How to Recover a Google Account When You Cannot Sign In

Go to https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter the email address. If you forgot the address, use the username recovery link in Google’s help page below; it asks for a recovery phone number or email and the account holder’s full name. For a work or school account, contact its administrator because consumer recovery steps may not apply.

Use your usual computer or phone, the browser you normally use, and a familiar location. Answer the questions shown rather than expecting every possible question to appear. If asked for a previous password, use the most recent one you remember and check capitalization. If Google requests an email you can access, use one already connected to the account when possible.

Choose Try another way when the offered method is unavailable, if that option appears. Check the recovery inbox and its spam folder. Google may offer a different set of checks for different accounts, so a method shown in someone else’s tutorial may not appear for you. If you recently changed recovery information, Google says it can take up to 7 days to take effect. Follow any waiting instruction displayed on your recovery screen.

Try again using the familiar device and the most accurate information you have. Do not clear that browser or discard a device that still has a working session just to start over. Enter passwords and verification codes only on accounts.google.com, never in a message to someone claiming to recover the account. Google says it does not work with third-party password recovery services. If recovery remains unsuccessful, its help page explains the option of creating a replacement account.