In today’s digital age, our phone number is linked to various online accounts, including our Google account. However, there may be instances when we need to change our phone number on our Google account, but we don’t have access to our password. This could be due to forgetting the password, the phone number associated with the account being lost or stolen, or any other similar circumstances. Changing your phone number on your Google account without a password may seem challenging, but don’t worry, as there are methods you can use to accomplish this. In this blog post, we will explore several methods that can help you change your phone number on your Google account, even if you don’t have the password.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Your Phone Number on Your Google Account
There can be several reasons why you need to change your phone number on your Google account. Some of the common reasons include:
1. Lost or Stolen Phone: If you have lost your phone or it has been stolen, you may want to update your Google account with a new phone number to ensure the security of your account.
2. Changing Phone Service Provider: If you switch to a new mobile service provider, you will need to update your Google account with your new phone number to synchronize your account with your new SIM card.
3. Privacy Concerns: If you have concerns about privacy or want to keep your personal phone number separate from your Google account, you may want to change the phone number associated with your account.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you have set up two-factor authentication for your Google account, changing your phone number becomes necessary when you no longer have access to your old number.
Now that we understand why changing your phone number on your Google account is important, let’s explore the various methods you can use to achieve this.
Method 1: Changing Phone Number via Google Account Settings
Before we proceed with the steps, it’s important to note that this method assumes you have access to your Google account but not the password. Here’s how you can change your phone number via the Google account settings:
1. Visit the Google Account homepage and click on the "Sign In" button.
2. Enter your email address and click on the "Next" button. Since you don’t have access to your password, you will need to click on the "Forgot password?" link.
3. On the password recovery page, select the "I don’t know my password" option and click on the "Continue" button.
4. You will be prompted to enter the last password you remember using for your Google account. If you don’t remember the password, click on the "Try a different question" link.
5. Google will then ask you if they can send a verification code to your recovery phone number or email address. Select the option that suits you best and click on the "Continue" button.
6. Once you receive the verification code, enter it in the provided field and click on the "Continue" button.
7. If the verification code is correct and your identity is confirmed, you will be directed to the Google account settings page. Here, you can update your phone number by clicking on the "Phone" section and selecting the "Edit" option.
8. Enter your new phone number and click on the "Save" button to update your phone number on your Google account.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to change your phone number.
2. Can be done without knowing your password.
3. Provides access to other account settings for further customization.
Cons:
1. Requires access to a recovery phone number or email address associated with the Google account.
2. Additional verification steps may be necessary to confirm your identity.
Method 2: Changing Phone Number via Google Account Recovery
If you don’t have access to your Google account and don’t know the password, you can still change your phone number by going through the account recovery process. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Google Account Recovery page in your web browser.
2. Enter your email address associated with the Google account and click on the "Next" button.
3. Since you don’t know the password, click on the "Try another way" link.
4. You will be prompted to enter the last password you remember or click on the "Try another question" link if you don’t remember the password.
5. Google will then ask you if they can send a verification code to your recovery email address. Select the recovery email address option and click on the "Next" button.
6. Once you receive the verification code, enter it in the provided field and click on the "Next" button.
7. If the verification code is correct, you will be directed to a page where you can create a new password for your Google account.
8. After creating a new password, you will be able to access your Google account settings and change your phone number by following the steps outlined in Method 1.
Pros:
1. Can be used even if you don’t have access to your Google account or password.
2. Provides an opportunity to create a new password and regain access to your account.
3. Allows you to update your phone number once you regain access to your account.
Cons:
1. Requires a recovery email address associated with the Google account.
2. Additional steps and verification may be necessary to confirm your identity.
Method 3: Changing Phone Number via Google Support
If you are unable to change your phone number using the above methods, you can contact Google Support for assistance. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Visit the Google Support website in your web browser.
2. Click on the "Contact us" or "Help" link to access the support options.
3. Select the option that best suits your situation, such as "Account recovery" or "General account support."
4. Fill out the support form with the required information, including your name, email address, and a detailed description of the issue you are facing.
5. Submit the support form and wait for a response from the Google Support team. They will guide you through the process of changing your phone number on your Google account.
