The fastest way to reset your password depends on which email service you use

Most email providers — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and others — let you reset your password through a recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created the account. You do not need to remember your current password. You visit the provider's sign-in page, click "Forgot password" or a similar link, and follow the steps they show you.

The process takes five to ten minutes if you have access to your recovery email or phone. It takes longer if you do not, because the provider will ask you security questions or other proof that you own the account. Some services can take a day or two to verify you before they let you create a new password.

The exact steps differ between Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other providers, so this guide walks through the most common ones and explains what to do if you get stuck.

Key Takeaways

  • Click "Forgot password" on your email provider's sign-in page, not in the email app on your phone or computer.
  • Have your recovery email address or phone number ready — most providers send a code to one of these to prove you own the account.
  • If you cannot access your recovery email or phone, the provider will ask security questions or other proof, which can take several days.
  • After you reset your password, update your recovery email and phone number so you can get back in if you forget again.
  • Do not share your new password with anyone, and use a password you have not used for other accounts.

How to reset a Gmail password

Go to the Gmail sign-in page at accounts.google.com/signin. Type your email address and click Next. On the password screen, click "Forgot password?"

Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any password, click "Try another way." Google will then send a code to your recovery email address or phone number. Check that email or text message, enter the code on the Google page, and you can create a new password.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, Google will ask you security questions — usually the recovery email you provided, your phone number, or the date you created the account. Answer as many as you can. If Google cannot verify you this way, it may ask you to wait 24 hours before trying again, or to provide a photo of a government ID.

How to reset an Outlook or Hotmail password

Go to account.live.com/password/reset. Type your email address and click Next. Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter the code, create a new password, and you are done.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, click "I do not have these" on the code screen. Microsoft will ask you security questions or other details about your account. You may also be asked to provide a phone number where Microsoft can call or text you a code. If you cannot answer the security questions, Microsoft may ask you to wait a few hours or days before trying again.

How to reset a Yahoo password

Go to the Yahoo sign-in page and click "Forgot password?" Type your email address and click Next. Yahoo will send a code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter the code and create a new password.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, click "I do not have access to these." Yahoo will ask you security questions or other proof that you own the account. You may need to wait 24 hours before Yahoo lets you try again if you cannot answer the questions.

What to do if you cannot access your recovery email or phone

If your recovery email address no longer works — for example, you no longer have that email account — or if you no longer have the phone number you registered, the reset process takes longer. The email provider will ask you security questions, such as the date you created the account, the names of people in your contacts, or other details only you would know.

Answer as many questions as you can. If the provider cannot verify you, it may ask you to wait several days, provide a government ID, or contact their support team by phone. Some providers have a support form you can fill out to request a manual review of your account.

This is why it is important to update your recovery email and phone number as soon as you regain access to your account. If you change your phone number or stop using an email address, log into your account settings and add a new recovery method.

How to create a strong new password

Once you have reset your password, use one that is hard to guess. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueMoon$42!Sunrise. Do not use your name, birthday, or words from a dictionary.

Do not reuse a password you have used for other accounts. If someone gets your password for one service, they will try it on your email, bank, and social media. Use a different password for each important account, or use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser to store them securely.

How to prevent being locked out again

After you reset your password, log into your account settings and check your recovery options. In Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com and click "Security" on the left. In Outlook, go to account.microsoft.com/security. In Yahoo, go to account.yahoo.com and click "Account security."

Make sure your recovery email address is one you still use and can access. If you have a phone number registered, make sure it is current. Add a backup recovery method — for example, if you only have a phone number, add a recovery email address too. The more ways you can prove you own the account, the faster you can reset your password if you forget it again.

Consider turning on two-factor authentication, which requires a code from your phone or an authentication app every time you sign in from a new device. This makes your account harder to break into, even if someone learns your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have access to your recovery email or phone, you can reset your password in five to ten minutes. If you do not, the provider may ask you to wait 24 hours or longer before trying again, or to provide additional proof that you own the account.

Can I reset my password from my phone or tablet?

Yes. Open your web browser and go to your email provider's sign-in page — not the email app. Follow the same steps you would on a computer. The process is the same on any device.

What if I reset my password but still cannot sign in?

Wait a few minutes for the change to take effect across the provider's servers. Make sure you are typing your new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password." If you still cannot sign in, try resetting your password again.

Do I need to change my password on my phone or computer after I reset it?

Yes. If you have the email app on your phone, computer, or tablet, you will need to update the password there too. The app will usually ask you for the new password the next time you open it, or you can go into the app's settings and update it manually.

What if I think someone else has my password?

Reset your password right away, then check your account activity. In Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com/security and scroll to "Your devices" to see where you have signed in. In Outlook, go to account.microsoft.com/security and click "Recent activity." Sign out of any sessions you do not recognize.