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How to Set Up, Check, and Change a Secondary Gmail Address

Protect yourself from account lock-outs

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 21, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail

What to Know

Log in to your Google account, select Security > Ways we can verify it's you > Recovery Email, and add a secondary email address.
Make sure the recovery email is safe and you have easy access to it.Use the password reset link to your secondary email to recover your account if you're locked out. To make sure you can always recover your Gmail account, create an alternate email address with a service such as Gmail or Outlook. Then, when you can't get into your Gmail account, Gmail can send you the link you'll use to reset your password.

Secondary Email Address for Password Recovery

To add a secondary email address to your Gmail account for password recovery:​ Navigate to your Google Account page and select Security from the left pane. Scroll down to Ways we can verify it's you and select Recovery Email. As a precaution, Google will ask you to reauthenticate your account. In the Add Recovery Email box, enter a recovery email address and select Save. You've added a recovery email address to your Google account.

Gmail Account Security

Although a recovery address is a step in the right direction, it's important that the recovery address is safe and accessible to you. Use a work address or a non-Google address (such as Outlook.com), so if your information is compromised, you're not left without recourse. In addition to establishing a recovery password, enable two-factor authentication on your account. If you have the choice, choose two-factor approaches that rely on either a hardware device like a USB security key or an authentication app on your smartphone. Avoid, if you can, two-factor solutions that rely on text messages. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Find Out Who (or What) Is Accessing Your Gmail How to Run a Google Security Checkup How to Set Up a New Android Phone How to Fix It When You're Locked Out of Your Gmail Account Remotely Reset Android Lock Screen Password and PIN How to Change Your Facebook Password How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp How to Add A Picture To Your Gmail Profile How to Reset or Change Your Instagram Password The 5 Best Secure Email Services for 2022 How to Turn on Gmail Two-Factor Authentication How to Set up and Use Facebook Trusted Contacts How to Secure Your Gmail With Two-Step Authentication How to Change Your Gmail Signature How to Change Your Gmail Password Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies