Can You Recover an Old Gmail Account?

Since its initial introduction on April 1, 2004, Gmail has become the world's most popular email service with nearly a billion and a half registered users around the globe and a favorite among Realtors. But have you ever deleted your Gmail account only to regret doing it? Well, fear not, because there is a way to reverse the process as long as you act quickly.

Here's a thorough guide to restoring your Gmail account.

Gmail Account Recovery

After you deleted your Gmail account, Google only gives you two to three weeks to recover the account before it becomes unrecoverable.

The first step begins at the Google Account Help page. You can find it at https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. From there, scroll down to see the link "Follow the steps to recover your account." Click on the link, and it will lead to a webpage called "Account recovery." From there, type in the email address or phone number associated with your deleted Gmail account and click "Next."

You will then be prompted for the password for the Gmail account you are trying to recover. Then hit "Next."

You should receive a confirmation that shows you are signed in. Click on the continue button, and you will see the account creation page for you to restore your email address.

Finally, open Gmail.com in your web browser. If you did all the steps correctly, you should be able to log into your account and open up your inbox with little to no data loss.

Additional Steps for Two-Factor Authentication

Remember that if you've provided a phone number for your deleted Gmail account, then Google may require you to follow a few extra steps to recover your account. This process will only work if your lost Gmail account also has an associated back-up email address.

Make sure you have the Gmail app on your smartphone as the two-factor authentication process will require it.

The two-factor process begins after you have been prompted to enter your password. You will be taken to another webpage. There, you will be asked to provide your phone number associated with your old Gmail account.

Next, go to the Gmail app on your phone and search for a push notification that asks if you are trying to recover your account. Select "Yes" and then tap "send" to deliver a verification code to your back-up email. From there, go back to your computer and enter the verification code sent to you in your browser.

Once completed, you will need to create a new "strong" password for your account. Your new password should be ten characters long, feature one number and special character, and contains both lower- and upper-case letters.

Gmail recovery when you forgot your password

If you didn't have any two-factor authentication enabled with your Gmail account or if you don't remember your password, you may still be able to retrieve it. However, it will be a longer and more complicated process.

In the Google Account recovery box, click on the link "Try Another Way." You will be taken to a screen that asks you to answer your security question or enter the date of creation for the Gmail account you are trying to recover.

Afterwards, your recovery request will be sent to Google. Now you will have to wait – Google estimates between six to twelve hours – for a link that will be sent to a current email address you provide to reset your password. Make sure to monitor your email during this time, as the request may get lost in your spam or junk folder, and it will have a time limit for use.

If Google approves your request, you should receive an email to recover your account. Go to the email, click on "Get started" and change your password. You should have recovered your deleted Gmail account if done correctly.

Gmail recovery of an old account

Unfortunately, it currently is not possible to recover a deleted Gmail account if it's been longer than a few weeks. That's why it is essential to quickly act if you even think you may want to recover your account.

If you did it accidentally, you should act as soon as possible. Keep in mind, Tech Helpline can help you with any of your Gmail problems – or with any other email challenge you have, as Tech Helpline is always just a call or click away.

To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.