How to Reset and Change Your Forgotten Gmail Account Password

Having access to your Gmail account is crucial since it is connected to many other online accounts and services. If you forget your Gmail password, it can cause major inconveniences. Fortunately, Google provides multiple ways to recover and reset your password if you get locked out of your account.

Symptoms of a Forgotten Gmail Password

Here are some common signs that you may have forgotten your Gmail password:

  • You try logging in to Gmail but get an error saying the password is incorrect
  • You can’t remember the password you normally use for Gmail
  • You have tried your commonly used passwords but none of them work
  • You get a message saying the account has been locked due to too many failed sign-in attempts

Before Resetting Your Password

Before you go through the process of resetting your password, first try:

  • Carefully retyping your password in case you made a typo
  • Trying variations of passwords you commonly use
  • Checking your password manager to see if the password is saved there

If none of those options work, then you’ll need to go through the Gmail password recovery process.

Recover and Reset Your Gmail Password

There are two main ways to recover and reset your Gmail password – using your recovery phone/email or answering security questions.

Use Your Recovery Phone Number or Email

  • Go to Gmail.com and click Forgot password?
  • Enter the email address linked to your account and click Next
  • Choose to reset your password by text message or email
  • Enter the code you receive to confirm your identity
  • Create a new password and re-enter it to confirm

Answer Security Questions

If you don’t have a recovery phone or email set up:

  • Go to Gmail.com and click Forgot password?
  • Enter your email address and click Next
  • Choose the option to answer security questions
  • Answer your security questions correctly to confirm your identity
  • Finally, create and confirm your new password

Tips for Choosing a New Gmail Password

When creating your new Gmail password during the recovery process, follow these tips:

  • Make it long and complex: Use 8 or more characters, upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
  • Don’t use personal info: Avoid using your name, birthday, address or other personal information
  • Don’t reuse passwords: Your new password should be completely different from your old one and any other passwords you currently use
  • Use a password manager: Save your new password in a trusted password manager so you don’t forget it again

What to Do if You Can’t Reset Your Password

If for some reason you cannot successfully complete the Gmail password recovery process, here are a few things to try:

  • Recovery email: Add a recovery email to your account so you have another way to reset your password next time
  • Security questions: Update your security questions with information you are sure to remember
  • Secondary email: Sign up for a new Gmail account to use temporarily until you regain access to your original account
  • Google support: Contact Google support for additional help recovering your account

Avoid Future Lockouts

Once you have successfully regained access to your Gmail account, take measures to avoid getting locked out again:

  • Save password: Store your new password in a password manager or write it down and keep it in a secure place
  • Enable 2-step verification: Add an extra layer of security to your account with 2-step verification
  • Review account recovery options: Make sure your recovery email, phone number and security questions are up to date
  • Use strong unique passwords: Don’t reuse old passwords and use different complex passwords for all your important accounts

Following these tips will help ensure you don’t lose access to your important Gmail account again. Being locked out can be stressful but Google provides reliable ways to get back into your account.