Given the number of passwords, usernames and PINs that every internet user has to remember these days, it’s hardly surprising that people forget their login details. However, for security reasons, it is inadvisable to use the same password for all your accounts. Indeed, you should regularly change your passwords and make sure they remain secure. This is the only way to keep your accounts protected from hacking attacks. This guide explains what to do if you want to change your Gmail password to make your account more secure, or if you need to reset your Gmail password because you’ve forgotten it.
What makes a good password?
A password should protect your sensitive data from unauthorized access. Simple combinations are no obstacle for experienced hackers, and there are programs that can crack simple passwords within seconds. One of the most commonly used approaches is the dictionary attack. Hacking programs that use this approach rapidly cycle through meaningful character combinations until they hit on the right password.
Tip
A secure password should contain at least eight randomly combined letters and special characters. To get around the problem of forgetting your passwords, you can use a digital password manager. Such tools let you store and manage your passwords and security codes in an encrypted format.
Changing your Gmail password: a step-by-step guide
Changing your Gmail password is simple. Google guides users through the process step by step.
Step 1: Open your Gmail inbox.
Open your Gmail account and log in using your username and password.
Open your Gmail account and log in using your username and password.
Step 2: Open your Google Account.
Click on the Google Apps icon next to your account icon at the top right of the screen and open your account.
Click on the Google Apps icon next to your account icon at the top right of the screen and open your account.
Step 3: Launch the “Security” section.
From your account, you can change various settings. These are grouped into categories. Click on the “Security” category. In the sub-section entitled “Signing in to Google”, you will see a “Password” option.
From your account, you can change various settings. These are grouped into categories. Click on the “Security” category. In the sub-section entitled “Signing in to Google”, you will see a “Password” option.
Step 4: Enter a new password.
Google automatically opens a form where you can enter a new password for your Google account. The new password will be used for your Gmail account. Enter your new password in the window.
Google automatically opens a form where you can enter a new password for your Google account. The new password will be used for your Gmail account. Enter your new password in the window.
Resetting your Gmail password
Setting up a new password is easy. But what happens if you’ve completely forgotten your password and cannot log in in the first place? In this case, you need to reset your Gmail password. Google makes this very easy for its users. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Go to the Google login page.
On the Google login page, under the password field, click on “Forgot password?” Google will then guide you through the account recovery process.
On the Google login page, under the password field, click on “Forgot password?” Google will then guide you through the account recovery process.
Step 2: Choose an account recovery method and set up a new password.
Google will ask you for the last password that you remember. Enter it and confirm by clicking “Next”.
Google will ask you for the last password that you remember. Enter it and confirm by clicking “Next”.
Step 3: Verify access.
In order to prevent unauthorized persons from changing your password, Google needs to verify your identity.
In order to prevent unauthorized persons from changing your password, Google needs to verify your identity.
Once you’ve entered the last password you remember, Google will ask you to confirm the password recovery request. The confirmation will be sent to the recovery device registered in your Google account. For most users, this will be their smartphone. Your smartphone will now display a message asking you to select “Yes” to confirm that you are trying to reset your password on the desktop version.
Other verification options are also available. For example, you can ask Google to provide you with a verification code (by text or phone call) for you to enter on screen.
Step 4: Enter a new password.
Once your identity has been verified you will be able to enter a new password.
Once your identity has been verified you will be able to enter a new password.
After Google has successfully verified your identity, you will see a password entry form where you can enter a new password. Click “Next” to confirm your new password. You are now logged into your Gmail account.
Google provides many different ways of changing and resetting your password. These are generally self-explanatory and Google provides clear instructions to guide you through the process.
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