery flow again if you need to request another email. Do not trust an unsolicited message asking you to reply with your password.

Does this work for a work or school account?

A managed account may require help from your organization’s administrator. Use that organization’s approved support route rather than assuming personal-account recovery controls apply.

Once Gmail opens again, check your recovery options before closing the session. Keep the new password securely stored and follow any additional security prompts Google displays.