Gmail Password Reset: How to Recover Your Account in 7 Steps

Forgetting your Gmail password happens to everyone. Google lets you reset it yourself, usually in a few minutes, as long as you can show the account is yours. This guide walks you through a password reset step by step, on a computer or on your phone. Keep your phone nearby, because you will probably need it to receive a verification code.

1. Open the Sign-In Page

accounts.google.com1Open the sign-inpageUse any browserSign inUse your accountEmail or phoneForgot email?Next
Step 1: enter your email address on the sign-in page.

Open your browser and go to accounts.google.com. Type your full Gmail address and click Next. Check the spelling carefully, since a typo here sends the request to the wrong account. Using a device and network you often use also gives Google more confidence that it is really you.

2. Tap Forgot Password

2Tap Forgot passwordOn the password screenWelcomeyou@gmail.comForgot password?Next
Step 2: choose Forgot password instead of guessing again.

On the password screen, choose Forgot password. Avoid guessing several times first, because repeated wrong attempts can slow you down. Google then starts the recovery process for your account.

3. Enter an Old Password or Try Another Way

accounts.google.com3Try another wayif stuckOld passwords countAccount recoveryEnter the last password you rememberLast passwordTry another wayNext
Step 3: enter an old password or choose Try another way.

Google may ask for a password you used before. Enter the most recent one you remember, even if it is old. If you cannot recall any, choose Try another way. This shows the other verification options available for your account.

4. Choose How to Verify It’s You

4Choose how to verifyText message or emailGet a codeVerify it’s youText messageto ••• •• 42Recovery emailto r•••@mail.comSend
Step 4: pick the option you can reach right now.

Google shows the options that match your account. These can include a prompt on a phone where you are signed in, a text message to your recovery number, or a code sent to your recovery email. Choose the one you can reach right now. If a prompt appears on another device, tap Yes, it’s me.

5. Enter the Verification Code

accounts.google.com5Enter the code6 digits from yourphone or emailEnter the codeWe sent a code to your phone482916Resend codeNext
Step 5: type the six-digit code and click Next.

Check your messages or inbox for a six-digit code, type it into the boxes, and click Next. Codes expire quickly, so use it right away. If nothing arrives after a minute or two, go back and request a new code, and check your spam folder if it was sent by email.

6. Create a New Password

6Create a new passwordLong, unique and hard to guessNew passwordStrong passwordConfirm passwordSave
Step 6: enter the new password twice and save it.

Type a new password, then enter it again to confirm. Choose at least twelve characters and mix words, numbers and symbols. Avoid birthdays, names, and any password you use on other sites. A password manager can create and store a strong one for you. Click Save password to finish.

7. Sign In and Secure Your Account

myaccount.google.com7Turn on 2-StepVerificationThen check recoveryphone and emailSecurity2-Step VerificationRecovery phoneAddedRecovery emailAdded
Step 7: turn on 2-Step Verification and confirm your recovery details.

Sign in with your new password. You may need to sign in again on your other devices. Next, open your Google Account security page, turn on 2-Step Verification, and check that your recovery phone and email are current. This makes future resets faster and protects your account from others.

Can’t Recover Your Account?

If Google cannot verify you, try again from a device and location you have used before, and answer the questions as accurately as you can. Wait a day between attempts if you get blocked. Never share verification codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from Google support. If you also see sign-in errors afterward, read our guide on Gmail login not working.

Gmail Login Not Working on Android? 7 Easy Fixes

When Gmail will not sign in on your Android phone, the cause is usually a connection problem, an outdated app, or stored app data that has gone stale. These problems are easy to fix, and your emails are not at risk because they live on Google’s servers. Follow the seven fixes below in order, from quickest to most thorough.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

1Allow mobile dataSettings, Apps, then GmailMobile data and Wi-FiBackgrounddataUnrestricteddata usage
Step 1: allow Gmail to use mobile data in the background.

Open Chrome and load a website to confirm you are online. Turn Airplane Mode off, then switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If Gmail works only on Wi-Fi, open Settings, then Apps, then Gmail, and make sure mobile data and background data are allowed. Turn off Data Saver while you sign in.

2. Force Stop Gmail and Restart Your Phone

2Force stop, then restartSettings, Apps, Gmail, Force stopApp infoGmailOpenUninstallForce stop
Step 2: force stop the app, then restart your phone.

Open Settings, tap Apps, choose Gmail, and tap Force stop. Then restart your phone by holding the power button and choosing Restart. A fresh start clears temporary glitches that can block sign-in. Open Gmail again and try your login.

3. Update Gmail, Google Play Services and Android

3Install all updatesPlay Store, then Manage appsManage apps and deviceUpdates availableGmailBug fixesUpdateGoogle PlayservicesUpdate
Step 3: update Gmail and Google Play services.

Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Manage apps and device, and install updates for Gmail. Also update Google Play services if it is listed. Then open Settings, go to System or About phone, and check for a software update. Outdated versions are a common cause of login errors.

4. Set Your Date and Time to Automatic

4Fix date and timeTurn on the automatic optionsDate and timeSet timeautomaticallySet time zoneautomatically
Step 4: let your phone set the time automatically.

Wrong time settings can make Google reject your sign-in or verification code. Open Settings, search for Date and time, and turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. Restart Gmail and sign in again.

