I just got my Google account back after being locked out. It was tough! Here’s what I learned:
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Don’t panic if you lose your devices. It’s hard but not impossible to recover your account.
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Google One and Workspace support can’t help much. They just give basic advice.
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If you have a YouTube channel, try asking @TeamYouTube on Twitter for help. Be casual, not desperate.
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Wait between recovery attempts. If you try too many times, you’ll get locked out for a week.
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Use familiar places to log in. Your work’s internet might work best.
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After some tries, you might get a chance to use your phone number. Then you’ll wait 48 hours for a recovery email.
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Be patient. It took me over a month, but I got back in!
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Try different devices and browsers each time you attempt recovery.
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If your account wasn’t hacked, don’t waste time with support. They probably won’t help.
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Sometimes, Google removes 2FA if your account is inactive for a while.
Hope this helps someone else!
I can relate to your struggle with regaining access to a Google account. It happened to me last year, and it was incredibly frustrating. One thing I found helpful was keeping a detailed log of all my recovery attempts, including dates, methods used, and responses received. This helped me avoid repeating unsuccessful approaches and gave me a clear picture of my progress.
Another tip I’d add is to check if you have any trusted contacts set up for your account. I had forgotten about this feature, but it turned out to be a lifesaver. My trusted contact was able to provide a verification code that finally unlocked my account.
Lastly, I’d emphasize the importance of regularly updating your recovery options. After my ordeal, I made sure to add multiple recovery email addresses and phone numbers to prevent future lockouts. It’s a small step that can save a lot of headaches down the line.
Your advice about using familiar places to log in is spot-on. I found success by using my old laptop at my parents’ house, where I had originally created the account. Sometimes, these little details can make all the difference in the recovery process.
I’ve been through the Google account recovery process too, and it’s certainly not a walk in the park. One strategy that worked for me was utilizing Google’s Security Checkup feature before I got locked out. It helped me verify and update all my recovery information, which proved invaluable later.
Another point worth mentioning is the importance of keeping physical backup codes. I had mine printed and stored safely, which ultimately saved me when all other methods failed. It’s an old-school approach, but effective.
Regarding your tip about using familiar places to log in, I’d add that using a VPN to connect from a location where you frequently accessed your account can sometimes trigger Google’s recognition system. This method, combined with providing accurate answers to security questions, finally granted me access after weeks of frustration.
Persistence is key in this process, as you’ve rightly pointed out. It’s a test of patience, but the relief when you finally regain access is immense.
yo, thanks for sharing ur experience! i’ve been there too and it sucks. one thing that helped me was using an old phone i had lying around. somehow google recognized it and let me in. also, dont forget to check ur spam folder for recovery emails. theyre easy to miss but could be ur ticket back in!