Create a strong password
Creating a secure password is an important part of protecting your Google Account. A strong password helps to:
- Keep your personal information safe
- Protect your emails, files, and other content
- Prevent someone from breaking into your account
Step 1: Meet password requirements
Make your password with 8 characters or more. It can be any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
You can't use a password that:
- Is used by many other accounts
- You've used before on your account
Step 2: Follow tips for a good password
A strong password is nearly impossible for someone else to guess. Follow these tips to learn what makes a good password, then apply them to your own.
Combine different types of characters
Use a mix of alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and symbols:
- Uppercase (capital) letters. Examples: A, E, R
- Lowercase (small) letters. Examples: a, e, r
- Numbers. Examples: 2, 6, 7
- Symbols and special characters. Examples: ! @ & *
Recommendations & examples
Replace letters with numbers & symbols: Choose a word or phrase and use numbers and symbols instead of some letters. Examples:
- "Spooky Halloween" becomes "sPo0kyH@ll0w3En"
- "Later gator" becomes "L8rg@+0R"
Abbreviate a sentence: Come up with a sentence and use the first letter of each word. Example:
- "Uncle Peter always ate chocolate-covered everything" becomes "uP@8cCe!"
Use long passwords: Long passwords are stronger. Since spaces are allowed, you can use memorable phrases or words from your favorite songs, poetry, or quotes. Example:
- "an 0pen <3 = an 0pen MIND"
- "It's a long way 2 the ^ if U wanna Rock&Roll"
- "From time to time, The clouds give rest To the moon-beholders"
Don't use personal information
Avoid using information that others might know about you or could easily find out. Examples:
- Your pet's name
- Your nickname
- Your street name
Don't use common words
Avoid simple words, phrases, and patterns that are easy to guess. Examples:
- Obvious words and phrases like "password" or "letmein"
- Sequences like "abcd" or "1234"
- Keyboard patterns like "qwerty" or "qazwsx"
- Any examples in this article, like "sPo0kyH@ll0w3En" or "uP@8cCe!"
Use a different password for each of your important accounts, like your email and online banking account.
Reusing passwords is risky. If someone figures out your password for one account, that person could sign in to your other accounts and access your email, address, and even your money.
Step 3: Keep passwords secure
After you create a strong password, take steps to keep it safe.
Avoid leaving notes with passwords on your computer or desk. People who walk by can easily steal this information and use it to sign in as you.
If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider getting a trusted password manager. Take some time to research the reviews and reputations of these services.
Learn how you can sign in to different websites with saved passwords on Chrome.
Be prepared if you forget your password
To make sure you can get back into your Google Account if you ever can't sign in, add a recovery option. Learn how to add a recovery phone number or email address.
A recovery option helps you reset your password if:
- You forget your password
- You think someone else is using your account
- You can't sign in for another reason
Make your account more secure
Nick is an Accounts expert and the author of this help page. Leave him feedback below about how to improve it.
