How to verify a Google account on Android if you forgot your password: a step-by-step guide

Forgotten password from Google account to Android is a situation that almost every third user faces. The problem is aggravated by the fact that without account confirmation it is impossible to download applications from Play Market, synchronize contacts, use Gmail or YouTube. Even worse: on some devices, after resetting the settings, the phone requires you to enter your old account information, otherwise it blocks access to the system. In this article, we will look at all the working methods of confirming your account without a password —from standard recovery methods to bypassing the blocking through the engineering menu.

It is important to understand that the procedure depends on the version Android i smartphone models. On new devices (starting from Android 12), Google has tightened security requirements, so some old methods (for example, reset via ADB) may not work. We focus on universal solutions that are suitable for most phones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands.

1. Password recovery via backup email or phone

The easiest and most official way is to use the password recovery function directly on the lock screen or in the browser. Google offers several options for verifying your identity:

• 📧 Backup email — if you specified it during registration, you will receive an email with a link to reset your password.
• 📱 Phone number — SMS or voice call with a confirmation code (works even if the SIM card is inserted into another phone).
• 🔐 Recovery codes —if you have previously generated one-time codes in your account settings (stored in Google Authenticator or printed).

How to do this:

1. On the login screen Google account click "Forgot your password?" (or "Wrong password?" → "Forgot your data?" on some devices).
2. Enter your last known password (if you remember) or click "Another method".
3. Select "Send code to backup email" or "Receive SMS".
4. Enter the received code and create a new password.

⚠️ Attention: If you do not remember the backup email or phone number associated with your account, this method will not work. In this case, proceed to the next section.

2. Confirmation via security questions (if configured)

Google allows you to configure security questions for additional account protection. If you indicated them (for example, “Mother's maiden name” or “Name of first school”), you can use this method. However, since 2021, Google is gradually abandoning security questions in favor of two-factor authentication, so the method does not work on all accounts.

Instructions:

1. On the account recovery page, select "Another method" → "Answer security question".
2. Enter the answer to the question (case is not important, but the answer must match what you specified during setup).
3. If the answer is correct, the system will prompt you to create a new password.

If you do not remember the answer or this item is missing in the recovery menu, try the following methods.

3. Bypassing the lock through the device settings (without resetting)

If the phone requires you to confirm your Google account after resetting the settings (FRP Lock), but you do not remember the password, you can try to bypass the lock through developer settings or recovery mode. This method works on devices up to Android 11 inclusive. On new versions (for example, Android 13 on Pixel 7 or Samsung Galaxy S23) it may not work due to stricter security measures.

Step-by-step guide for Android 9-11:

1. On the FRP lock screen, tap on the email input field and hold the text until the menu appears "Copy".
2. Select "Share" → "Gmail" (or any other messenger).
3. In the window that opens, click on the three dots (⋮) → "Settings" → "Add account".
4. Create a new Google account (or log in to an existing one, if you remember the details).
5. Go back to the lock screen - the system should skip you further.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi s MIUI 13) this method may not work due to a customized shell. In this case, you will need to use ADB or special utilities. bypass FRP.

Make sure that the phone is charged more than 50%

Connect the device to Wi-Fi

Have access to another phone or computer to receive codes

Download ADB drivers (if you plan to use this method)-->

4. Using ADB to delete a Google account (advanced method)

If standard methods do not help, you can delete your Google account via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires access to a computer and USB debugging enabled. It is suitable for devices where FRP locking is not enabled or where you can temporarily bypass it.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers ADB i Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and open Command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed, proceed further.

3. Delete your Google account with the command:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms

   Or reset your password (if you know your email):

   adb shell am start -a android.settings.ACCOUNT_SYNC_SETTINGS

4. Reboot your phone.

After this, you will be able to log into your account without a password or create a new one. However, please note that on devices with Android 12+ this method may not work due to security restrictions.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

If the command adb devices returns an empty list, check:

1. Are the drivers installed for your phone model (download from the manufacturer's website, for example Samsung Smart Switch for devices Samsung).

2. Is USB debugging enabled? in the developer settings.

3. Try a different USB cable or port.

4. Restart your computer and phone.

5. Reset via recovery mode (Hard Reset)

If no methods help, this is a last resort. — full reset (Hard Reset). This method will delete all data from the phone, including applications, photos and settings, but will unlock the device. Use it only if there is no important information on the phone or you have made a backup.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter recovery mode (depending on the model):
   • Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds).
   • Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power.
   • Google Pixel: Volume down + Power.

