The internet is a vast place, especially with new websites and social media popping up and making their way into our lives. 

Unfortunately, most platforms require their own unique username and password to sign up. As a result, it’s not uncommon for someone to forget the password to an account due to the large number of passwords to remember.

Unfortunately, that problem becomes more complicated if it’s for an email, especially a Gmail account that’s connected to other accounts.

Don’t fret because this article is for that exact issue, as it’ll dive into what to do if you’ve forgotten your Gmail password and how to recover it.

So read on and learn how to recover your Gmail password below.

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It’s a simple task to recover your Gmail account. You just need to follow the steps that Google will provide you to get your account back.

The first step to do is launch your web browser and go to the Gmail sign-in page. From there, it’ll ask for your username and password. You should click on the highlighted “Forgot password” button below to initiate the recovery process.

Google will ask for the last password you remember using with the account. This is where you should enter the last password you remember using.

Some people said that they used older passwords, and Google Support continued with the process. So, you may only need a password you've previously used for the account, rather than the most recent one.

After entering the password, you’ll be directed to a new page informing you that a code has been sent to your “recovery account”. The recovery account is a separate email address that people add during the original Gmail account setup process.

When going through this process, a six-digit security code will be sent to the recovery email and a window will pop up asking for that code.

When looking for the security code email, Google suggests checking the spam folders in your recovery account in case the code was accidentally sent there.

After entering that code, some questions may be asked to authenticate that you’re, in fact, the owner of the account. These questions were established when creating the account, they range from “What’s your favorite city?” to “What’s your pet’s name?”

If you correctly answer the questions, you’ll be directed to a page where you can generate a new password for your account. Once that’s done, you’ll regain access to your account.

How to Recover/Reset a Forgotten Gmail Password

Once you regain access to your account, it’s a good idea to strengthen your account’s security.

First off you’ll need to go to your Gmail’s security settings and turn on two-factor authentication, which adds your phone number to the account. 

When two-factor authentication is activated, you’ll receive a text notification every time you access your account on a new device.

It’ll provide you with an authentication code as well to make sure you’re the one accessing the account.

You can also provide a recovery email that you use regularly and have no trouble accessing.

Keep in mind that you should always update the recovery account and the phone number if you change to new ones so that you can have access to your email.

How to Increase the Security of Your Gmail Account

When trying to regain control of your account, a few factors will help make the process go smoother.

Google usually stores information regarding the account’s usage. It can speed up the process if you use a trusted device from which you've previously accessed your account. This includes browsers, so try to use a browser you’ve used before.

If you've changed your password more than once before, you'll most likely be asked to provide an old password. In this case, it’s okay to enter an older password that you’re sure of. It doesn’t need to be the last password you created.

When answering certain security questions, take your best guess. If they don’t work, consider different variations of the same answer. For example, when asked about where you were born, you can answer “New York”. If it doesn’t work, try “NY”.

When entering passwords, be specific and try to remember if there are certain capital letters or other markers, like symbols and numbers.Google recommends that you provide the reasons why you can’t access your account. It may result in a better outcome if you respond with information that Google can match with its data.
One such example is stating that you’re traveling and not in your usual location. Google can confirm that using Geolocation.

Factors to Consider When Going Through the Account Recovery Process

If you’re going to create a new account on any website, memorize the password or save it somewhere safe. You want a place that can’t be accessed by someone else, especially if you’re sharing the device with another person.

That said, you should create contingency plans in case this particular plan fails. This plan can be in the form of saving your password as a physical copy in a private place.

Another alternative is investing in a ‘Password Manager” app. A password manager does exactly that: it manages the passwords for all of your accounts. 

The passwords are essentially centralized in one secure location where you can access them all without the hassle of memorizing everything.

Password managers are also usually operated by security companies and firms. This ramps up the protection of your credentials so that they wouldn’t be under attack by hackers or external malware.

Google Chrome offers the same service, but some other firms and websites like Nord Pass and Last Pass are dedicated to that specific purpose.

How You Can Make Sure This Doesn’t Happen Again in the Future

Passwords are an essential aspect of creating an account because they help maintain privacy and defend against unauthorized access to your personal information.

That said, it’s comforting to know that in case you do end up forgetting one of them, there are ways to recover them.

However, it’s always better not to lose or forget these passwords to begin with. So, try to make it easy on yourself all while staying on the safe side.

Gmail Forgotten Password and How to Recover It

How to Recover/Reset a Forgotten Gmail Password

How to Increase the Security of Your Gmail Account

Factors to Consider When Going Through the Account Recovery Process

How You Can Make Sure This Doesn’t Happen Again in the Future

Conclusion

Gmail Forgotten Password and How to Recover It

How to Recover/Reset a Forgotten Gmail Password

How to Increase the Security of Your Gmail Account

Factors to Consider When Going Through the Account Recovery Process

How You Can Make Sure This Doesn’t Happen Again in the Future

Conclusion

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