You forgot your email password, it stopped working, or the account says it's locked. The only safe way back in is the email company's own recovery page. It's free, and you can do it yourself. Never pay anyone who says they can get you back in.
⚡ The short version
- Use the official page only: Google, Microsoft or Apple (links below). Type the address yourself; don't use a link from an email or ad.
- Have your recovery phone or backup email handy. The code goes there.
- Answer the questions as best you can. With Google, wrong guesses don't lock you out.
- Once you're in, update your recovery info and set up two-step verification.
Gmail (Google Account)
Forgot your password
Follow Google's account recovery steps. You'll be asked questions to confirm it's you. Answer as best you can. Google says wrong guesses won't kick you out, and there's no limit to how many times you can try. When asked, choose a strong password you haven't used on this account before.
Forgot your Gmail address
Google can find it if you know the phone number or recovery email on the account and the full name on it. The steps are on the same Google page.
Still can't get in?
If you recently changed your recovery phone or email, Google says it can take up to 7 days to take effect, so try again in a few days. If you think someone else is using your account, follow Google's steps for a hacked account (linked from the same page).
Gmail through work or school? These steps may not work. Ask your administrator.
Outlook.com, Hotmail and Live (Microsoft account)
Forgot your password
On the Microsoft sign-in page, when it asks for your password, select Forgotten your password? (the wording can vary slightly). Choose where to get a code (your backup email or phone), confirm it, select Get code, enter the code, and type a new password.
Password stopped working, or no code options you recognize
Use Microsoft's Sign-in helper, linked from I can't sign in to my Microsoft account. It checks your account and tells you what to do. If that doesn't work, Microsoft has an account recovery form on the same page.
Haven't signed in for years?
Microsoft says an account that hasn't been used for more than two years may have been deleted and can't be reopened.
Work or school Microsoft account? Contact your IT admin.
iCloud Mail (Apple Account)
Use a device you're already signed in on
If you're still signed in on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, Apple says you can usually just change your password there, without account recovery. Otherwise, choose Forgot password? where you sign in and follow the steps. You may need your trusted phone number or a code from your recovery contact.
No trusted device or number?
Request account recovery at iforgot.apple.com or with Apple's Support app on a borrowed device. Apple says it can take several days or more. If you'll get your trusted device or number back soon, it's quicker to wait for it.
Once you're back in
- Check that your recovery phone and backup email are correct and up to date.
- Turn on two-step verification, and save backup codes somewhere safe.
- If you use the account in an email app (like Outlook on your computer), enter the new password there too. See Outlook keeps asking for a password.
- Think someone else got in? Change your password from a device you trust, and see what to do if you clicked a link or typed in a password.