How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password Using Your Mobile Number

We’ve all been there you sit down to check your email, type in your password, and… nothing. It’s gone. Vanished. Like that one sock that disappears in the laundry.

If you’ve ever linked your mobile number to your Gmail account, you’re in luck. Google makes it (relatively) painless to reset your password if you can still access your phone. No need to perform secret rituals or bribe tech support.

This guide will walk you through the exact steps, what to do if things go wrong, and how to avoid this headache in the future.

Why Your Phone Number is Your Best Friend in This Situation

Google doesn’t just hand out account access to anyone. They need proof that you’re really you. If you’ve added your mobile number to your account, it acts as a backup key.

Think of it like a secret handshake. You forgot the password? No problem. Google sends a code to your phone, and boom you’re back in.

(If you didn’t add a phone number, don’t panic. There are still other ways to recover your account—we’ll cover those too.)

How to Reset Your Gmail Password Using Your Mobile Number

Go to the Gmail Login Page

Open your browser and head to Gmail.com.

• Click “Sign in” (if you’re not already logged into another account).
• Type in your Gmail address and hit “Next.”

Click “Forgot Password?”

When the password field appears, look below it for the “Forgot password?” link. Click it like your sanity depends on it.

Choose the Phone Recovery Option

Google will ask how you want to verify it’s you.

• If you see “Send a verification code to [your phone number ending in XX],” select that.
• If you don’t see your number, you might have to try another method (more on that later).

Check Your Phone for the Code

Within seconds, you should get a text from Google with a 6-digit code.

• If it doesn’t arrive, check your spam messages.
• Still nothing? Click “Resend code.”

Enter the Code and Reset Your Password

Type the code into the recovery page. If it works, Google will let you create a new password.

• Make it strong but memorable. “FluffyBunny42!” is better than “123456.”
• Write it down somewhere safe (or use a password manager).

Log Back In

Return to Gmail, enter your email and new password, and—congratulations!—you’re back in.

How to Reset and Change my Gmail Password if I’ve forgotten it?

Forgetting your Gmail password can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on your email for important communications. However, Google offers a simple and secure way to reset your password and regain access to your account. Whether you’ve forgotten your password or suspect unauthorized access, following the steps below will help you recover your Gmail account and create a new password for future use.

Go to the Google Account Recovery Page

1. Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
2. Visit the Google Account Recovery page: https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

Enter Your Gmail Address

1. In the recovery page, type in your Gmail email address that you are trying to recover.
2. Click on “Next” to proceed.

Verify Your Identity

Google will ask you to verify your identity in one of the following ways:

Using a Saved Password (if applicable)

• If Google recognizes your device, it may prompt you to enter a previously used password.
• If you remember an old password, enter it and proceed.

Using a Verification Code Sent to Your Phone or Email

• If you have a recovery phone number or email linked to your Google account, Google will send a 6-digit verification code to that number or email.
• Enter the code you receive and click “Next.”

Answering Security Questions (if set up)

• If you previously set up security questions for your account, Google may ask you to answer them.

Approving the Login Request on a Trusted Device

• If you are signed in on another device (such as your phone), Google may prompt you to approve the login attempt on that device.

Reset Your Password

Once you successfully verify your identity:

1. Google will prompt you to create a new password for your account.
2. Enter a strong password (at least 8 characters long with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols).
3. Confirm the new password by typing it again.
4. Click “Change Password.”

Sign in with Your New Password

• After successfully changing your password, log in to your Gmail account using the new password.
• If you use Gmail on multiple devices, update your new password on those devices as well.

What If You Don’t Have Access to Your Phone Number?

Sometimes, life gets messy. Maybe you changed carriers, lost your phone, or accidentally typed in the wrong number years ago.

If you can’t receive the verification code, here’s what to do:

Use a Backup Email

• If you’ve forgotten your Gmail password, one of the easiest ways to recover your account is by using a backup email linked to your Google account. This method allows Google to send a verification code to your backup email, which you can use to reset your password. Follow the detailed steps below to regain access to your Gmail account.

Answer Security Questions

• Google might ask something like:
  • “What was your first pet’s name?”
  • “What city were you born in?”
• (Pro tip: If you answered these as jokes years ago, now’s the time to regret it.)

Google’s Account Recovery Form

• If all else fails, Google has a recovery form.
• You’ll need to answer questions like:
  • When did you last log in?
  • What emails do you frequently contact?
• The more details you provide, the better your chances.

How to Avoid This Nightmare in the Future

1. Keep Your Recovery Info Updated
   • Changed your phone number? Update it in your Google account settings.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   • Even if someone guesses your password, they’ll need your phone to get in.
3. Try a Password Manager
   • Apps like Bitwarden or Google’s built-in password manager store passwords securely.
4. Write It Down (Yes, Really)
   • If you’re old-school, keep a physical notebook in a safe place.

FAQs: Common Gmail Password Recovery Questions

Q1. What if I never added a phone number to my Gmail?

• Try recovery via backup email or security questions.
• If those fail, use Google’s account recovery form.

Q2. Why isn’t the verification code arriving?

• Check your signal/service bars.
• Ensure your number is correct in Google’s records.
• Wait 2 minutes—sometimes texts are delayed.

Q3. Can I recover my Gmail without any recovery info?

• It’s harder but not impossible. Google’s recovery form is your best bet.
• Be prepared to provide details like:
  • Old passwords you’ve used.
  • Dates you created the account.
  • Frequent contacts.

Q4. What if someone else has my old phone number?

• Update your recovery info immediately if you change numbers.
• If you no longer have the number, use alternate recovery options.

Q5. How can I make sure this doesn’t happen again?

• Enable 2-Step Verification (requires phone + password).
• Use a password manager (e.g., Bitwarden, Google Password Manager).
• Keep recovery info updated (phone, email, security questions).

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your Gmail account can feel like being locked out of your own house frustrating and inconvenient. However, if you have linked your mobile number to your account, recovering it becomes a quick and simple process. Google allows you to reset your password using a verification code sent to your registered phone number.