How to Recover a Gmail Account: Google Account Recovery Step by Step

Short answer: Go to Google's official account recovery page at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery (the short link g.co/recover redirects there), enter your Gmail address, and answer every question as well as you can. Do it from a phone or computer and a place where you normally sign in, such as home or work, because Google's own tips say this helps. If you see "Try another way", use it to pick a different verification option. When you get back in, set a new password you haven't used on that account before.

This guide is for anyone locked out of a personal Gmail or Google Account: forgotten password, lost phone, no recovery email, a hacked account, or one that was deleted or disabled. Every step and limit below comes from Google's Account Help pages, checked on November 3, 2026.

Google says you can't call Google for help signing in to your account, and that it doesn't work with any service that claims to provide account or password support. Any "Google support phone number" or paid "Gmail recovery service" you find online is not Google. Never give anyone your password or verification codes.

How to recover your Gmail account, step by step

Google's recovery flow asks questions to confirm the account is yours. Google notes you may not see every question.

1. Open accounts.google.com/signin/recovery in a browser on a phone or computer.
2. Enter your Gmail address or the phone number on the account. If you don't remember your address, use Google's username recovery page first. Google says you need the account's phone number or recovery email address for this.
3. Answer each question. If Google asks for the last password you remember, enter the most recent one you can recall, even an old one.
4. If Google sends a code to your phone, recovery email or a signed-in device, enter it. If you can't use that option, choose Try another way.
5. When you're in, reset your password when prompted. Google advises a strong password that you haven't already used with this account.

The video below walks through the same Google recovery flow for the case where you don't have the verification code or phone number.

Google's own tips for passing account recovery

Google publishes a short list of tips to complete account recovery steps. These are the points that actually change your chances:

• Don't skip questions. If you're unsure, make your best guess. Google says wrong guesses won't end the process.
• Use a familiar device, browser and location. Use the phone or computer where you usually sign in, in a place you usually sign in from.
• Type passwords carefully. Watch for typos and capital letters.
• Use an email address connected to the account. A recovery, alternate or contact email you added can help. If Google sends a code there and you can't open it, choose Try another way.
• Check your spam folder for an email titled "Your Google support inquiry".
• Try again if it fails. If you see "Google couldn't verify this account belongs to you", you can try again.

Google also notes that if you recently changed your recovery phone or email, it can take up to 7 days for the change to take effect, so it suggests trying again in a few days.

Recovery is not always instant. Google says some requests are put on a security hold and can be delayed "for a few hours or a number of days, depending on a variety of risk factors." During the hold, Google uses your recovery info to tell you a request was made, so a real owner can deny an attacker's attempt. Google says verifying another way, for example from a device where you normally sign in, may help you recover faster.

What to do in your situation

Recover a Gmail account without your phone or old phone

If your phone is lost or you no longer have the number, Google's 2-Step Verification troubleshooting page lists these alternatives:

• Another phone that is already signed in to your Google Account.
• A backup code you saved earlier.
• Another phone number you added under 2-Step Verification.
• A hardware security key you added to your account.
• A passkey created on another device.
• A device where you chose not to be asked for a code again.

Google also suggests asking your mobile carrier to move your number to a new phone or SIM.

To use a backup code, sign in, click Try another way and choose Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes. Google says each backup code works once, and you get a set of 10.

If none of these work, go back to the recovery page and follow the tips above. If you lost a security key and have no other second step, Google warns it may take 3–5 business days to confirm it's you.

Once you're back in, Google's lost device guide says to sign the lost phone out under Security → Your devices → Manage devices and change your password. Android phones can be located, locked or erased at google.com/android/find.

Recover a Gmail account without a recovery email

Google doesn't publish a separate method for accounts with no recovery email. Its recovery tips point to the other things you can offer instead: the most recent password you remember, a device and location where you usually sign in, and your recovery phone if there is one.

Google also offers recovery contacts: trusted people with a Google Account who can vouch for you. According to Google's recovery contacts page, you can add up to 10. If sign-in fails, you tap Get number on the recovery page, and your contact picks the matching number on their device. The number expires in 15 minutes. You have to set this up before you're locked out, and a new contact can't be used for recovery until 7 days after they accept. Google Workspace and Advanced Protection accounts can't add recovery contacts.

How to recover a hacked Gmail account

Google's page on how to secure a hacked or compromised account lists warning signs. These include unfamiliar activity and changes to your recovery info, 2-Step Verification or Location Sharing that you didn't make.

1. Get back in. If you can't sign in, Google says to go to the recovery page and answer the questions as best you can.
2. Review security events. In your Google Account's Security section, check recent activity. For anything you don't recognize, select No, it wasn't me and follow the steps.
3. Review your devices. Sign out any device you don't recognize.
4. Fix Gmail settings. Google says to correct unfamiliar changes to mail delegation, automatic forwarding, filters, labels, IMAP/POP access and vacation replies.
5. Change passwords elsewhere. Change your Google password and any site where you reused it.
6. Turn on 2-Step Verification. Google says it "helps keep hackers out of your account."

Google also suggests contacting your bank or local authorities if someone may have sent instructions in your name. If your Instagram was taken over too, see our guide on how to recover a hacked Instagram account.

How to recover a deleted Gmail account

Google's page on how to recover a recently deleted Google Account says: "Your account may still be recoverable if you change your mind after you delete your Google Account." It adds: "If the account was deleted a while ago, you may not be able to recover it."

Google does not give a fixed number of days, and claims such as "within 20 days" do not appear on its page. In our view: try the recovery page immediately.

If recovery works, Google says it restores the account and its data. If it doesn't, Google suggests creating a replacement account.

