Google Couldn’t Verify This Account Belongs to You : Account Recovery – Google
Google Couldn’t Verify This Account Belongs to You : Account Recovery – Google
Most all account recovery starts with the “Forgot password?” link on the Gmail/Google sign in page. That link leads to: https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery which can be used directly. This covers lost passwords, compromised accounts, “suspicious activity” blocks and other similar cases. It does not apply to disabled accounts for things like Terms-of-Service or being under-age.
There are over a dozen potential questions (like the account creation date) and tasks (like entering a verification code) you can use to help prove ownership of an account. Most of the questions are based on pre-configured recovery options like an e-mail address or phone number. If these are not available (never configured, gone out-of-date, changed by a hacker) the number of questions available may be very limited making it hard to prove ownership of the account.
The end of the process typically has you provide a contact e-mail address which is then sent a verification code. Please note that you are only verifying that the contact address is valid, and that you have access to it. This verification code does NOT mean you have successfully proven ownership of the lost account. You may still receive the “Google couldn’t verify…” message, or be asked additional questions.
The recovery process is more likely to succeed if done from a computer or device recently used to access the account. If at all possible, attempt recovery using that same computer/device, giving preference to a computer/laptop over a mobile device.
- Google does not provide live support for Gmail so you can not contact them for help with account recovery.
- Any support numbers found through search are probably not Google (unless you find Google Play or the like). These places will be happy to take your money, but they can not return your account.
- This is a user-to-user help forum, and while the volunteers can provide information and advice, they can not return your account.
- There are no options to provide information beyond what the recovery process asks about. For example, knowing the content of messages in the account can not be used to help prove ownership.
In summary, if you can not recover the account using the provided process, it may be lost. There are no other account recovery options available.
Tips to complete account recovery steps
If you can’t sign in, follow these steps to increase your chances of getting back into your Google Account:
- Go to the Account recovery page.
- As you complete the steps, use as many of the tips below as you can. (You might not see all the questions described here.)
If you already tried to recover your account and got a “Google couldn’t verify this account belongs to you” message, you can try again.
Answer as many questions as possible
Try not to skip questions. If you’re unsure of an answer, take your best guess rather than moving on to another question.
Use a familiar device & location
If possible:
- Use a computer, phone, or tablet where you frequently sign in
- Use the same browser (like Chrome or Safari) that you usually do
- Be in a location where you usually sign in, like at home or at work
Be exact with passwords & answers to security questions
Details matter, so avoid typos and pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.
Passwords
If you’re asked for the last password you remember, enter the most recent one you recall.
- If you don’t remember your last password: Use a previous one that you do remember. The more recent it was, the better.
- If you can’t confidently recall any previous passwords: Take your best guess.
Answers to security questions
If you’re asked a security question and you:
- Don’t remember the answer: Take your best guess.
- Know the answer but didn’t recover your account on your first try: Consider a different variation of the answer. For example, try “NY” instead of “New York” or “Phil” instead of “Philip.”
Enter an email connected to your account
If you’re asked to enter an email address you can check now, enter one that you’ve added to your account. Here are some examples:
- A recovery email address helps you get back in and is where we send you security notifications.
- An alternate email address is one you can use to sign in.
- A contact email address is where you get information about most Google services you use.
Add helpful details
If you’re asked why you can’t access your account, include helpful details.
Some examples are:
- You’re traveling.
- You get a specific error message.
- You think your account was compromised because of malware or another reason.
- You changed your password last week and can’t remember it.
If your description matches the information we have, this similarity can help your case.
Check your spam folder for a message
Important: Google never asks for your password over email, phone call, or message. Only enter your password at accounts.google.com.
If you expected an email from our team but can’t find it, check your spam or junk folder for an email titled “Your Google support inquiry”.
