To find your email password, the quickest method is to use the "Forgot Password" link on your email provider's login page, which initiates a reset process. This is the official way to regain access to your account, and the specific steps will vary depending on whether you use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another service.
How to find your email password with a reset
The most straightforward way to find your email password is to reset it using your provider's automated recovery system. On the login page of your email service, click the "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link. This will guide you through verifying your identity, typically via a recovery phone number or email address, and allow you to set a new password. This is the primary method recommended for all major email providers.
Reset your Gmail password
If you forgot your Google/Gmail password, the only official place to initiate recovery is through the automated process at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. You will be asked questions to confirm it's your account; answer them as best as you can. Google will ask you to set a new password once you have proven account ownership through the recovery process. You need both a recovery phone number and a separate, different recovery email already set up in your account and kept up to date, and you need access to both. Without access to both a recovery phone and a recovery email to receive verification codes, you probably won't be able to recover the account. Google may ask for a previous password as part of the recovery process, but there's no way to force this question. There is no live support for the recovery of free Google/Gmail accounts; the process is completely automated. If you're locked out of a Yahoo account instead, you can recover Yahoo password without phone number and alternate email using their sign-in helper; if it's an AT&T-powered Yahoo account you can recover an at&t.net email account through AT&T's dedicated portal.
Reset your Outlook or Hotmail password
To obtain your Outlook password, you can reset it by going to the Microsoft account password reset page at account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to receive a verification code. Once you receive the code, enter it to verify your identity. After verification, you will be prompted to create a new password. If you are unable to reset your password yourself or verify your identity using available recovery options, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance. If you are part of an organization, your IT administrator can reset your password for you. If you no longer have access to your recovery methods, you can use the Microsoft account recovery form at account.live.com/acsr. The recovery process is fully automated to prevent unauthorized access. Complete the recovery form using a device and location you've used before, and provide an accessible email address. Microsoft typically reviews recovery requests within 24 hours.
Reset your Yahoo Mail password
- Go to the Yahoo Mail login page.
- Enter the email address, mobile number, or username associated with your Yahoo Mail account, and click "Next".
- Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity using a recovery phone number or email address.
- Once verified, you will be able to create a new password.
Find a saved email password in your browser
If you previously saved your email password in your browser, you can view it directly. This is useful if you need to find your email password without resetting it, provided you still have access to the browser where it was saved.
Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings, then click "Passwords" under the Autofill section.
- Find your email account in the list of saved passwords and click the eye icon to view it.
Firefox
- Open Firefox and click the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Options, then click "Privacy & Security".
- Under "Logins and Passwords", click "Saved Logins" to view your credentials.
Edge
- Go to Settings, then click "Passwords" under the Profiles section.
- Locate your email account and click the eye icon to reveal the password.
Safari
- Open Safari and click "Safari" in the top menu bar, then select "Preferences".
- Go to the "Passwords" tab and authenticate with your Mac's password.
- Find your email account in the list and click the password field to view it.
Find a saved email password on Apple devices
If you use Apple devices, you can find a saved email password using Keychain Access on a Mac or the Passwords app on an iPhone. This is helpful when you need to find your email password that was saved on your device.
On a Mac using Keychain Access
- Quit the Mail app.
- Open "Keychain Access.app" (found via Spotlight search by typing "Keychain Access").
- In Keychain Access, ensure "login" is clicked in the left column and "All Items" is clicked along the top.
- Search for your email server or email address in the top-right search bar.
- Double-click on a matching entry, then check the "Show password" box.
- You will be prompted to enter your Mac's keychain password (which is usually the same as your Mac's unlock password) to reveal the email password.
On an iPhone using the Passwords app
- Open the "Passwords" app (or go to Settings > Passwords).
- Unlock the app using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Find your email account in the list and tap it to view the saved password.
For iCloud Mail, the password you use is your Apple Account password. If you forgot your Apple Account password, follow Apple's official process to reset it. For third-party email services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) used in Apple Mail, if you forgot or want to change the password, you must contact that specific email provider or request a password reset from their website.
Check your dedicated password manager
If you use a password manager like LastPass, Dashlane, or KeePass, check if your email password is stored in your password manager's vault. Open your password manager application or extension, search for your email service provider or the website associated with your email account, and view the stored password. This is a convenient way to find your email password if you have saved it there previously.
Secure your account after you find your password
Once you have regained access, secure your account by setting a strong, unique password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security, preventing future lockouts and protecting your account from unauthorized access.
