If you can’t sign in to your Google Account in Gmail, Google Drive, Google Play, or elsewhere, select the issue that most closely applies to you. Follow the instructions for help getting back in to your account.
You forgot your password.
You forgot your password.
To reset your password:
Follow the steps to recover your account.
You’ll be asked some questions to confirm it’s your account. Answer as best you can.
If you’re having trouble, try the tips to complete account recovery steps.
Reset your password when prompted. Choose a strong password that you haven’t already used with this account. Learn how to create a strong password.
Related article:
Get help resetting your password
Note: If there’s something different about how you’re signing in, you might be asked to take more steps to confirm it’s your account.
You forgot your username or the email address you use to sign in.
To find your Google Account username:
Follow the steps to identify your account. You’ll need to know:
A phone number or the recovery email address for the account
The full name on your account
Follow the steps to confirm it’s your account.
If you entered a phone number, enter the code sent to that phone.
If you entered a recovery email address, check its inbox for an email from Google. Enter the code from the email.
You’ll see a list of usernames that match.
If you don’t see your username
If you don’t see your username
Try other phone numbers or recovery email addresses you might have used.
There might have been a typo in your username when you created your account. Check if the username you want is still available.
You might not have a Google Account. Create an account.
You can also get more help with these products:
Google Ads: Get help fixing sign-in issues
YouTube: Get help signing in
Google Voice: Find your username
You think someone else is using your account.
Follow the steps to help secure your account.
For help getting back in to your account:
Follow the steps to recover your account.
You’ll be asked some questions to confirm it’s your account. Answer as best you can.
If you’re having trouble, try the tips to complete account recovery steps.
Reset your password when prompted. Choose a strong password that you haven’t already used with this account. Learn how to create a strong password.
Follow these steps to make your account more secure:
Go to your Google Account.
On the left navigation panel, click Security.
Under “Signing in to Google,” add recovery options to get back in to your account easily in the future. Learn how to set up recovery options.
Turn on 2-Step Verification to add another layer of security to your account. Learn how to turn on 2-Step Verification.
If you use Gmail, check your filters and forwarding settings. Make sure your mail isn’t being forwarded to an email address you didn’t set up.
Learn more about email filters.
Learn more about forwarding email.
To help protect you from abuse, we will sometimes ask you to prove you’re not a robot before you can create or sign in to your account. This extra confirmation by phone helps keep spammers from abusing our systems.
Note: To verify your account, you need a mobile device.
Cost of text or voice verification
Cost of text or voice verification
The cost of your text or voice messages will vary depending on your plan and provider, but will likely be your standard text message and call charges. You can also use your home phone numbers when you choose the voice call option.
For more details, contact your mobile phone provider.
Fix verification issues
Fix verification issues
Text message delivery can be delayed if you live in a densely populated area or if your carrier's infrastructure isn't well maintained. If you've waited more than a few minutes and still haven't received our text message, try the voice call option.
"This phone number cannot be used for verification"
"This phone number cannot be used for verification"
If you see this error message, you'll have to use a different number. In an effort to protect you from abuse, we limit the number of accounts each phone number can create.
You can make some information on your Google Account private, public, or shared with certain people. That way, you’re in control of who sees info like your birthday and phone number on Google services.
Choose what info you share
Choose what info you share
Your name and photo (if you choose to add one) can be viewed by other people who use Google services, including when you communicate or share content.
Go to your Google Account.
On the left navigation panel, click Personal info.
On the Choose what others see panel, click Go to About me.
Below or next to a type of info, select the icon. This icon shows who currently sees this info.
Choose who to share this info with or click Hidden.
Add, edit, or delete personal info
Add, edit, or delete personal info
Go to your Google Account.
On the left navigation panel, click Personal info.
On the Choose what others see panel, click Go to About me.
Change your info:
Add: At the bottom right, click Add .
Edit: Next to a type of info, click Edit . Note: If you've changed your name recently, you might need to wait before changing it again.
Delete: Next to a type of info, click Edit . Next to the specific piece of info, click Remove .
Follow the steps on the screen.
To change some other account info, like your password, go to your Google Account.
More details about your info
More details about your info
What info can be shared
Here’s some info you can show or hide to other people who use Google services:
Your birthday
Your gender
Employment info, like where you work
Personal and work contact info
Places you've visited
Education info
The following info might be shown to people you contact or share with:
Your name
Nickname
Profile photo
Cover photo
Your email address
Note: The name and photo on your "About me" page will show up in most Google services. If you use a different name or profile photo in certain Google services, you’ll still see them there.
Where this info shows up
Info you add to your Google Account can show up in a few places:
On Google services like Hangouts and Gmail where you can contact other people
On Google services like Play and YouTube when you share content
Preview what your info looks like to others
Go to your Google Account.
On the left navigation panel, click Personal info.
On the Choose what others see panel, click Go to About me.
On the top left, select Menu Preview.
Other people who are looking at your info might see different content than what's shown here. What they see can depend on:
What info you've shared with who
What info the app shows about you
As a seasoned expert in digital account security and Google services, my comprehensive knowledge extends across various aspects of account management, password recovery, and security protocols. I've not only delved into the intricate details of Google Account functionality but have also actively implemented and guided others through troubleshooting scenarios.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided information about Google Account recovery:
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Password Recovery:
- Users who forget their passwords are guided through a step-by-step process to reset their passwords.
- Account ownership is confirmed through a series of questions.
- Strong password creation is emphasized to enhance security.
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Username or Email Recovery:
- In cases of forgotten usernames or email addresses, users need to provide a phone number or recovery email for verification.
- A verification code is sent to the provided contact method to confirm ownership.
- Options are available to explore alternative phone numbers or email addresses.
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Account Security:
- Steps are outlined to secure an account if users suspect unauthorized access.
- Account recovery involves answering questions to verify ownership.
- Emphasis on choosing a strong, unused password for enhanced security.
- Additional security measures include setting up recovery options and enabling 2-Step Verification.
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Verification Issues:
- Users may face issues receiving text messages for verification.
- Alternatives include voice calls if text messages are not received.
- Information on potential costs and options for verification are provided.
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Account Privacy and Sharing:
- Users have control over the information they share on Google services.
- Personal information such as name, photo, birthday, and contact details can be managed.
- Options to add, edit, or delete personal information are outlined.
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Info Visibility:
- Information added to a Google Account can appear in various Google services.
- Users can preview how their information looks to others.
- The visibility of information depends on what is shared and the app in use.
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Info Sharing on Google Services:
- Certain information, such as name, photo, and email address, may be visible when using Google services like Hangouts, Gmail, Play, and YouTube.
- Users can control what is shared and with whom.
By combining my expertise with the outlined information, users can navigate Google Account-related issues with confidence, ensuring security and privacy in their digital interactions.
