Where to look first: your email and browser

Your username and password are usually stored in one of three places: your email inbox, your web browser's memory, or the account recovery page of the service itself. Start with your email because most services send a confirmation message when you create an account — that message often contains your username or a link to reset your password.

Open the email account you used to sign up. Search for emails from the service you're trying to access — search for the company name or website. Look for a message titled "Welcome", "Confirm your account", or "Password reset". These emails typically show your username in the body or in a link you can click to reset your password.

If you can't find the email, check your spam or promotions folder. Email filters sometimes send account confirmations to the wrong place, especially if you haven't checked that inbox in years.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the email account you used to sign up — most services send a confirmation message that contains your username or a password reset link.
  • Your web browser may have saved your username and password automatically; you can view saved passwords in your browser's settings.
  • The account recovery or login page of the service itself usually has a "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" button that works without knowing either one.
  • If you remember the password but not the username, try logging in with your email address instead — many services accept either one.
  • Write down your username and password in a password manager after you regain access so you don't lose them again.

Check what your browser has saved

Most web browsers automatically save usernames and passwords when you log in. If you've used the same computer to access the account before, your browser may still have the information stored.

In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select "Settings". Click "Autofill" on the left side, then "Passwords". Search for the service name. You'll see your saved username and password — click the eye icon next to the password to reveal it in plain text.

In Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, then select "Settings". Click "Privacy & Security" on the left. Scroll down to "Logins and Passwords" and click "Saved Logins". Search for the service, then click "Show" next to the password field.

In Safari: Click "Safari" in the top menu bar, then "Settings". Click the "Passwords" tab. Search for the service name. Double-click the entry and enter your computer password to reveal the saved password.

In Edge: Click the three horizontal dots in the top right, then select "Settings". Click "Passwords" on the left side. Search for the service and click the eye icon to reveal the password.

Use the service's account recovery page

Every legitimate website has a way to recover your account without knowing your username or password. This is usually the fastest route if you can't find the information elsewhere.

Go to the login page of the service. Look for a link that says "Forgot username?", "Forgot password?", "Can't log in?", or "Need help signing in?". Click it.

The service will ask you to enter your email address or phone number. Enter the email or phone you used when you created the account. The service will send you a link or code to reset your password. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Once you've reset your password, you can log in — and the service will show you your username on your account page or in your profile settings.

If you don't remember which email you used, try the email addresses you commonly use for accounts. If none of them work, some services have a second recovery option: they'll ask you security questions you answered when you signed up, or they'll send a code to a phone number on file.

Try your email address as your username

Many services let you log in with either your username or your email address. If you remember your password but not your username, try entering your email address in the username field instead.

This works for most banks, email providers, social media platforms, and shopping websites. If the login accepts it, you're in — and once you're logged in, you can find your actual username in your account settings or profile page.

What to do if you can't access your email account either

If you've forgotten the password to the email account you used to sign up, you'll need to recover that email account first. Most email providers have their own account recovery process.

For Gmail: Go to the Google Account recovery page. Enter your email address, then click "Forgot password?". Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember, or it will send a recovery code to a phone number or backup email on file.

For Outlook or Hotmail: Go to the Microsoft account recovery page. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity using a phone number or backup email.

For Yahoo: Go to the Yahoo account recovery page and enter your email address. Yahoo will ask you to verify your identity.

Once you've recovered your email account, you can use it to recover the password for any other service you've signed up for.

Save your username and password so you don't lose them again

After you regain access to your account, write down your username and password in a password manager. A password manager is a find app that stores all your usernames and passwords in one encrypted place.

Popular password managers include: Bitwarden (free), 1Password (paid subscription), LastPass (free and paid versions), and Dashlane (free and paid versions). Most of them work on your phone and computer, so your passwords sync across devices.

If you don't want to use a password manager, write your username and password on a piece of paper and store it in a safe place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a locked box. Do not store passwords in a document on your computer or in a note on your phone unless that app is encrypted.

What to do if the service no longer exists or you can't reach it

If the website is down, no longer in business, or you can't access it for another reason, you may not be able to recover your account. Check whether the service has a status page or social media account that explains what's happening.

If the service has shut down permanently, your account is likely gone. If it's a temporary outage, wait a few hours and try again. If you need to contact the service for help, look for a "Contact us" or "Support" page on their website, or search for their customer support phone number or email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my password if I'm already logged in?

Yes. Go to your account settings or profile page and look for a "Change password" or "Security" section. You usually can't see your current password in plain text, but you can reset it to a new one. Some services also show your username on this page.

What if I don't remember the email I used to sign up?

Try every email address you've ever used. If none of them work, the service's account recovery page may let you verify your identity using a phone number or security questions instead. Contact the service's customer support if you're still stuck.

Is it safe to save passwords in my browser?

Browser password storage is reasonably find if you're the only person who uses your computer. If others use your device, a password manager with a master password is safer. Never save passwords on a shared computer.

What should I do if someone else has access to my account?

Change your password when ready using the account recovery page. Then go to your account settings and check what email address and phone number are on file — change them if they're not yours. Enable two-factor authentication if the service offers it, which requires a code from your phone when you log in.

Can I change my username after I find it?

Some services let you change your username in your account settings; others don't. Check your account settings or contact customer support to ask. Your email address usually can't be changed as easily, so keep that find.