If you can't sign in, to try to get back into your Google Account, follow these steps:
- Go to the Account recovery page.
- As you complete the steps, use as many of the tips below as you can.
Tip: You may not find all the questions described here.
If you have already tried to recover your account and received a 'Google couldn't verify that this account belongs to you' message, you can try again.
Answer as many questions as possible
Try not to skip questions. If you're unsure of an answer, take your best guess rather than moving on to another question. Wrong guesses won’t kick you out of the process.
Use a familiar device and location
If possible:
- Use a computer, phone or tablet where you frequently sign in
- Use the same browser (such as Chrome or Safari) that you usually do
- Be in a location where you usually sign in; for example, at home or at work
Be exact with passwords
Details matter, so avoid typos and pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.
Passwords
If you're asked for the last password that you remember, enter the most recent one that you recall.
- If you don't remember your last password: Use a previous one that you do remember. The more recent it was, the better.
- If you can't confidently recall any previous passwords: Take your best guess.
Enter an email connected to your account
If you're asked to enter an email address that you can check now, enter one that you've added to your account. Here are some examples:
- A recovery email address helps you get back in and is where we send you security notifications.
- An alternative email address is one that you can use to sign in.
- A contact email address is where you get information about most Google services that you use.
Tip: We may send a verification code to the email address on the account that you're trying to recover. This way, you can get the verification code if you have access to your Gmail inbox through a third-party email client or email forwarding. Otherwise, select Try another way to skip this challenge.
Check your spam folder for a message
Important: Google never asks for your password or verification codes over email, phone call or message. Only enter your password or verification codes at accounts.google.com.
If you expected an email from our team but can't find it, check your spam or junk folder for an email titled 'Your Google Support enquiry'.