Accounts deleted after a long time of inactivity

Google's Inactive Google Account Policy defines an inactive account as one "that has not been used within a 2-year period." Google "reserves the right to delete an inactive Google Account and its activity and data." The policy says December 1, 2023 was the earliest an account could be deleted under it, so it is already in effect. Before deleting, Google sends notices to the account and to its recovery email, if there is one.

Reading or sending email, using Google Drive or watching YouTube while signed in all count as activity. The policy doesn't apply to work, school or other organization accounts. It doesn't promise that an account deleted under it can be restored, so expect that a long-unused account may be gone for good.

What to do if your Google Account is disabled

A disabled account is different from a deleted one. Google's disabled account page says accounts are usually disabled for breaking Google's policies, for example hijacking, spam, impersonation, harassment or malware. If you own the account, you can ask for access again:

1. Sign in to your Google Account in a browser such as Chrome.
2. Select Start Appeal.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If the appeal isn't approved, Google says the account stays unavailable and, without further action, is permanently disabled and considered for deletion. For some violations Google reviews up to two appeals.

What Google can't do for you

Be realistic about the limits:

• No phone or chat support for sign-in. Google's main recovery help page says you can't call Google for help signing in. In our view, treat any "Google account recovery phone number" as a scam.
• No paid recovery partners. Google says it doesn't work with any service that claims to offer account or password support.
• Google never asks for your password or codes by email, phone call or message. Enter them only at accounts.google.com.
• Work and school accounts are different. For a Google Workspace or school account, Google says these steps might not work and to check with your administrator.

There is no separate "Google account recovery tool" to download. The recovery page, opened in any browser on a phone or computer, is Google's official route.

After you get back in: secure the account

Once you can sign in, take ten minutes to close the gap that locked you out.

1. Run Security Checkup at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. Google says it gives personalized recommendations.
2. Change your password to a strong one you don't use anywhere else. Google suggests a password manager and its Password Checkup.
3. Review your devices and sign out any you don't recognize or no longer own.
4. Update your recovery phone and email under Security & sign-in (Google's recovery options guide). Use an email you check regularly, not the one you sign in with. Google warns not to use a Google Voice number as your recovery phone.
5. Set up a passkey at myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/passkeys. Google says passkeys can't be "shared, copied, written down, or accidentally given to someone else," which makes them more resistant to phishing. Create them only on devices you own.
6. Turn on 2-Step Verification. Google recommends a security key or Google prompt over text message codes.
7. Remove apps you don't need that have access to your account.

How to avoid getting locked out again

Our recommendation, based on Google's guidance:

• Keep a current recovery phone and recovery email, and check them once a year.
• Download a fresh set of backup codes and store them offline, away from your phone.
• Add one or two recovery contacts you trust and who can respond quickly.
• Sign in to old accounts you want to keep now and then, so they never reach the 2-year inactivity mark.
• Browse our security category for password managers and other security tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I recover my Gmail account without a phone number?

Use the recovery page from a device and location where you normally sign in, answer every question, and use Try another way for options such as a recovery email, backup code, signed-in device or recovery contact. Google doesn't guarantee recovery without these signals.

How do I recover my Gmail account when my phone is lost?

Use another signed-in phone, a backup code, a passkey or a security key at the second step, or ask your carrier to move your number to a new SIM.

Can I recover my Gmail account without a recovery email?

Sometimes. Google's tips point to other evidence instead: your last remembered password, a device and location you usually sign in from, and your recovery phone. Google doesn't guarantee recovery without them.

I forgot my Gmail password. What should I do?

Go to the recovery page, enter the most recent password you remember, and follow the steps. Google says it may also send you an email, so check spam if it doesn't arrive. Set a new password you haven't used on the account before.

How do I recover a deleted Gmail account?

Go to the recovery page and follow the steps. Google says a recently deleted account may still be recoverable, but one deleted "a while ago" may not be, and it doesn't publish an exact number of days.

Can I recover a deleted Gmail account after a long time?

Usually not, according to Google's wording. Accounts unused for 2 years can be deleted under the inactive account policy, and Google doesn't say those can be restored.

How does the Google account recovery page verify my identity?

It asks questions such as your last password and sends codes to your recovery phone, recovery email or signed-in devices. It also takes into account whether you're using a device and location where you usually sign in.

Is there a Google account recovery phone number I can call?

No. Google says you can't call Google for help signing in to your account. Numbers advertised as "Google support" for account recovery are not Google.

How do I recover a hacked Gmail account?

Use the recovery page, then review security events and devices, remove forwarding rules and filters you didn't set up, and turn on 2-Step Verification.

How do I do Google account recovery on Android?

Open g.co/recover in Chrome on your Android phone and follow the same steps. If your phone is already signed in to the account, it can also act as a second step when you sign in elsewhere.

Sources

• Google Account Help, How to recover your Google Account or Gmail
• Google Account Help, Tips to complete account recovery steps
• Google Account Help, Why your account recovery request is delayed
• Google Account Help, Recover a recently deleted Google Account
• Google Account Help, Inactive Google Account Policy
• Google Account Help, Your account is disabled
• Google Account Help, Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account
• Google Account Help, Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification
• Google Account Help, Sign in with backup codes
• Google Account Help, Add, manage & use recovery contacts
• Google Account Help, Lock or erase your lost phone or computer
• Google Account Help, Set up recovery options
• Google Account Help, Make your account more secure
• Google Account Help, Sign in with a passkey instead of a password
• Google Account Help, Find, secure, or erase a lost Android device

Reviewed on November 3, 2026. Google changes its recovery flow, menu labels and security features from time to time, so follow the on-screen steps if they differ from this guide.