How to Reset a Gmail Password (Step-by-Step)

This guide walks you through resetting your Gmail password on both desktop and mobile, covering the standard recovery flow and what to do if you’re locked out. You’ll need access to the recovery phone number or email address linked to your Google Account, or you’ll need to answer security questions if you set them up previously.

What You’ll Need

Your Gmail address (the one you’re trying to reset)
Access to the recovery phone number or recovery email associated with the account
A device with an internet connection (phone, tablet, or computer)
If you use two-step verification, access to your authenticator app or backup codes

Step-by-Step

Go to the Google Account recovery page. Open your browser and navigate to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. This is the official recovery page for all Google services, including Gmail.
Enter your Gmail address. Type the full email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com) into the field and click Continue.
Enter your last known password (if prompted). Google may ask for the most recent password you remember. If you don’t remember it, click Try another way to skip this step.
Choose a verification method. Google will present one or more options, such as:
- Send a code to your recovery phone via text or call
- Send a code to your recovery email
- Use your phone’s Google prompt (if you’re signed in on that device)
- Answer security questions (if you set them up)
Select the method you have access to.
Enter the verification code. If you chose email or SMS, check that inbox or message app for a 6-digit code. Type it into the field and click Verify. If you chose the Google prompt, tap Yes on your phone.
Create a new password. Once verified, you’ll see a field to set a new password. It must be at least 8 characters long. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing an old password or something easy to guess like your name or birthday.
Confirm and sign in. Re-enter the new password to confirm, then click Change password or Save. You’ll be signed into Gmail automatically. If not, go to gmail.com and log in with your new password.

Common Mistakes

Typing the recovery email or phone number incorrectly. Double-check the last digits of the phone number or the spelling of the recovery email. A single wrong character means the code goes somewhere you can’t access.
Using a password you’ve used before. Google blocks recently used passwords for security. If you try to reuse one, you’ll get an error and need to pick something new.
Skipping the recovery info setup. If you never added a recovery phone or email, the recovery flow becomes much harder. If you’re still logged in on any device, add recovery info immediately after resetting.
Entering the verification code too slowly. Codes expire after a few minutes. If it times out, request a new one rather than trying the old code repeatedly.
Clicking links in unsolicited emails. Only use the official recovery URL (accounts.google.com/signin/recovery). Phishing emails often mimic Google’s password reset pages to steal your credentials.

Tips

Set up two-step verification after you regain access. It adds a second layer of security beyond your password and makes it harder for others to break in.
Keep your recovery options current. If you get a new phone number or email address, update them in your Google Account settings (myaccount.google.com → Security → Ways we can verify it’s you).
Use a password manager. This helps you generate and store strong, unique passwords so you don’t have to remember them. It also reduces the chance of forgetting your password again.
Write down a hint (but not the password itself). If you’re prone to forgetting, store a hint in a secure place—like a locked note on your phone—that reminds you of the pattern you used.
If you’re signed in on a phone, check the Google app. Sometimes the quickest reset is through the device you’re already using, via the Google prompt, rather than typing codes.

Troubleshooting

You don’t have access to your recovery phone or email. If you can’t receive the code, click Try another way on the recovery page. Google may offer alternative methods like answering security questions or using a previously signed-in device. If you have none of these, your last resort is the account recovery form, which asks for details like the date you created the account and emails you’ve sent. Be as accurate as possible—Google uses this to verify ownership.

You’re getting an error that the code is invalid. Check that you entered the most recent code (a new one was sent, not the old one). Also ensure you’re typing it correctly—codes are case-sensitive and contain digits only. If it still fails, request a new code.

The recovery page says “This account is not eligible for recovery.” This appears when Google’s automated system can’t verify you own the account. You can still try the account recovery form, but be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. If you have a Google Workspace (business) account, contact your administrator instead.

You’re locked out of a Google Workspace account. If your email ends in a custom domain (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com), you can’t reset it via the public recovery page. Contact your IT administrator—they have tools to reset your password.

You’re stuck in a loop asking for a password you don’t know. On the sign-in page, click Forgot password? instead of entering anything. This takes you directly to the recovery flow. If you’re already in the flow and it keeps asking, look for a link that says Try another way at the bottom of each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to reset a Gmail password?
A: If you have access to your recovery phone or email, the process takes about 5 minutes. If you need to fill out the full account recovery form, it can take up to 3-5 business days for Google to review your request.

Q: Can I reset my Gmail password without a phone number or recovery email?
A: It’s much harder but sometimes possible. You can try answering security questions if you set them up, or use the account recovery form with details like the date you created the account and old email subjects. Success isn’t guaranteed without any recovery info.

Q: Will I lose my emails if I reset my password?
A: No. Resetting your password doesn’t delete any emails, contacts, or files in Google Drive. You’ll regain full access to everything once you’re signed in with the new password.

Q: How often should I change my Gmail password?
A: Only change it if you suspect it’s been compromised or if you’ve shared it with someone. Google’s security experts recommend using a strong, unique password and not changing it on a fixed schedule, since frequent changes often lead to weaker passwords.

Q: What’s the difference between resetting and recovering a password?
A: Resetting means you know your email address and can verify your identity to set a new password. Recovering is the broader process that includes resetting, plus steps like filling out the account recovery form when you can’t verify normally.

Q: Can I use the same password for Gmail and other accounts?
A: It’s not recommended. If one site is breached, attackers will try that password on your email, bank, and social media accounts. Use a unique password for Gmail, and consider a password manager to keep track.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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