5. Clear the Gmail App Cache

5Clear the app cacheSettings, Apps, Gmail, StorageStorageApp size120 MBUser data48 MBCache35 MBClear storageClear cache
Step 5: tap Clear cache, not Clear storage.

Stored app data can become corrupted. Go to Settings, then Apps, then Gmail, then Storage, and tap Clear cache. This does not delete your emails or your account. Reopen Gmail and try again. Clear storage is a stronger option that signs you out of the app, so use it only if the problem continues.

6. Check Your Password in a Browser

6Test your passwordSign in with Chrome, reset if neededaccounts.google.comSign inForgot password?Next
Step 6: confirm your password outside the app.

Visit accounts.google.com in Chrome and sign in. If it works there, the problem is in the app. If it fails, tap Forgot password and reset it using your recovery phone or email. Approve any verification prompt sent to another device where you are signed in. Then return to the Gmail app and use your new password.

7. Remove and Re-Add Your Google Account

7Remove and re-addSettings, Passwords and accountsPasswords and accountsYGoogleyou@gmail.comRemove accountAdd account
Step 7: remove the account, then add it again.

Open Settings, tap Passwords and accounts (or Accounts), choose your Google account, and select Remove account. Your emails stay in your Google account online. Restart the phone, open Gmail, tap Add another account, choose Google, and sign in again. Menu names vary by phone brand and Android version.

Still Locked Out?

If nothing works, wait a few hours before trying again, because too many attempts can temporarily limit sign-ins. Try signing in from a computer you have used before, and use Google’s account recovery page if needed. Keep your recovery phone number and email up to date so future problems are quick to fix.

Related guides: Gmail Login Not Working? 7 Quick Fixes, Gmail Login Not Working on iPhone and Gmail Password Reset.

Gmail Login Not Working on iPhone? 7 Easy Fixes

Nothing interrupts your day like a Gmail app that refuses to sign in on your iPhone. The cause is usually small: a lost connection, an outdated app or a stale account session. The good news is that most iPhone sign-in problems can be fixed in minutes without losing any emails, because your messages are stored on Google’s servers. Work through these seven fixes in order.

1. Check Your Connection and Cellular Permission

1Allow cellular dataSettings, Cellular, then GmailCellularMailGmailMaps
Step 1: make sure Gmail is allowed to use cellular data.

Gmail needs a working internet connection to sign in. Open Safari and load any website. If it fails, turn off Airplane Mode in Control Center, or switch between Wi-Fi and cellular. If sign-in works only on Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap Cellular, scroll to Gmail, and make sure its toggle is on.

2. Force Close and Reopen the Gmail App

2Swipe up to closeIn the app switcher, then reopenGmail
Step 2: swipe the Gmail card up, then open the app again.

A frozen app session can block sign-in. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the app switcher, then swipe the Gmail card up to close it. On an iPhone with a Home button, double-press it instead. Reopen Gmail and try signing in again.

3. Update the Gmail App and iOS

3Update the appApp Store, Updates, then UpdateUpdatesGmailBug fixesUPDATENotesImprovementsUPDATE
Step 3: install the Gmail update, then check Software Update.

Old software often causes login errors. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and look for Gmail in the pending updates. Next, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install any available iOS update. Keep the phone plugged in and on Wi-Fi while it updates.

4. Confirm Your Password

4Test your passwordSign in with Safari, reset if neededaccounts.google.comSign inForgot password?Next
Step 4: test your password in Safari and reset it if it fails.

If Gmail says your password is wrong, test it by signing in at accounts.google.com in Safari. If that fails too, tap Forgot password and follow Google’s steps to reset it using your recovery phone or email. Once you have a new password, return to the Gmail app and sign in with it. Also approve any verification prompt that Google sends to another device where you are signed in.

5. Remove and Re-Add Your Account

5Remove, then re-addManage accounts on this deviceAccounts on this deviceYyou@gmail.comRemove from this deviceAdd another account
Step 5: remove the account from the device, then add it back.

A fresh sign-in often fixes stubborn errors. In the Gmail app, tap your profile picture, choose Manage accounts on this device, then select the option to remove your account from the device. Your emails stay safe in your Google account. Tap Add another account, choose Google, and sign in again.

6. Check Your Apple Mail Settings

6Check Apple MailSettings, Mail, then AccountsAccountsGmailyou@gmail.comiCloudAdd Account
Step 6: open your Gmail account and re-enter your password.

If you read Gmail in the built-in Mail app, open Settings and find your Mail accounts. Menu names vary slightly between iOS versions. Tap your Gmail account and re-enter your password if prompted. If the error remains, delete the account and add it again using Add Account and Google.

7. Restart Your iPhone and Reset Network Settings

7Reset network settingsSettings, General, then ResetResetReset All SettingsReset Network SettingsReset Keyboard DictionaryReset Home Screen Layout
Step 7: choose Reset Network Settings as a last resort.

Hold the side button and a volume button, slide to power off, then turn the iPhone back on. If sign-in still fails, go to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone, tap Reset, and choose Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have yours ready. As a final step, delete the Gmail app and reinstall it from the App Store.

Still Locked Out?

If you are still locked out after these steps, wait a few hours before trying again, since too many attempts can temporarily limit sign-ins. Try signing in from a computer you have used before, and use Google’s account recovery page if needed. Keep your recovery phone number and email up to date so future problems are quick to fix.

Related guides: Gmail Login Not Working? 7 Quick Fixes, Gmail Login Not Working on Android and Gmail Password Reset.