How To Get Your Google Account Back

To recover your Google account, you'll need to use Google's "Find My Email" or Account Recovery pages.
These pages can be extremely useful if you forget your email address or password, or your account is hacked.
When recovering your account, you may need to input some combination of a phone number, email address, or answers to security questions.
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There's nothing quite as annoying as losing track of your email address or password and not being able to get into your Google account — especially if it houses most of your digital life.

Nothing, that is, except for having your account hacked.

Regardless, there are several ways to recover your Google account.

Here's what you need to know.

How to recover a Google account if you forgot your email address

If you're having trouble logging into your Google account because you can't remember your email address, go to Google's Find My Email page and follow the prompts.

You'll need to be able to provide the full name associated with your account, as well as the phone number or the recovery email address associated with it.

Enter your phone number or recovery email address you provided.

How to recover a Google account if you forgot your password

If your password is the issue, use the Account Recovery page to reset your password. You'll be asked to confirm your identity by answering a few security questions.

Enter your email or phone number to begin password recovery.

If possible, try to complete this process using a device (and browser) that you used to sign into the account previously and in a location where you've used the account.

If you aren't able to verify your identity through the security questions, you'll be able to try again. Google also offers helpful tips if you're having trouble answering the security questions correctly.

After successfully confirming your identity, you will be able to reset your password.

If you use this option, however, be aware that you will have to provide your email address, so if you forgot both, start with the "forgot email address" instructions as listed above.

How to recover a Google account if your account was hacked

If you aren't able to log into your Google account — for example, if you're trying to log into your Google account and you find that someone has changed your password or recovery phone number, or deleted your account (or in some cases, even if you deleted the account) — you will also use Google's Account Recovery page.

Simply answer the questions as best you can and follow the prompts.

If all else fails, or you can't sign in for another reason (like you're having trouble with two-step verification or you can't reset your password with a code by text), you can get help signing in and recover your account directly through Google.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

How to remove a Google account from Google Chrome to erase its browsing data, bookmarks, and more
How to change your default Google account in any browser, using a PC or Mac computer
How to remove a Google account from your Android or iOS device
How to permanently delete your Google account, but save all your emails and other data
How to make a Google account and gain full access to apps like Gmail and YouTube

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at@devondelfino.