google: Things you should know about recovering your Gmail account

If you have ever lost access to your Gmail or Google Account, then you must be familiar with that sinking feeling about losing all your data stored in Docs, Gmail, and Drive. We often come across people asking for a way to regain access to their lost Google Account.
The most common reason behind getting locked out of the account is due to forgetting the password. Google offers several ways to reset account passwords. However, for the reset process to go smoothly, there are certain settings that should be enabled or set up beforehand.
In this how-to guide, we will tell you all about Google account settings that can help you regain account access in case you’ve forgotten your password.
Also, understand that if things aren’t right, Google can lock you out of your account permanently.
Use a Password manager or autofill
Most modern smartphones and web browsers come with an autofill tool that automatically keeps track of passwords saved and automatically fill them when required. In case you don’t use one, the best alternative is using a password manager app like Zoho Vault, etc
Note down all your old passwords
It is also a good idea to keep track of all the old passwords. Google, while resetting the password, sometimes asks them to enter their last used password or enter any password they have used with their Google Account.
Enter all the necessary Recover information
Another important thing to always keep updated with your Google Account is the recovery information beforehand. So, in future, if you need to recover your account, Google will use this recovery information to verify your identity.
To check recovery information, follow these steps:
Open the Google Account page and click on the Security option at the left-hand column.
Now, scroll down to the ‘Ways we can verify it’s you’ section.
Here you’ll find options like recovery phone number, email address and security question
If you haven’t added these details, make sure to add them. Although, Google now no longer supports security questions.
To add recovery email addresses, click on the option and enter your email address (it can be either another Gmail account or any other email from another service provider). Click on verify.
You will then receive a six-digit code in the email address you’ve entered. Copy that code and enter to successfully add it as a recovery email address.
You will need to do the same to add a recovery phone number. Enter the phone number and verify it by adding the OTP received.
Once everything is in place, you are all set to reset the account password. For this open Google Account Recovery page and enter your email address and follow the instructions to reset your account password.