How to Recover Hacked Gmail Account?
Christopher Plummer | May 2nd, 2025 | Gmail, Gmail Errors
Discovering that your Gmail account has been hacked can be stressful and frightening. Your emails, contacts, and personal data may be at risk. But don’t worry! This guide will help you quickly recover hacked Gmail account and secure it against future attacks.
Gmail is a popular target for hackers because it contains valuable personal and professional information. Common reasons your account might get hacked include:
- Using weak or repeated passwords
- Falling for phishing scams or malicious links
- Using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks
- Malware or viruses on your device
- Sharing passwords or login details unknowingly
Signs Your Gmail Account Has Been Hacked
If you notice any of the following signs, your account may have been hacked:
- You can’t log in with your usual password.
- You receive security alerts about unrecognized sign-ins.
- Emails are being sent from your account without your knowledge.
- Your recovery email or phone number has been changed.
- You notice unknown filters or forwarding settings in your Gmail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Hacked Gmail Account
If your Gmail account has been hacked, follow these quick steps to recover it:
1. Reset Your Password
If you are unable to sign in, try resetting your password:
Go to the Google Account Recovery page.
Enter your Gmail address and click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password using a recovery email, or phone number, or answering security questions.
2. Recover Your Account
If you can’t reset your password, use additional recovery options:
Click on Try another way in the recovery process.
You may be asked for:
- A previous password you remember.
- A verification code is sent to your mobile device.
- Your recovery email.
- Security questions.
Follow the steps to verify your identity and regain access.
3. Contact Google Support
If you’re still unable to recover your account, contact Gmail support:
Visit Google Support.
Explain your issue and follow the provided instructions.
You can also seek help from the Google community forum.
Here is the link: https://support.google.com/mail/?hl=en
How to Prevent Your Gmail from Getting Hacked?
Once you’ve regained access to your Gmail account, take these security measures to prevent future hacking attempts:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security:
Go to Google Account Settings > Security > 2-Step Verification.
Follow the instructions to enable verification via text message or authentication app.
2. Update Your Password Regularly
Create a strong, unique password with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Change your password every few months.
3. Monitor Login Activity
Check if your account is being accessed from an unknown device:
Go to Google Account Security > Your devices.
Review login activity and sign out from any suspicious devices.
4. Manage Third-Party App Access
Review and remove unnecessary third-party apps that have access to your account:
Go to Google Account Settings > Security > Third-party apps with account access.
Revoke access to apps you don’t recogniz
5. Regularly Back Up Your Gmail Data
In case of hacking, having a backup ensures you don’t lose important emails. Google offers a backup option through Google Takeout, where you can download all your emails and account data.
Bonus Tip: Use a Gmail Backup Tool
If you find Google Takeout too complex, try an alternative backup solution like the Advik Gmail Backup Tool. This tool allows you to:
- Save your emails in multiple formats (PST, PDF, EML, etc.).
- Store your data securely on a local drive.
- Restore emails easily in case of an account breach.
Watch How to Recover Hacked Gmail Account Easily
Can’t Recover Hacked Gmail Account?
If none of the steps work:
- Try again using the different recovery info you remember
- Visit Google’s Help Center
- Post your query in the Google Community Forum
- Warn your contacts not to click on suspicious links in your email
Final words
Hacking is unpredictable, but you can minimize its impact by being prepared. If your Gmail account gets hacked, follow the recovery steps outlined above. Additionally, take preventive measures like enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and regularly backing up your emails. To make data security easier, consider using the Advik Gmail Backup Tool for hassle-free backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long does Gmail recovery take?
Ans. Usually, it’s immediate once you verify your identity, but in some cases, it may take several hours or days.
Q2. Can hackers access my Google Drive and Photos?
Ans. Yes, if they have access to your Gmail, they can access connected Google services unless you secure your account.
Q3. What if my recovery phone/email is changed by the hacker?
Ans. Try answering other security questions and use any previous recovery information you remember during the recovery process.
Q4. Will I lose all my emails if my account is hacked?
Ans. If you act fast and recover your account, you likely won’t lose anything. But always keep a backup just in case.
Q5. Can I recover Gmail without a phone number?
Ans. Yes. Google offers multiple ways: recovery email, security questions, and last known password.
