Gmail is today’s one of the most popular email services used by millions of people all over the world. While the sign-up process is quite simple and doesn’t require any technical knowledge, the password recovery process is a different story altogether. Losing or forgetting your Gmail password is definitely not ideal. But, it can happen to the best of us- it could be because you haven’t used your email account in a while, or you accidentally forgot to save your password in the browser, or you simply forgot it. But, don’t worry! This article will guide you through how to restore your Gmail password with several methods in detail.
Video Tutorial:
What’s needed
– Laptop or desktop computer or smartphone
– Gmail account
– Internet connection
What should I pay attention to?
Before jumping into the methods, here are some tips to keep in mind to make your recovery process easier:
– Make sure you have access to the recovery email address that you linked to your Gmail account
– Double-check if your account is not compromised- you might have to go through extra security checks if it is
– Always update your phone number and alternate email addresses to avoid future account blockages or loss of access
– Be aware of phishing emails that ask you to reveal your personal information, as they might lead to further account compromise
Method 1: Recovery through Google
If you have already linked your recovery email id or phone number with your Gmail account, this method should do the trick. Here’s how to do it:
– Go to Gmail.com and click on "Forgot Password" below the login box.
– Enter your account ID in the box and click enter.
– Since you forgot your password, you will be prompted to enter the last password you remember.
– If you don’t remember, click "Try a different question". You will be asked to select from previously linked email, phone number or recovery email address.
– After you’ve entered the verification code sent to your email, phone or recovery email address, you will be able to reset your password and access your Gmail account.
Pros
– Easy process if you have linked your recovery email or phone number
– No need for additional software or technical knowledge
Cons
– Might not work if you haven’t added recovery email or phone number
– Might need more security checks if your account is blocked or compromised
Method 2: Recovery through security questions
If you haven’t linked your recovery email id or phone number, this method can still help you to restore your Gmail account.
– Similar to Method 1, click on "Forgot Password" below the login box in Gmail.
– Enter your account ID in the box and click enter.
– Since you forgot your password, you will be prompted to enter the last password you remember.
– If you don’t remember, click "Try a different question". You will be asked your security questions.
– Answer the security questions associated with your account.
– If you provide the correct answers, you will be able to reset your password and access your Gmail account.
Pros
– Works if you haven’t added your recovery email or phone number
– Simple process
Cons
– You need to remember the answers to your security questions
– You might have to go through extra security checks if Google thinks it’s necessary
Method 3: Recovery through browser extension or password manager
If you have used a browser extension or installed a password manager, the chance is high that you might recover your Gmail account password without any effort. Here’s how:
– Go to your browser settings and check if there is any password manager installed or use the shortcut key "Ctrl + Shift + Y".
– Check if there is any saved password for Gmail and other websites.
– If so, click on the "Show Password" button to see the password.
Pros
– Easy process if you have installed a password manager
– You don’t need to remember your password
Cons
– You might have to install a third-party password manager if not already installed
– Some password managers might need extra configuration or setup
Why can’t I restore my Gmail password?
There could be many reasons why you are unable to recover your Gmail password. Here are a few possible reasons and fixes:
1. Incorrect login credentials: Double-check that you have entered the correct email ID and password combination.
2. No access to recovery phone number or email: In such a scenario, you can try to access your account with a security question or try another verification method.
3. Blockage from Google: Sometimes, Google might block your Gmail account without any warning or notice. In such cases, you might need to contact Google support or wait for a few days for the account restriction to be removed.
Suggestions
– Always enable two-factor authentication for better security.
– Keep a backup of your password in written form or use a trusted password manager.
– Update your recovery email and phone number regularly.
FAQs
Q: Can I restore my Gmail password if I don’t have access to my registered email or phone number?
A: Yes, you can recover your Gmail account through security questions or other recovery methods provided by Google.
Q: How long does it take to recover my Gmail account password?
A: The password recovery process can take a few minutes to a few days, depending on the verification method and additional security checks.
Q: How can I avoid losing access to my Gmail account?
A: Keep your recovery email id, phone number, and security questions updated. Additionally, do not click on suspicious links or reveal your personal information to avoid any account hack or restrictions.
Q: Can I change my Gmail password after I restore it?
A: Yes, you can change your Gmail account password at any time by going to settings -> Change Password.
Q: How can I ensure the safety and security of my Gmail account?
A: Enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and use a strong password are some measures to ensure better security for your Gmail account.
Conclusion
Losing access to your Gmail account could be frustrating, but it can happen to anyone. Fortunately, Gmail provides various recovery and security features that can help you to get back your account. In this article, we have provided three different methods for password recovery, along with tips, suggestions, and FAQs to make the process more manageable. Remember to keep your account information updated and secure to avoid such problems in the future.