How do I recover access to a Gmail account?
Answer
Use Google's own account recovery page at google.com, not a link from an email or text. Recovery usually works through a recovery email, recovery phone number, or a trusted device, and normally takes only a few minutes if those details are current.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop if a page asks for payment to unlock an account.
Follow these steps
Open official account recovery
Go to Google's official account recovery page from google.com or the Google Account sign-in screen. Do not use links from unexpected texts or popups.
You should see: A Google sign-in or account recovery page appears.
Try an official recovery method
Choose a recovery email, recovery phone, or other official method Google offers, and enter any codes only on Google's own page.
You should see: Google accepts a recovery method, or clearly says that method is unavailable.
Check a previously used device
If a phone or tablet has signed into this Google account before, check it for a sign-in approval prompt or notification, since Google sometimes verifies identity that way.
You should see: A trusted device shows an approval request, or none appears.
Stop if the path looks unsafe
If a site asks for payment to unlock the account, asks to install unknown software, or a caller asks for the password, stop and return to the official Google recovery flow only.
You should see: Recovery continues only on official Google pages.
Update recovery info once back in
After regaining access, open Google Account settings and update the recovery phone number and email so future sign-ins are easier to verify.
You should see: The account settings show a current recovery phone and email.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
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Extra tips
What to look for: Options offered directly on Google's own recovery page, such as "Try another way," a code sent to a recovery phone, or an approval prompt on a trusted device.
Before you change anything: Confirm the exact email address being recovered. Have any recovery phone number or backup email nearby if known. Use a browser or device that has been used with this account before, if possible. Never type a password into a page reached from an unexpected link.