Take Action
Your Google Account is Compromised? Here's How to Reclaim It.

Immediate Steps What to Do if You Suspect Your Google Account Has Been Hacked

Discovering suspicious activity on your Google Account, Gmail, or other Google services can be alarming. Someone may be accessing your personal information, emails, or even using your identity. This guide provides a clear, actionable plan to help you regain control, secure your account, and minimize potential damage.

The following steps are crucial for protecting your Google Account from unauthorized access. Act swiftly and thoroughly to ensure your data's safety.

Sign-In Recovering Your Account: The First Step

If you can't sign in to your Google Account because of a password change, deletion, or any other reason, use the account recovery page. This is the primary tool for regaining access to your account when you've been locked out.

Answer the questions as best you can, using the account recovery page. Google will ask you about things like your recovery email and phone number. If someone has changed that information, you may need to provide any information you remember, and try to answer as many questions as possible.

Activity Review Reviewing Your Account Activity and Securing Your Account

Once you've managed to sign back into your account, it's essential to review your recent activity. Go to your Google Account, then tap 'Security'. Check the 'Recent security events' panel for any suspicious activity.

Look for any activity that wasn't initiated by you. If you find something, select 'No, it wasn't me' and follow the onscreen instructions. This will help you secure your account. Also review the devices that are accessing your account. Manage your devices and remove any that you don't recognize.

Enhancing Security Taking Additional Security Measures

To bolster your account's security, enable 2-Step Verification. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password.

Also, consider the following: contact your bank or local authorities if you suspect financial or identity-related breaches; remove harmful software; install a secure browser (like Chrome); and use Password Alert. These steps will add further security to your account.

“

Protecting your Google Account is like safeguarding your digital identity. Take swift action and secure your data.

Google Security Team

Specific Apps and Services Securing Specific Google Products and Services

The security of each Google service is crucial. Check Gmail settings for suspicious alterations (delegation, forwarding, filters, etc.). In Chrome, uninstall unknown extensions and update the browser. Review Drive and Photos for unusual activity.

If you find unfamiliar activity in any Google product, address it promptly. Consider these actions as a comprehensive security review of the apps and services that are linked to your Google Account. Address any unexpected changes right away.

Recognize the Signs Identifying if Your Google Account Has Been Hacked

Recognizing the signs of a compromised account is critical. Watch for: unfamiliar changes to security settings, unauthorized financial transactions, unusual notifications, or suspicious activity within specific Google products.

If you suspect your account has been compromised, immediately change your Google Account password, plus the passwords of any apps or sites using the same credentials.

Suspicious Activity What to Do About

If you notice any suspicious activity, whether financial or related to emails, take immediate action to correct settings. Google provides notifications to alert you of suspicious actions, such as new sign-ins or changes to your security settings. Pay attention to red bars and alerts.

From unusual activity to potential identity theft, Google provides solutions for each of its services. For example, Google Pay users can report unauthorized charges, and Google Ads users can ask the Google Ads team to review their account for unusual activity.