Google just made it easier to recover your account when you’re locked out. If you’ve ever lost access to your Gmail or Google Account — and by extension, to all the other Google services you depend on — you know how frustrating that can be. Whether it’s a forgotten password or a missing device, getting back in often means navigating verification hurdles designed to keep intruders out.
Starting Wednesday, Google is rolling out a new option for personal accounts called Recovery Contacts, which lets you enlist a trusted family member or friend to help restore access.
What the new Recovery Contacts feature does
The tool adds a dedicated Recovery Contacts page to your account settings where you can invite others to serve as your recovery helpers. When you’re locked out, you’ll share a verification code with them. They’ll receive a notification or email prompting them to enter that code to confirm it’s really you. Once verified, you’ll regain access to your Google Account and everything connected to it — no password, SMS code, or backup option required.
The idea is similar to Proton Mail’s emergency recovery feature and Apple’s system for Apple ID accounts. However, Google’s version is strictly for authentication. It doesn’t grant third parties any access to your Gmail or account data; its sole purpose is helping you reclaim your lost account.
How to set up Recovery Contacts
Setting up your Recovery Contacts is quick and can be done in a browser or on any Android, iPhone, or iPad.
- Go to your Google Account settings.
- Click Security.
- Find Recovery Contacts under the “How you sign in to Google” section.
- Sign in if prompted.
- Click Add recovery contact.
- Enter the email address of your trusted contact.
- Click Send request and wait for their response.
Your contact will receive a prompt with your name, email address, and profile photo. They’ll have seven days to accept or decline the request, after which it expires and you’ll need to resend it. You can add multiple recovery contacts and update or remove them anytime — the process is the same across both Android and iOS.
With this update, Google gives users a smoother and safer way to get back into their accounts — especially when traditional recovery options fall short.
