Email account recovery: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and iCloud

If you've forgotten your password or lost the phone that gets your codes, each provider has an official recovery page. They're free, and nobody else can do it for you. Here are the real pages, what to expect, and how to stay out of this situation next time.

By David Ray · Updated October 30, 2026 · 5 min read · How we research

First: avoid recovery scams

Locked-out people are prime targets. Keep these rules in mind:

• Recovery is free and done on the provider's own website. Google says it doesn't work with services that offer account or password support, and that you can't call Google for help signing in.
• Microsoft says its support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or access and change account details.
• Never share a verification code. Anyone who asks for one is trying to take over your account.
• Type the web address yourself rather than clicking links in texts or ads. Search ads for "email recovery phone numbers" can be scams.

We never ask for your password or codes either. Not sure about a message? See is this email legit?

Gmail and Google accounts

1. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
2. Enter your Gmail address (or phone number) and follow the steps.
3. Answer each question as best you can. Google says wrong guesses won't kick you out of the process.
4. When asked, set a new password you haven't used on this account.

Google's tips that improve your chances:

• Use a computer, phone or tablet where you often sign in, in the same browser, from a usual place like home or work.
• If you can't remember your latest password, enter the most recent one you do remember.
• Enter a recovery or alternate email you've added to the account.
• Check your spam folder for an email titled "Your Google support inquiry."

Forgot the address itself? Google's username recovery needs the recovery phone or email and the full name on the account. Work and school accounts go through your administrator. If recovery fails, Google says you can create a new account. For sign-in errors that aren't about a lost password, see can't sign in to Gmail.

Outlook.com, Hotmail and Microsoft accounts

1. Go to the Microsoft sign-in page (for example, from outlook.com), enter your address, and select Forgot password?
2. Choose your recovery email or phone, confirm part of it, and select Get code.
3. Enter the code and set a new password.

Can't use any of the verification options? Microsoft points you to its sign-in helper and then the account recovery form. Microsoft's tips for the form:

• Give a working email address you can check; it can be a friend's or relative's.
• Gather details like old passwords, contacts you email, and recent subject lines.
• Answer as many questions as possible; wrong answers don't count against you.
• Fill it in on a device and in a place where you normally sign in.

Microsoft says it replies within 24 hours, and you can try again up to two times a day. If you had two-step verification on and can't use any of your verification methods, Microsoft says it can't help. Full password steps are in how to change your Outlook password.

Yahoo Mail (including ymail.com and rocketmail.com)

1. Go to the Sign-in Helper at login.yahoo.com/forgot.
2. Enter your Yahoo address, recovery email, or recovery phone number.
3. Click Next and follow the instructions.

If you're still signed in on the Yahoo Mail app, you can change your password there: profile icon › Manage Accounts › Account › Security › Change password. Yahoo notes that if you don't see a password option, you may have Account Key turned on.

iCloud Mail and Apple Accounts

• On an iPhone, iPad or Mac you're signed in to: you can usually change the password right there, because it's a trusted device.
• Signing in and stuck: look for Forgot password? on the sign-in screen.
• On the web: go to iforgot.apple.com. Apple says it will redirect you to a trusted device when possible.
• On a friend's iPhone: open the Apple Support app, scroll to Support Tools, select Reset Password, then Help Someone Else. Apple says your information isn't stored on their device.

If none of that works, Apple has account recovery, which Apple says can take several days or more. Signing in or changing the password on a trusted device cancels the request, so leave your devices alone while you wait.

How to prevent a lockout next time

Ten minutes now saves days later.

• Add a recovery email and phone, and keep them current. In a Google Account: Security & sign-in › How you sign in to Google › Recovery email / Recovery phone. Google says changes may take up to 7 days to take effect, so do it before you need it.
• Turn on two-step verification and save the backup codes. Google gives you 10 backup codes at a time; each works once. Print them or keep them in a password manager.
• Use a password manager so you don't forget the password in the first place.
• Sign in every few months. Some providers close accounts that aren't used for a long time.
• Use your own domain for a business. If your business email is on your own domain, you can move providers without losing the address. See how to make a business email.

Questions people ask

What is the official Gmail recovery page?

accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Recovery is free and done online; Google says you can't call Google for help signing in.

Is there a "Gmail recovery tool" I can download?

No. Google's recovery is the online page above. Treat downloadable tools and paid "recovery services" with suspicion.

How long does Microsoft account recovery take?

Microsoft says it replies to the recovery form within 24 hours, sent to the working email address you gave.

How do I recover my Yahoo account?

Use Yahoo's Sign-in Helper at login.yahoo.com/forgot and follow the steps with your recovery email or phone.

Can someone recover my email account for me?

No. Only you can complete the provider's checks. Anyone offering to do it for a fee, or asking for your codes, is likely a scammer.