Forgot Your Email Password? How to Get Back Into Your Account
Last updated April 12, 2026
If you can’t remember your email password, go to the sign-in page, click Forgot password?, and follow the prompts to verify it’s really you — usually by entering a code sent to your phone number or a backup email address. Once verified, you’ll be able to set a new password and get right back into your account. The exact screens are slightly different for Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, so full steps for each are below.
Before you start: make sure you have access to whatever phone number or backup email you used when you first created the account — that’s how most services confirm it’s really you.
How to reset a Gmail (Google) password
- Go to accounts.google.com in a web browser, or open the Gmail app and tap Forgot password? on the sign-in screen.
- Enter your email address, then tap Next.
- Tap Try another way if you’re not sure of your last password, or enter your best guess if you remember something close.
- Google will offer to send a verification code to your phone number or recovery email on file. Choose one and tap Send.
- Enter the code you receive.
- When prompted, type a new password. Use something you haven’t used before, then tap Change Password.
How to reset a Yahoo Mail password
- Go to the Yahoo sign-in page and click Forgot password?.
- Yahoo will ask to send a verification code by text message to the phone number on your account. Click Send code.
- Enter the code you received.
- Create a new password when prompted, then click Continue.
How to reset an Outlook or Microsoft account password
- Go to the Outlook or Microsoft sign-in page and click Forgot password?.
- Type your email address and complete the security check (a puzzle or image verification) if asked.
- Choose how to get your verification code — text message, phone call, or an alternate email — and click Send code.
- Enter the code you received.
- Type a new password twice to confirm it, then click Next.
What if you no longer have access to your phone number or backup email?
This is the trickiest situation, but it isn’t hopeless:
- Look for an option like “I don’t have any of these” or “Try a different way” during the recovery process.
- You may be asked questions only you would know, such as approximate account creation date, other email addresses you’ve used, or recent contacts.
- Answer as accurately as you can — even close guesses can help confirm your identity.
- Recovery in this situation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, since the email provider is being extra careful to make sure someone else isn’t trying to steal your account.
How to avoid getting locked out again
- Add a backup phone number and email to your account now, while you still have access, under Settings → Security.
- Write your password down somewhere safe — a notebook kept at home is often safer than trying to memorize a complicated password.
- Turn on two-factor authentication if the service offers it. This sounds technical, but it usually just means a code gets texted to you as an extra layer of protection — and it also gives the service another way to verify it’s you if you ever forget your password.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't remember which phone number or email I used to sign up?
Try entering your most likely email or phone number during the "Try another way" recovery step — most services let you attempt a few different options before locking you out.
Is it safe to reset my password from a public computer, like at a library?
It's best to avoid it if possible. If you must, make sure to sign out completely when you're done, and change your password again later from a device you trust.
How long does account recovery take if I don't have my phone or backup email?
It varies — sometimes minutes, sometimes a few days, since the provider wants to be sure it's really you and not someone trying to break in.
Can someone else get into my account if they guess my recovery answers?
It's unlikely if your answers are specific to you, but this is exactly why adding a backup phone number or email now — before you need it — is the safest long-term option.
Should I use the same password for my email as other accounts?
No. Your email is often used to reset passwords for other accounts, so it deserves its own strong, unique password that you don't reuse anywhere else.