Where to look for a password you already know

If you remember setting a password but cannot recall what it is, check the places where you typically store passwords. Most people keep them in one of three locations: a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, a browser's built-in password storage (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all have one), or a written record in a physical notebook or document file.

To check your browser's saved passwords, open your browser settings and look for "Passwords" or "Autofill" — the exact name varies by browser. You will see a list of websites and usernames with the option to view the password itself. If you use a password manager, open that application and search for the account name or website.

If you wrote the password down, check notebooks, sticky notes, or documents on your computer. Some people keep passwords in a spreadsheet or text file on their desktop or in a folder labeled "Important" or similar. If you shared the password with someone else — a family member, colleague, or friend — they may still have a record of it.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your password manager, browser password storage, or any written records before assuming the password is lost.
  • Most websites and services let you reset your password by confirming your identity through email or a phone number you registered with them.
  • The reset process usually involves clicking a "Forgot Password" link on the login page and following a link sent to your email.
  • Keep a record of which email address or phone number you used to create each account, since the reset will go to that contact method.

Using the "Forgot Password" option on a website or app

If you cannot find your password anywhere, nearly every website and app offers a way to reset it. On the login page, look for a link that says "Forgot Password," "Forgot Your Password," "Can't Sign In," or "Need Help Signing In." Click that link.

The website will ask you to confirm your identity. This usually means entering the email address or phone number you used when you created the account. The service will then send a reset link or code to that email or phone. Check your email inbox (and spam folder, since reset emails sometimes end up there) for a message from the service.

Click the link in the email or enter the code on the website. You will then be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Choose something you have not used before and that is not easy to guess. Once you save the new password, you should be able to log in with it immediately.

What to do if you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone

If the email address or phone number you registered with no longer works — because you changed providers, lost the phone, or closed the email account — the standard reset process will not work. In this case, look for an alternative verification option on the password reset page.

Many services offer a backup method, such as answering security questions you set up when you created the account, providing a recovery code you saved earlier, or verifying your identity through a different email address or phone number you added to the account later. If you set up two-factor authentication (a second verification step), you may be able to use that device to confirm your identity instead.

If none of those options are available, contact the website's support team directly. You will need to prove you own the account — usually by providing information only the account owner would know, such as the last four digits of a credit card on file, a past transaction, or details about your account activity. Support can then help you regain access.

Recovering access to email accounts specifically

Email accounts are the key to resetting passwords on other services, so losing access to your email is more serious. If you cannot log into Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another email provider, go to the login page and click "Can't Access Your Account" or a similar link.

Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo all have account recovery processes that ask you to verify your identity through a phone number, a backup email address, or security questions. They may also ask when you last used the account or what you remember about your password. Answer as accurately as you can.

If you set up a recovery phone number or backup email when you created the account, use that to regain access. If you did not, the recovery process becomes harder and may require you to wait a period of time or provide additional proof of identity. Once you regain access to your email, you can reset passwords on any other accounts that use that email address.

Setting up a system so you do not lose passwords again

After you regain access, consider using a password manager to store your passwords securely. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, or KeePass encrypt your passwords and fill them in automatically when you visit a website. You only have to remember one strong master password to access all of them.

If you prefer not to use a password manager, at minimum write down the email address and phone number associated with each important account. Keep this list in a safe place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a document protected by a strong password. This way, if you forget a password, you will know exactly which contact method to use for the reset.

Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that support it, especially email and financial accounts. Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step (usually a code from your phone) when you log in, which makes your accounts harder to break into even if someone learns your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset a password?

Most password resets happen instantly. You click the reset link in your email, create a new password, and can log in right away. Some services may take a few minutes to process the change, but same-day access is standard. If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or request a new reset link.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Most services do not let you reuse your last password or the one before that. This is a security measure to prevent someone who learned an old password from using it again. Create a new password that is different from any you have used on that account recently.

What if I keep forgetting my password after I reset it?

Use a password manager to store it instead of trying to remember it. If you do not want a password manager, write the new password down in a safe place immediately after you create it. You can also ask the website if it offers a "remember me" option that keeps you logged in on your device.

Is it safe to reset my password from a public computer?

It is safer to reset from a private device you own. If you must use a public computer, make sure you log out completely when finished and do not check the "remember me" box. After resetting, change your password again from your own device to be certain no one else has access.

What should I do if I think someone else knows my password?

Reset it immediately using the "Forgot Password" process. Choose a password that is completely different from the old one — not a variation of it. If the account is linked to payment methods or sensitive information, check your account activity for any unauthorized changes and contact the service's support team to report the security concern.