It is always recommended to change your Gmail account password on a regular basis to keep it secure. But sometimes changing the password in Gmail can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the process. The most common challenges that we face while changing the password include:
1. Forgetting current password:
If you have forgotten your current password, then you will have to reset the password using a phone number or email associated with your account. This can be a tedious process as there might be multiple steps involved to ensure the security of your account.
2. Not receiving password reset email:
Sometimes, you may not receive the password reset email due to technical glitches or incorrect information provided by you during the account creation process.
3. Complexity requirements:
Gmail has certain complexity requirements that you need to meet while setting up a new password. This can be a challenge if you are not aware of the requirements or if you have trouble selecting a strong yet memorable password.
4. Suspicious activity:
If there has been suspicious activity on your account, Gmail may prompt you to change your password. This can be a stressful situation as you need to ensure that your account is secure and the password is strong enough to prevent future attacks.
Video Tutorial:
Methods to Change Your Password in Gmail Account
To change your Gmail account password, you can try the following methods:
Method 1: Directly Change Password from Gmail Account
If you know your current password and would like to change it directly from your Gmail account, then follow these steps:
7 Steps to Change Password in Gmail Account:
1. Open Gmail.com in your web browser and log in using your current credentials.
2. Click on the Gear icon located on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Settings page, click on the "Accounts and Import" tab.
5. Under "Sign-in & security", click on "Password".
6. Enter your current password and then enter a new password that meets the complexity requirements.
7. Click on "Change Password" button.
Pros:
– You can change your password directly from your Gmail account.
– The steps are easy to follow and can be done quickly.
Cons:
– You may forget your current password and have to go through the reset process.
– If you have not logged in from this device before, you may have to go through an additional verification step.
Method 2: Reset Password Using Phone Number or Email
If you have forgotten your current password or are not able to change it from your Gmail account, then you can reset it using a phone number or email associated with your account. To do this, follow these steps:
7 Steps to Reset Password in Gmail Account:
1. Open the Gmail login page and click on ‘forgot password’.
2. Enter the last password you remember and click on "Next".
3. If you are not able to remember the password, click on "Try another way".
4. Enter the phone number or email associated with your account and click on "Send".
5. If you have chosen email, then open the email sent from Gmail and follow the instructions to reset your password.
6. If you have chosen phone number, then enter the verification code sent on your phone to reset the password.
7. Create a new password that meets the complexity requirements and confirm it.
Pros:
– You can reset your password easily using your phone number or email.
– Provides quick access to your account if you forget your password.
Cons:
– You may not receive the password reset email or SMS due to technical glitches.
– There might be multiple steps involved in the reset process.
Method 3: Change Password in Google Account Settings
This method can be useful if you have other Google services linked to your Gmail account. To change your password using this method, follow these steps:
7 Steps to Change Password in Google Account Settings:
1. Open your Google Account settings page and sign in using your current credentials.
2. Click on "Security" from the left-hand menu.
3. Under "Signing in to Google", click on "Password".
4. Enter your current password and then enter a new password.
5. Click on "Change Password".
6. If you have 2-factor authentication enabled, you will have to verify your account using a second factor.
7. Once verified, your password will be changed.
Pros:
– You can change your password for all linked Google services using this method.
– The steps are easy to follow and can be done quickly.
Cons:
– You may not remember your current password, which will lead you to the reset process.
– You may not have access to your phone or email associated with your account.
Why Can’t I Change My Password in Gmail Account?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to change your password in Gmail. Some of the common reasons are:
1. Technical glitches:
Sometimes, Gmail may encounter technical glitches, which can lead to issues while changing your password. In such cases, it is recommended to try again after some time or contact the Gmail support team.
2. Incorrect verification information:
If you have not provided the correct verification information during the account creation process, then you may not be able to change your password using the phone number or email associated with your account.
3. Suspicious activity on your account:
If there has been any suspicious activity on your account, then Gmail may prompt you to reset your password. This is done to ensure the security of your account and prevent any unauthorized access.
4. Forgotten current password:
If you have forgotten your current password, then you will need to reset it using a phone number or email associated with your account. Make sure the information provided is correct.
Additional Tips for Changing Your Password in Gmail Account
To ensure the security of your Gmail account, here are some additional tips that you can follow while changing your password:
– Use a strong and complex combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
– Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as your name, date of birth, pet’s name, etc.
– Change your password regularly, at least every three to six months.
– Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
FAQs
Q. How often should I change my password in Gmail?
A. It is recommended to change your password in Gmail at least every three to six months to ensure the security of your account.
Q. What are the minimum complexity requirements for a Gmail password?
A. The minimum complexity requirements for a Gmail password include at least eight characters, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Q. How can I check the strength of my Gmail account password?
A. You can use online tools such as "howsecureismypassword.net" to check the strength of your Gmail account password.
Q. What should I do if I am not able to reset my password using email or phone number?
A. If you are not able to reset your password using email or phone number, then you can try additional verification methods such as answering security questions or contacting Google support.
In Conclusion
Changing your password regularly is crucial to ensure the security of your Gmail account. You can change your password directly from your Gmail account, reset it using a phone number or email, or change it using the Google account settings. By following the additional tips and best practices, you can ensure that your Gmail password is strong and secure. If you face any issues while changing your password, refer to the common FAQ or contact the Gmail support team.
