You cannot see your current Gmail password, but you can reset it
Gmail does not show you your password once it is set. Google stores only an encrypted version, so even Google employees cannot retrieve it. If you need access to your account, you reset the password instead — which means creating a new one that only you will know.
The reset process works differently depending on whether you can still sign in. If you remember your password and just want to change it, that takes two minutes. If you are locked out, the process is longer and depends on what recovery information Google has on file for your account.
Key Takeaways
- Gmail passwords cannot be recovered or viewed because Google stores only encrypted versions, so resetting to a new password is your only option.
- If you remember your current password, you can change it in Settings in under two minutes without proving your identity.
- If you are locked out, Google will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email, phone number, or security questions you set up earlier.
- Recovery takes longer if you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone — sometimes several days — so setting up multiple recovery methods now prevents this later.
- If you cannot recover your account through Google's standard process, you can request a manual review, though approval is not may provide.
Resetting your password when you can still sign in
Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your current password. On the left menu, click Security. Scroll down to the "How you sign in to Google" section and click Password. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm your identity, then you will see a field to enter your new password.
Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password you have used before, and do not use information someone could guess — like your birth year or the name of a pet. Once you save the new password, you will be signed out of Gmail on all devices. You will need to sign in again with the new password on your phone, computer, and any other place you use Gmail.
Resetting your password when you are locked out
Go to the Gmail sign-in page and click Forgot password? Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any password, click Try another way.
Google will then ask you to verify your identity using one of these methods, in this order of preference: a recovery email address you added to your account, a phone number you added to your account, or security questions you answered when you set up recovery options. If you have more than one recovery method on file, Google usually offers them all and lets you choose which one to use.
Recovering access using a recovery email or phone number
If you set up a recovery email address, Google will send a verification code to that email. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Google. The code is usually six digits. Enter it on the password recovery page, and Google will let you set a new password.
If you set up a recovery phone number, Google will send a text message or call you with a verification code. This is often faster than email if you have your phone with you. Once you enter the code, you can create your new password and regain access to your account.
If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number — for example, you changed phone carriers or closed the email account — click I don't have my phone or I can't use my recovery email. Google will ask you to answer security questions you set up earlier, such as "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?"
What to do if you cannot answer security questions
If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, or you never set them up, Google offers one more option: you can request a manual review of your account. Click Try another way and then Verify your identity another way. Google will ask you to provide information about your account — such as when you created it, what devices you usually sign in from, or recent emails you sent or received.
Google uses this information to confirm you own the account. The review can take a few hours to several days. If Google confirms your identity, you will be able to set a new password. If Google cannot confirm you own the account based on the information you provide, you may lose permanent access to that Gmail address and any data stored in it.
Preventing lockouts by setting up recovery options now
The easiest way to reset your password later is to add recovery information to your account before you need it. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, and scroll to "How to recover your account." Add a recovery email address (ideally one you use regularly and will still have access to in five years) and a phone number where Google can reach you by text or call.
You can also set up security questions. These are less reliable than email or phone because you might forget your answers, but they are better than nothing if your recovery email and phone are both unavailable. The more recovery methods you have, the faster you can regain access if you are ever locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my Gmail password if I forgot it and have no recovery email or phone?
You can request a manual review where you answer questions about your account history and the devices you use. Google will verify your identity based on your answers. This process takes several days and is not may provide to work, which is why setting up recovery options now is important.
Will resetting my password delete my emails or contacts?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you sign in. All your emails, contacts, calendar events, and other data remain in your account. You will just need to use your new password to access them.
What happens to my Gmail on my phone after I reset my password?
You will be signed out on all devices. You will need to open Gmail or your email app on your phone and sign in again using your new password. If you use Gmail on multiple devices, you will need to update the password on each one.
How long does it take to recover a locked Gmail account?
If you have a recovery email or phone number on file, you can reset your password in minutes. If you need to answer security questions or request a manual review, it can take several hours to a few days. Manual reviews sometimes take longer during high-volume periods.
Can someone else reset my Gmail password?
No. Google requires you to verify your identity using recovery information only you should have access to. If someone else knows your recovery email password or has your phone, they could reset your Gmail password, which is why keeping those accounts secure matters.