Forgot Your Password or Locked Out of an Account? How to Get Back In
You're sure you know the password. You type it three times. Now you're locked out. Account lockouts are one of the most common and stressful computer problems. Here's how to recover, and how to prepare so it doesn't happen again.
First: only use official recovery pages
When you're locked out, it's tempting to search "recover my account" and call the first number you find. Don't. Scammers run fake "account recovery" services and phone lines. Always go to the company's official website or app and use the "Forgot password?" link on the real sign-in page.
Recovering common accounts
Microsoft, Apple and Google accounts
Each has an official recovery process that starts from the "Forgot password?" link on its sign-in page. You'll be asked to verify using your recovery email, phone number or authenticator app.
If you don't have access to any of those, you'll go through a longer account recovery form. Fill it in from a device and location you've used before, and provide as much detail as you can. These are reviewed automatically, and more detail helps.
Email and other online accounts
Use the "Forgot password?" link. The reset link will be sent to your recovery email or phone, so check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive.
Locked out of your computer
Windows with a Microsoft account
On the sign-in screen, select "I forgot my password" (or "I forgot my PIN") to reset it using your Microsoft account recovery options.
Windows with a local account
If you set up security questions, you can answer them on the sign-in screen. Otherwise, another administrator account on the PC can reset your password. Without either, you may need to reset the PC.
BitLocker recovery screen
If your Windows PC suddenly asks for a BitLocker recovery key, don't panic. If you use a Microsoft account, your key is usually saved online. Sign in from another device at aka.ms/myrecoverykey to find it. On work computers, contact your IT department.
Mac
On the login screen, after a few failed attempts, you may be offered to reset your password using your Apple Account. You can also use Recovery Mode to reset it.
Locked out because of two-factor authentication
Lost your phone or changed your number?
• Use backup codes if you saved them when you set up 2FA.
• Use another trusted device that's still signed in.
• Use the service's account recovery process, which may involve a waiting period for security reasons.
• Use another trusted device that's still signed in.
• Use the service's account recovery process, which may involve a waiting period for security reasons.
How to never get locked out again
Take 20 minutes today to:
1. Use a password manager. You only need to remember one strong master password.
2. Check your recovery info on your email, Apple, Google and Microsoft accounts. Make sure your recovery phone number and email are current.
3. Save backup codes for every account with two-factor authentication. Keep them in your password manager or printed in a safe place.
4. Add a second 2FA method, such as a backup phone or security key.
5. Know where your BitLocker or FileVault recovery key is stored.
6. Set up a recovery contact or legacy contact where services offer it (Apple, for example, supports both).
2. Check your recovery info on your email, Apple, Google and Microsoft accounts. Make sure your recovery phone number and email are current.
3. Save backup codes for every account with two-factor authentication. Keep them in your password manager or printed in a safe place.
4. Add a second 2FA method, such as a backup phone or security key.
5. Know where your BitLocker or FileVault recovery key is stored.
6. Set up a recovery contact or legacy contact where services offer it (Apple, for example, supports both).
The bottom line
Use only official recovery pages, verify with whatever methods you have, and be patient. Then prepare now: a password manager and up-to-date recovery info turn a lockout from a crisis into a two-minute fix.
