How to Reset Your Gmail Password

Forgot your Gmail password or want to change it for security? This friendly, step-by-step guide shows how to reset or change your Gmail password on desktop, Android, and iPhone — plus recovery tips when you can’t sign in. Clear, safe, and ready for beginners and advanced users.

Keywords: reset Gmail password, change Gmail password, Gmail account recovery, how-to reset Google password, Gmail password reset guide, step-by-step.

Quick overview — which flow you need

• You remember your current password and just want to change it → follow Change Password steps.
• You forgot your password and can still access recovery options (phone or recovery email) → follow Forgot Password (easy recovery).
• You forgot password and don’t have recovery access → follow Account recovery (harder) — use recovery form and provide details.

A — Change your Gmail password (you know the current one)

On Desktop (Web)

1. Open Gmail and sign in.
2. Click your profile photo (top-right) → Manage your Google Account.
3. In the left menu choose Security.
4. Under “Signing in to Google”, click Password.
5. Enter your current password to confirm.
6. Type your new password (min. 8 characters recommended) and confirm it.
7. Click Change Password.

On Android

1. Open the Gmail or Google app and tap your profile photo → Manage your Google Account.
2. Tap Security → Password under “Signing in to Google.”
3. Verify, then enter and confirm your new password. Tap Change Password.

On iPhone/iPad

1. Open the Gmail app (or Safari → gmail.com) → tap profile → Manage your Google Account.
2. Go to Security → Password.
3. Verify and set your new password.

Tip: Use a strong, unique password (passphrase or password manager recommended). Enable 2-Step Verification right after changing it.

B — Forgot your Gmail password (quick recovery)

1. Start the recovery flow

• Go to the sign-in page and click Forgot password? or visit: https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

2. Follow the prompts (common steps)

• Enter the last password you remember (if asked).
• Google may send a verification code to your recovery phone or email. Choose that option and enter the code.
• If you have 2-Step Verification, use the prompt on your trusted device, an authenticator app, a backup code, or your security key.
• Create a new secure password when prompted.

3. If you get a verification code

• Enter it quickly (codes often expire).
• After verification, you’ll be able to set a new password.

C — Account recovery when you can’t use recovery phone/email

If you no longer have access to recovery methods:

1. Start at the recovery page: https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
2. Choose Try another way repeatedly until you reach the recovery form.
3. Fill out the Account Recovery form as thoroughly as possible. Helpful items to provide:
   • Previous passwords you remember.
   • When you created the account (month & year is helpful).
   • Devices you used to sign in (make/model).
   • Typical locations (city/country) where you usually signed in.
   • Recovery email address you can currently access (so Google can contact you).
4. Submit the form and watch the recovery email for Google’s response.

Reality check: Success depends on how well you can prove account ownership. The more accurate details you provide, the better the chance of recovery.

D — If 2-Step Verification blocks access

• Use backup codes you saved earlier.
• Use your authenticator app or security key.
• If you lost the device with your authenticator, try sign-in from a trusted device (a phone/PC where you previously accepted prompts) and use account recovery.
• If all else fails, use the Account Recovery form (see section C).

E — After you reset the password — cleanup & safety steps

1. Sign out of all devices you don’t recognize: Google Account → Security → Your devices → Sign out on unfamiliar devices.
2. Review Recent security events and Third-party access (Security page). Revoke access if suspicious.
3. Enable 2-Step Verification (Security → 2-Step Verification). Use an authenticator app or security key for stronger protection.
4. Update your saved password in password managers and on devices/apps that use this account.
5. Add or update recovery phone & email in Security → Ways we can verify it’s you.

Tips & Warnings

• Never share your password or verification codes. Google will never ask for your password in unsolicited emails.
• Beware phishing: Don’t click links in suspicious emails. Go directly to accounts.google.com.
• Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass) to generate and store strong unique passwords.
• Save backup codes in a secure place when enabling 2-Step Verification.
• If hacked, act fast: change your password, remove suspicious apps, and check security settings.

FAQ

Q1. How long does Google take to respond to an account recovery request?

A: Often minutes to hours, but sometimes longer. You’ll get an email to the alternate contact you provided.

Q2. I don’t remember my recovery email or phone — can I still get my account back?

A: Maybe. Use the Account Recovery form and provide as many accurate details as you can (previous passwords, account creation date, frequent locations, devices).

Q3. I changed my Gmail password — do I need to update it everywhere?

A: Yes. Update your password on all devices and apps (mail apps, phones, tablets, third-party apps) and in any password managers you use.

Q4. Can Google reset my password for me if my account was hacked?

A: Google provides automated recovery flows. If those fail, follow the Account Recovery form. For paid Google Workspace accounts, contact your admin.

Q5. What if I get locked out because of 2FA and I don’t have backup codes?

A: Try signing in from a device where you already logged in before, or use the Account Recovery form. If you used a security key, use it; if lost, recovery is harder.

Resetting or recovering your Gmail password is straightforward if you have access to your recovery phone/email or trusted device. If not, use the Account Recovery form and provide as many accurate details as possible. After regaining access, lock things down: update passwords, enable 2-Step Verification, and review account activity.