You cannot retrieve your actual password, but you can reset it immediately
Google does not store your password in a way that lets anyone — including Google support — look it up and tell you what it is. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it to a new one you choose. The reset process takes a few minutes and works from any device with internet access.
If you still remember your password but want to change it for security reasons, you can do that too. Both paths start at the same place: the Google Account recovery page.
Key Takeaways
- Google passwords cannot be retrieved because Google does not keep a copy you can read — you must reset to a new password instead.
- Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery to start a password reset without needing to know your current password.
- You will need to verify you own the account using a recovery email, a phone number, or security questions you set up before.
- If you cannot verify ownership any other way, you can answer questions about your account history, though this takes longer.
- After you reset your password, you may need to sign in again on your phone, tablet, or other devices that were using the old password.
Starting a password reset from the sign-in screen
Go to accounts.google.com and try to sign in with your email address. When the password field appears, click Forgot password? below it. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or skip this step if you cannot recall any part of it.
Next, Google will ask you to verify that you own this account. The most common verification methods are a recovery email address or a phone number you added to your account before. If you have access to either one, choose it and follow the prompts — you will receive a code by email or text message, and you enter that code to prove ownership.
Once verified, you will be taken to a screen where you create a new password. Type it twice to confirm you did not make a typo, then click Change password. You can now sign in with this new password.
Verifying your account when you do not have a recovery method
If you do not have access to a recovery email or phone number, Google offers another path: answering questions about your account. Click Try another way on the verification screen, then select Answer security questions.
Google will ask you questions about your account history — things like what date you created the account, what devices you have used it on, or what email addresses you have used to recover it before. Answer as accurately as you can. You do not need to be exact on dates, but the more questions you answer correctly, the faster the process moves.
If Google cannot verify you this way, it may ask you to wait 24 hours before trying again, or to provide additional information by email. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from taking over your account. Follow the instructions Google sends you.
Changing your password when you still remember it
If you know your current password and just want to change it, sign in to your Google Account at myaccount.google.com. On the left side, click Security. Scroll down to find Password and click on it.
Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it is really you. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change password when you are done. You will stay signed in, but any other devices using your old password will be signed out the next time they try to use Google services.
What happens after you reset your password
After a password reset, you will need to sign in again on any phone, tablet, or computer that was using your old password. Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services on those devices will ask for your new password the next time you open them.
If you use your Google account to sign in to other websites or apps — like Spotify, Airbnb, or your bank — those services will not be affected. Your Google password and your sign-in method for other apps are separate things.
If you see sign-in requests from places you do not recognize after resetting your password, that is a sign someone else may have had access to your account. Go back to myaccount.google.com, click Security, scroll to Your devices, and review the list of devices that have signed in recently. You can sign out any device you do not recognize.
Preventing password problems in the future
Add a recovery email and phone number to your account now, before you need them. Sign in at myaccount.google.com, click Security, then look for How you sign in to Google. Add both a recovery email (a different email address you control) and a phone number. This makes password resets much faster if you forget again.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These tools remember your passwords for you and fill them in automatically, so you do not have to type them or remember them yourself. They also help you create strong passwords that are harder for others to guess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a password reset take?
If you can verify your account using a recovery email or phone number, you can reset your password in a few minutes. If you have to answer security questions, it may take 24 hours or longer while Google confirms your identity.
Will resetting my password sign me out everywhere?
You will stay signed in on the device where you reset the password. Other devices will be signed out the next time they try to use a Google service and will ask you to enter your new password.
Can I use my old password again after I reset it?
Technically yes, but Google recommends against it. If someone found out your old password, using it again leaves your account at risk. Pick a new password you have not used before.
What if I cannot answer the security questions?
If you cannot verify your account any other way, Google may ask you to provide information by email or wait a set amount of time before trying again. This protects your account from being taken over by someone pretending to be you.
Does resetting my password affect my Google Authenticator or two-step verification?
No. Your two-step verification settings stay the same. If you have set up an authenticator app or security keys, they will still work with your new password.