There's never a bad time to change your Gmail password. It is always a good idea to change your password regularly for security reasons. Plus, you never know when a security breach will occur or if a hacker has compromised your account behind the scenes.
To keep your Gmail messages and account settings private, change your Gmail password every few months. Even if you do this, sometimes you may forget your password because it is changed frequently.
How to reset your Gmail password if you forgot it
If you can't remember your Gmail password and think you've tried entering every possible combination under the sun, it might be time to reset it if you ever want to access those precious emails again.
To reset your forgotten Gmail password, you must have a saved backup email or mobile number in your account. Otherwise, Google will not be able to send a confirmation code to reset it.
Without either of the two requirements, Google prompts you to try to sign in again, which ties you up. The only exception is if Google detects that you have already logged in on this device, it will automatically display the new password option, whether or not you entered an actual password. Here's how to reset your forgotten password.
- Go to “Google Account Recovery. "
- Enter the email address you are trying to access and click " Next. »
- In the prompt that appears, click “Try another way. »
- Request a verification code from your linked mobile number or backup email. If you only have one of the two, it will automatically send the code to the registered option. Enter the code and click " Next. »
- On the "Change Password" screen, create your new password, confirm it, then click “Save password. »
- After saving your new password, the security check screen appears. Click on " To continue. »
- You will now see your "Google Account" page, and your new password is now active.
As mentioned earlier, the steps above require a registered backup email, phone number, or both. If you haven't set any security options, you can't change your forgotten password unless Google detects that you've already signed in on this device.. To have Google detect previous sign-in occurrences, do not click "Try another method" as shown above in step 3, and guess your current or older password instead.
How to Change Your Existing Gmail Password When You Know It
If you already know your current password and can access your account, resetting it is as easy as clicking a link.
- Sign in to myaccount.google.com.
- Click on " Security " in the left menu, scroll down to the "Sign in to Google" section.
- Click on " Password, " then enter your current password if prompted.
- Enter your new password and confirm it, then click " TO CHANGE THE PASSWORD. »
How to Avoid Gmail Login Problems
Suppose you don't remember any of your security details, like your linked recovery email, or you no longer have access to your phone number. In this case, it will be incredibly difficult to reset your password.
We recommend two things if the above scenario occurs.
First, make sure you set up two-factor authentication and that your email address is linked to a phone number that you will always use.
Second, invest in a good free or paid password manager that will keep your passwords secure and always accessible.. This way, you won't lose your password again and can find it easily using the app.
Finally, set up the backup codes to work and store them in a safe place. Google allows users to have ten backup codes at a time. This step is useful when you get stuck. If you lose the codes at any time, getting new ones will erase the old ones for added security.
Tips When Using Google Account Recovery
Unfortunately, a hacked Gmail account can be difficult to access because the intruder may have changed your phone information or your backup email address, which affects the password reset processes above.
With all of Gmail's security features, including Google's 2-factor authentication (2FA), experience shows that a Gmail account isn't impenetrable.
The first thing to do (assuming you've already tried the password reset instructions above) is to go back to the Account Recovery page as you did in the first process (How to reset your password). Gmail password if you forgot it). Then use the following tips when you try again.
Other tips to help you recover your account using the recovery tool:
- Use a familiar device, whether it's a smartphone, a browser on a computer or even a tablet. If you used your Gmail account on this device, return to this device for recovery.
- When you choose to use your last password, Google will ask you for the last one you used, but many people have found that old passwords work just fine too to help you through the password reset process.
- When using your recovery email account, use the same recovery email as before the account was hacked.
Keep in mind that you can use google account recovery more than once. If you fail the first time, try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my Gmail password?
Some security experts say you should change your password every three months. You may wonder if this is overkill.
While it's not a bad idea, you don't necessarily have to change your account password that much.
For starters, stop using the same password for every account. If one account is hacked, all will be. Use a unique password of about fifteen characters, numbers and letters. You can also create an algorithm for each password, to make it easier to remember.
Next, please keep all your contact information up to date and check it frequently. Once a hacker is in your account, there won't be access for long. With notifications, backup email addresses, 2FA, and text alerts, you'll be notified immediately as long as your contact information is up to date.
I can't get the 2FA code, so what else can I do?
If you cannot receive a "2FA" code, the account recovery tool will guide you to replace it. It should be noted that Google suggests creating a brand new Gmail account if the account recovery tool does not work. Unfortunately, you'll need to update credentials on every external service you used the old one for (account logins, banking services, etc.).
How can I contact Google?
Google doesn't have a support team to help you with free accounts (in this case, your Gmail account). So it is NOT as easy as making a phone call for help. This issue doesn't mean you're entirely left to the wind, of course.
Google provides two links for additional login help. The first is the help center, and the second is the recovery form. While neither will take you to a real person, both can help provide account recovery options specific to your needs.
I don't have my backup password, phone number, or email. Is there anything else I can do?
This question is widespread and requires original thinking. The first step is to verify your devices, unless you can navigate Google's security questions, including the exact date you created your account. Is the account still active on an old smartphone, laptop or tablet? If you're signed in on another device, you can't use the option, but you can update the security settings.
Then, are you unable to access your backup email? Whether you're using a Gmail account or another email client, complete the password reset process on that account and try to access your Gmail again.
Indeed, there are other ways to get back into your account, but it may take a bit of creativity on your part. Otherwise, you will need to create a new Gmail account.