Pros:
1. Provides personalized support from the Google Support team.
2. Can assist in situations where other methods have failed.
3. Offers guidance and solutions tailored to your specific issue.
Cons:
1. Response time may vary depending on the volume of support requests.
2. Limited control over the resolution process.
3. May require additional information or verification steps to confirm your identity.
Method 4: Changing Phone Number via Google Account Security Recovery
If none of the above methods are feasible for you, you can try using the Google Account Security Recovery feature. This feature allows you to recover your account in case of a forgotten password or other similar issues. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Google Account Recovery page in your web browser.
2. Enter your email address associated with the Google account and click on the "Next" button.
3. Since you don’t know the password, click on the "Try another way" link.
4. You will be prompted to enter the last password you remember or click on the "Try another question" link if you don’t remember the password.
5. Google will then ask you if they can send a verification code to your recovery email address. Select the recovery email address option and click on the "Next" button.
6. Once you receive the verification code, enter it in the provided field and click on the "Next" button.
7. If the verification code is correct, you will be directed to a page where you can go through the security recovery process. This may involve answering security questions, providing additional information, or confirming previous activity on your account.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions and provide the requested information to complete the security recovery process.
9. Once the recovery process is complete, you will be able to access your Google account settings and change your phone number by following the steps outlined in Method 1.
Pros:
1. Provides an alternate method of account recovery when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Involves a thorough security verification process to ensure account ownership.
3. Allows you to update your phone number once the recovery process is complete.
Cons:
1. May require extensive information and verification steps to confirm your identity.
2. Recovery process may take some time to complete.
3. Relies on previous account activity and security settings for verification purposes.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Your Phone Number on Your Google Account
If you find yourself unable to change your phone number on your Google account using the methods mentioned above, here are some additional fixes you can try:
1. Contact Google Support: Reach out to Google Support and explain your situation. They may be able to provide further assistance or guide you through alternative methods.
2. Create a New Google Account: If changing your phone number is crucial and you are unable to do so on your existing Google account, you can consider creating a new account with your new phone number.
3. Update Security Settings: Review and update the security settings on your Google account to ensure maximum protection. This includes enabling two-factor authentication, using a strong password, and regularly reviewing your account activity.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you navigate the process of changing your phone number on your Google account:
1. Keep Your Recovery Information Up to Date: Make sure your recovery email address and phone number are always up to date on your Google account. This will ensure easy account recovery in case you forget your password or lose access to your phone number.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Google account to add an extra layer of security. This will require a verification code in addition to your password when signing in to your account from a new device or browser.
3. Use a Password Manager: Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. This will make it easier for you to remember and update your passwords without the risk of forgetting them.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change my Google account phone number without a password or recovery email?
A: Unfortunately, changing your Google account phone number without a password or recovery email can be challenging. It is recommended to try the methods mentioned above or contact Google Support for further assistance.
Q2: Can I change my Google account phone number using the Google Account app?
A: Yes, you can change your Google account phone number using the Google Account app. Simply open the app, go to the "Security" or "Settings" section, and look for options to change your phone number.
Q3: What should I do if I cannot provide the requested information during the account recovery process?
A: If you are unable to provide the requested information during the account recovery process, it is recommended to contact Google Support and explain your situation. They may be able to guide you through alternative methods or provide further assistance.
Q4: Is it possible to change my Google account phone number using the Gmail app?
A: Yes, you can change your Google account phone number using the Gmail app. Simply open the app, go to the "Settings" or "Account" section, and look for options to change your phone number.
Q5: How long does it take for Google Support to respond to a support request?
A: The response time from Google Support may vary depending on the volume of support requests. It is recommended to allow a reasonable amount of time for a response and check your email or support account regularly for updates.
Final Thoughts
Changing your phone number on your Google account without a password may seem like a daunting task, but with the right methods and approaches, it is definitely achievable. Whether you have lost access to your password or your phone number, there are options available to update your phone number and maintain the security of your Google account. Remember to always keep your recovery information up to date, enable two-factor authentication, and use a password manager for added security. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Google Support for assistance. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your Google account remains up to date and secure.