The basic steps to sign in

Go to accounts.google.com in your web browser. Type the email address or phone number connected to your Google account, then click or tap Next. On the next screen, type your password and click Next again. If you have set up two-step verification (a security feature that sends a code to your phone), Google will ask for that code before letting you in.

That is the standard path. Most people get through it without trouble. If you get stuck at any point — if you cannot remember your password, or if Google asks for a recovery code you do not have — the sections below walk through what to do.

Key Takeaways

  • The sign-in page is always accounts.google.com, not a link from an email or text message.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in screen to reset it using your recovery email or phone number.
  • Two-step verification adds a security layer by requiring a code from your phone, but you need a backup method (recovery codes or a backup email) in case you lose access to that phone.
  • If you cannot recover your account through the standard reset process, Google's Account Recovery form can help, but it requires you to answer security questions or provide other proof you own the account.

What to do if you forgot your password

On the sign-in page at accounts.google.com, after you type your email address and click Next, look for the link that says "Forgot password?" Click it. Google will ask you to type the last password you remember, or skip that step if you cannot recall it.

Next, Google will send a verification code to the recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created the account. Check that email inbox or text messages for a code that looks like a string of numbers. Type that code into the box Google shows you. Once you verify it, you can create a new password. Make it something you have not used before, and something you can remember — or write it down somewhere safe, like a notebook you keep at home.

If you do not have access to the recovery email or phone number anymore, you will need to use Google's Account Recovery form instead (see the section below).

Understanding two-step verification and recovery codes

Two-step verification means Google sends a code to your phone every time you sign in from a new device or browser. This stops someone who knows your password from getting into your account unless they also have your phone. You can turn it on in your Google Account settings under Security.

The catch is that if you lose your phone or change your number, you will be locked out. That is why Google gives you recovery codes — a list of one-time codes you can use to sign in if you cannot get the code from your phone. When you set up two-step verification, Google shows you these codes. Write them down or save them in a safe place (a locked drawer, a password manager, or a trusted family member). Do not take a screenshot on your phone — if you lose the phone, the screenshot goes with it.

You can also add a backup phone number or a backup email address to your account. If your main phone is not available, Google can send the code to the backup instead.

How to recover an account you cannot sign into

If the password reset does not work because you cannot access your recovery email or phone, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. This is Google's Account Recovery form. Type the email address of the account you are trying to get back into, then click Next.

Google will ask you to type the last password you remember. If you cannot, click "Try a different question" and Google will ask when you created the account, or what devices you usually sign in from. Answer as accurately as you can. The more questions you answer correctly, the more confident Google becomes that you own the account.

If Google is still not sure, it may ask you to wait 24 hours before trying again, or to provide additional proof — like a photo of an ID, or details about recent activity on the account. This process can take several days. Be patient and answer every question as truthfully as you can.

Signing in on a phone or tablet

The process is the same on a phone or tablet: open your web browser, go to accounts.google.com, and type your email and password. On a phone, you may also see an option to use your fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing your password — this is called biometric authentication, and it is safe to use.

Many Google services (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos) have their own apps. When you open one of these apps for the first time, it will ask you to sign in. Use the same email and password you use for accounts.google.com. Once you sign in, the app usually stays signed in unless you manually sign out.

Why you should not sign in through email links or texts

If you get an email or text message with a link that says "Sign in to your Google account," do not click it — even if it looks like it came from Google. Scammers send fake sign-in links that look real but actually steal your password. The real way to sign in is always to type accounts.google.com directly into your browser yourself.

Google will never ask you to sign in through a link in an email or text. If you are unsure whether an email is real, go directly to accounts.google.com and check your account activity and security settings. You can see where you have signed in recently and from what devices.

Keeping your account find after you sign in

Once you are signed in, spend a few minutes checking your Security settings. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left side, and look at the section called "Your devices." You should see a list of phones, tablets, and computers that have signed into your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select "Sign out" to remove it.

Also check the section called "Your recovery options." Make sure the recovery email and phone number are current. If you have changed your phone number or email address, update them here. This is how you will get back in if you forget your password later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I see a message saying my account has been compromised?

Google will show a red warning if it detects suspicious activity. Click "Check your account" and follow the steps to find it. You will usually be asked to change your password and review which apps have access to your account. Remove any apps you do not recognize.

Can I sign into multiple Google accounts on the same device?

Yes. After you sign in with the first account, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Add another account." Sign in with the second email and password. You can switch between accounts by clicking your profile picture again.

What if I see a message asking me to verify my identity before I can sign in?

Google sometimes asks you to prove you own the account, especially if you are signing in from a new location or device. Follow the on-screen steps — you may need to enter a code sent to your recovery email or phone, or answer security questions. This is a normal safety check.

Is it safe to stay signed in on a shared computer?

No. On a shared computer, always sign out when you are done. Click your profile picture, select "Sign out," and close the browser. If you forget, anyone who uses that computer afterward can access your email and files.

How do I sign out of my Google account?

Click your profile picture in the top right corner of any Google page and select "Sign out." You will be signed out of all Google services on that browser. If you are on a phone, the process is the same — tap your profile picture and tap "Sign out."