Forgetting your Google password happens to almost everyone, and the good news is that Google has a friendly, built-in way to get you back into your Gmail, photos, and everything else tied to your account. You don't need to call anyone or pay for help — you just answer a few questions to prove the account is really yours, and Google walks you through setting a new password.
The whole thing often takes just a few minutes, especially if you do it on a phone or computer you normally use to sign in. Below we'll walk through it step by step in plain English, including what to do if you don't have your recovery phone or email handy, or if you feel completely locked out.
Go to Google's account recovery page
On a phone, tablet, or computer, open your web browser and go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery, then press Enter. This is Google's official recovery tool. Try to use a device you normally sign in on — it helps Google recognize you faster.
💡 You can also reach it from the normal Gmail sign-in screen by entering your email and then clicking 'Forgot password?'
Enter your email address or phone number
Type in the Gmail address or phone number for the account you're trying to recover, then click Next. If you can't remember your exact email, click 'Forgot email?' and Google will help you find it using your recovery phone or email and your name.
💡 Make sure you spell the email exactly right, including any dots or numbers.
Try your most recent password (if asked)
Google may ask for the last password you remember. Enter the most recent one you can recall — even an older password helps prove it's you. If you truly can't remember any, click 'Try another way' to move on to other options.
💡 Type carefully and watch for capital letters; the more recent the password you remember, the better your chances.
Verify it's you with your phone or email
Google will offer ways to confirm your identity, such as sending a code by text or call to your recovery phone, or to your recovery email address. Pick whichever you can access, then enter the code Google sends you.
💡 If one method isn't available, click 'Try another way' to see your other options, such as a saved backup code or a passkey on another device.
Answer Google's questions as best you can
If you don't have your phone or recovery email, Google asks a few questions to confirm the account is yours — like when you created it or other details. Take your best guess on each one rather than skipping it. Wrong guesses won't lock you out of the recovery process.
💡 Doing this on your usual device, browser, and home internet connection makes Google much more likely to trust that it's really you.
Create your new password
Once Google confirms it's you, you'll be prompted to choose a new password. Pick something strong and unique that you haven't already used with this account, then confirm it. You're now back in your account.
💡 Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and consider saving it in your phone's built-in password manager so you don't forget it again.
If you're still locked out, try again or wait
If Google says it 'couldn't verify this account belongs to you,' don't give up — there's no limit on how many times you can try, ideally from a familiar device and location. For added security, Google may hold a recovery request for a few hours or several days (and accounts with 2-Step Verification can take longer) while it makes sure it's really you. If you regain access to a verification method or a familiar device in the meantime, run the recovery again, as that can speed things up.
💡 If this is a work or school Google account, your IT administrator resets it for you — Google's self-recovery won't work for those, and you'll see a message to contact your administrator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Google account recovery page?
It's accounts.google.com/signin/recovery — Google's official tool for resetting a forgotten Google or Gmail password. It's the same place you land if you go to the Gmail sign-in screen, enter your email, and choose 'Forgot password?' Type the address into your browser yourself rather than trusting a link, and only enter your details on accounts.google.com.
What if I don't have my recovery phone or email anymore?
You can still try. Google will ask a series of questions to confirm it's your account — answer as many as you can, and take your best guess rather than skipping. Doing this on a device, browser, and location you normally use gives you the best chance. Wrong guesses won't kick you out of the process.
Can I call Google to reset my password?
No. For your security, Google does not reset passwords or unlock accounts over the phone, and there's no support number for signing in. Anyone claiming to be 'Google phone support' for a password is a scam. Always use the official accounts.google.com recovery page instead.
Why is my account recovery taking several days?
For security, Google can hold a recovery request for a few hours or a number of days, depending on risk factors — and if your account has 2-Step Verification turned on, it may be delayed longer. This waiting period helps make sure a stranger isn't trying to break in. If you regain access to a normal verification method or a device you usually sign in on, try the recovery again, which can improve your chances or speed it up.
Will resetting my password log me out of my other devices?
Often yes. Changing your password can sign you out of your account on phones, tablets, and apps, so you may need to sign back in with the new password on each one. This is normal and helps keep your account secure.