How to Recover a Hacked Google Account: Step-by-Step Process

After my account was hacked, I received an email from Google on my recovery email saying that both the password and recovery email had been changed. Unfortunately, I didn’t check either my main or recovery account for about a month.

Now, none of the recovery options are working. I was wondering if there’s any way to contact a real person at Google support. I still have the emails they sent, and I’m hoping I can show them as proof to help get my account back.

After trying many times, I was finally able to recover my account. Now, I’ll share the exact steps I followed to get it back.

Immediate Signs Your Google Account May Be Hacked

First of all, it’s important to know the warning signs of a hacked account. Key indicators include

Security-Related Changes

Your password no longer works
Recovery phone numbers or email addresses have been changed without your authorization
Two-factor authentication has been unexpectedly disabled
Account names or security questions have been altered

Suspicious Account Activity

Friends or contacts report receiving emails you didn’t send
Missing or deleted emails from your inbox
Unknown uploads or changes to your YouTube profile
Unfamiliar files appearing in Google Drive
Security alerts from Google about sign-ins from unrecognized devices or locations

Financial Irregularities

Unrecognized purchases via Google Pay
New payment methods have been added to your account without your knowledge

Steps to recover a hacked Google account

Step 1: Try Logging In

Go to https://accounts.google.com and enter your email address. Try the password you normally use. If it works, that’s good news—but you’re not finished yet. Go to Step 4 to make your account safe again.

If the password has been changed, click on “Forgot password?” to begin recovery.

Step 2: Use Google’s Account Recovery Process

Google has a built-in recovery process to help you regain access.

Go to https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

Google will ask you some questions. These help confirm that you own the account.

Last Password You Remember: Type your most recent password. If unsure, give your best guess.
Verification Code: If your recovery phone or email still works, Google will send a code. Enter it quickly.
Security Questions: You might need to answer when you made the account or give other details.
Alternative Email: Google may also send a code to your backup email if it’s linked.

Helpful Tip:

Use a device, browser, and location you’ve used before. This helps Google recognize you.

If you pass, you’ll reset your password and sign in. If not, try again with better or more recent info.

Step 3: Contact Google Support (If Recovery Fails)

If the automated process doesn’t work, you may not have many direct options, but you can still try the following:

Go to: https://support.google.com/accounts/
Use the “Contact Us” or “Need More Help?” option.
Submit a form explaining your situation.

Google doesn’t have live support for free accounts, but for Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) users, admins can contact Google directly through the admin console.

Step 4: Secure Your Account (If You Regain Access)

Once you’re back in, your next step is to lock things down.

1. Change Your Password Immediately

Go to https://myaccount.google.com/security and update your password. Choose a strong one that’s hard to guess—ideally with a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid using old passwords or passwords reused on other platforms.

2. Review Account Activity

Scroll to “Your Devices” and “Recent Security Activity”. Look for anything unfamiliar:

Unknown devices
Foreign IP addresses
Suspicious logins

Remove access for unknown devices or apps.

3. Check Gmail Settings

Sometimes, hackers set up mail forwarding or filters to secretly monitor your activity.

Go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
Delete any unknown forwarding addresses.
Check for filters that automatically delete or forward emails.

4. Revoke Suspicious Third-Party App Access

Go to https://myaccount.google.com/permissions and remove unfamiliar apps.

Step 5: Update Recovery Options

If a hacker changed your recovery phone or email, now’s the time to fix it.

Visit https://myaccount.google.com/security.
Update your recovery email and phone number.
Add multiple recovery methods if possible.

This step is critical to help you recover your account faster in the future.

Step 6: Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding a second layer of security helps protect your account even if someone guesses your password.

Set Up 2-Step Verification:

Go to https://myaccount.google.com/security
Scroll to “2-Step Verification.”
Click Get Started
Choose how you want to verify:
- Google Prompt (recommended)
- Authenticator app
- Text message or voice call
- Backup codes

Pro Tip: Don’t rely only on SMS. Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are safer and less vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.

Step 7: Scan for Malware and Viruses

If your Google account was hacked, your device might also be infected.

Run a complete antivirus scan on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Use tools like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or Windows Defender.
Update your operating system and browsers.
Remove suspicious extensions or apps.

Malware could be logging your keystrokes, including your new passwords. Make sure your system is clean.

Step 8: Inform Contacts and Monitor for Unusual Activity

Let your friends, family, and coworkers know that your account was compromised. A hacker might have used your account to send phishing messages or spam.

Monitor:

Bank accounts and payment apps connected to your Gmail
Google Drive or Docs for tampered files
Your Google Photos or Calendar for unknown uploads/entries
Other services like Facebook, PayPal, Amazon, or Netflix that use your Gmail for login

Change passwords on all major accounts where you used the compromised Google account.

Step 9: Back Up Your Google Account

Now that your account is secure, consider backing it up. Google offers a tool called Google Takeout that lets you download your data:

Visit: https://takeout.google.com/
Select the Google services you want to back up
Export your data and store it in a secure location

Regular backups mean peace of mind in case of future issues.

Step 10: Stay Protected in the Future

To avoid future hacks, follow these safety tips:

Never click on suspicious links or attachments.
Don’t log in to your Google account on public/shared computers.
Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
Regularly update your recovery information.
Enable login alerts to receive emails or notifications for new sign-ins.
Review your Google account security checkup at https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup

Advanced Security Measures

Consider Passkeys:
Google now offers passkeys as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Passkeys use biometric authentication (fingerprint, face scan) or device screen locks, providing stronger protection against phishing attacks and eliminating the need for passwords entirely.

Enable Enhanced Monitoring:

Turn on Google’s Security Checkup alerts
Consider enabling dark web monitoring to be notified if your credentials appear in future breaches
Set up Google’s Advanced Protection Program for maximum security if you’re at high risk

Timeline and Expectations

Recovery Processing Time:

Account recovery requests can be delayed from a few hours to several days, depending on various risk factors
If you’ve enabled two-step verification, the recovery process may take longer as an additional security measure
Some users report waiting up to 30 days for recovery emails in complex cases

Success Factors:

Using the same device you typically use to access your account can speed up recovery
Active accounts with long histories are generally easier to recover than dormant accounts
Providing accurate information during the recovery process improves your chances of success

Final Thoughts

Getting back a hacked Google account can be stressful. But it’s possible. Act quickly. Follow the right steps. You can get your account back and keep it safe.

Protecting your online account is as important as locking your home. A few minutes of security can save you from weeks of trouble.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.