In the recovery menu, select "Wipe data/factory reset" (control volume buttons, confirm - power button).

After resetting, select "Reboot system now".

After rebooting, the phone will be like new - you will need to go through initial setup and create a new Google account (or log in to an existing one, if you remember the details).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUIafter the reset, you may be required to enter your old Google account information again. In this case, you will have to use specialized apps to bypass FRP (for example, FRP Bypass Tool).

Recovery method	Difficulty	Does it work on FRP?	Required PC?
Backup email/SMS	⭐	Yes	No
Security questions	⭐⭐	Yes	No
Bypass through settings	⭐⭐⭐	Partially	No
ADB	⭐⭐⭐⭐	No	Yes
Hard Reset	⭐⭐	No (will delete data)	No

6. Contacting Google support: when nothing helps

If you have tried all the methods, but still cannot confirm your account, you can only contact Google Help Desk. This can take from several hours to several days, but sometimes this is the only way out. data-i="195">Google support

• 🔒 Account blocked due to suspicious activity.
• 📱 You do not have access to your backup email and phone number.
• 🖥️ Device with Android 12+ and bypass FRP is not possible.

How to contact support:

1. Go to the account recovery page: accounts.google.com/support.
2. Select "I need help" → "Contact us".
3. Fill out the form with the most accurate information:
   • Last known password (even if incorrect).
   • Date of account creation (approximately).
   • Linked devices (phone models from which you logged in).

Submit a request and wait for a response to the specified email (usually within 24-48 hours). Google may request additional evidence of account ownership, for example: data-i="213">📧 Emails from the old account (if saved).

Google may ask for additional proof of account ownership, such as:

• 📄 Receipts for purchases in Google Play.
• 📅 Visit history (if the account is linked to Google Maps).
• 📧 Letters from the old account (if saved).

⚠️ Attention: If the account was created a long time ago (for example, in 2010-2015) and neither a phone nor a backup email is attached to it, the chances of recovery are minimal. In this case, it is easier to create a new account and transfer important data (contacts, photos) there using backup copies.

7. How to avoid problems in the future: security tips

To avoid having your account blocked in the future, follow these recommendations:

• 🔑 Set up a backup email and phone in your Google account (myaccount.google.com → Security → Recovery methods).
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator or SMS.
• 📝 Save recovery codes in a safe place (for example, in an encrypted file or on paper).
• 🔄 Regularly update your password (once every 3-6 months) and use a password manager (for example, Bitwarden or 1Password).
• 📱 Disable FRP before resettingif you plan to sell or send the phone in for repairs (Settings → Accounts → Delete Google account).

It is also useful to create local backup important data (contacts, photos, messages) on a computer or external drive. This will help avoid losses when resetting the settings.

On devices with Android 10+ you can use the function "Autofill from Google"that saves passwords and recovery data. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input. → Autofill.
2. Select "Autofill service from Google".
3. Enable the option "Save passwords".

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about recovering your Google account

Can I recover my Google account without access to old phone?

Yes, if a backup email or phone number is linked to your account. You can receive a recovery code on another phone or computer. If not, try contacting Google support with proof of account ownership (for example, receipts for purchases in Play Market).

What should I do if, after resetting, the phone asks for an old Google account?

This blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection). On devices up to Android 11 it can be bypassed through the settings or ADB. On new versions you will need to enter your old account data or use specialized apps (for example, FRP Bypass APK. As a last resort, contact the service center.

Is it possible to remove a Google account from a phone without a password?

On most devices, no, if you don’t know the login information. Exception: if you can enter the phone settings (for example, through Safe Mode), then sometimes you can delete the account manually (Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete account). data-i="262">This is impossible without a password. Android 12+ this is not possible without a password.

How long does it take to restore an account through Google support?

Usually the response arrives within 24-48 hours, but in complex cases (for example, if the account is old or financial transactions are linked to it), verification may take up to 5-7 days. If you have not received a response, check the folder "Spam" in the mail or resend the request.

What will happen to the data in the account if I create a new one?

All data (letters to Gmail, contacts, photos in Google Photo, purchases in Play Market) will remain in the old account. To transfer them to the new account, use the function "Data export" (takeout.google.comor manually copy important information (for example, contacts via VCF file).