Google does not show you your saved password directly, but you can reset it or view it in your browser's password manager

If you have forgotten your Google password, Google's own website will not display it back to you — that is by design, for security. Instead, you have three real options: reset your password through Google's account recovery process, look in your browser's built-in password manager (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all store passwords), or check if you wrote it down somewhere. The fastest route depends on whether you can still access your account.

This guide covers where to actually look and what to do when you find — or do not find — your password in each place.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Account does not display your password anywhere on its website; the company keeps passwords encrypted and unreadable even to Google staff.
  • Your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) stores passwords locally on your device and can show them to you if you know your computer password.
  • If you cannot remember your password and do not have it saved in your browser, you will need to reset it through Google's account recovery page.
  • Resetting your password requires access to a recovery email address or phone number you set up with your Google Account.
  • Once you reset your password, you will need to sign out and sign back in on all your devices.

Check your browser's password manager first

Your web browser stores passwords on your computer or phone, separate from Google's servers. If you have signed into Google on this device before, the password is likely saved there. The steps differ by browser.

In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select Settings. Go to Autofill and passwords, then Passwords. Search for "google.com" in the list. Click the password field, and Chrome will ask for your computer password before showing it. If you see your Google email and a password here, that is the one you have been using on this device.

In Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll to Logins and Passwords and click Saved Logins. Search for "google.com". Click the entry, then click the eye icon next to the password field. Firefox will ask for your computer password, then display it.

In Safari on Mac: Open Safari, then go to Safari menu > Settings > Passwords. Search for "google.com". Click the entry, then your Mac will ask for your fingerprint or password before showing the saved password.

In Edge: Click the three horizontal dots in the top right, select Settings, then Passwords. Search for "google.com". Click the entry, then click the eye icon. Edge will ask for your Windows password before displaying it.

Reset your password if you cannot find it saved

If your browser does not have the password saved, or you are on a different device, you will need to reset it. Go to the Google Account recovery page at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Enter your Google email address and click Next.

Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you truly cannot remember any password, click "Try another way" at the bottom of the screen. Google will then offer you options: verify a recovery email address, verify a phone number, or answer security questions you set up when you created the account.

The recovery email is usually the fastest option. Google will send a link to that email address. Click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you can remember, or save it in your browser's password manager immediately after you create it.

What to do if you cannot access your recovery email or phone

If you no longer have access to the recovery email address or phone number on file, Google's recovery process becomes longer. You will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions you set up when you created the account, or by providing the date you created the account and the date you last changed your password.

Google may also ask you to describe your account activity — for example, what apps you use, what your recovery options were, or what devices you typically sign in from. Answer as accurately as you can. If Google cannot verify your identity through these questions, it may take several days for a human reviewer to look at your case.

This is why setting up a recovery email and phone number you still use is important for any account you care about. If you regain access to your Google Account, go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left side, and make sure your recovery options are current.

Sign out and back in on all your devices after resetting

Once you have created a new password, your old password stops working everywhere. Any device that was signed into your Google Account will stay signed in for a while, but the next time you try to use a Google service that requires re-authentication — like Gmail, Google Drive, or YouTube — you will be asked to sign in again with your new password.

To speed this up and make sure you are fully signed out, go to myaccount.google.com on a device where you have already signed in with your new password. Click Security on the left, scroll down to Your devices, and click Manage all devices. You will see a list of devices signed into your account. Click each one and select Sign out to force an immediate sign-out. The next time you open Gmail or another Google service on that device, you will be prompted to sign in with your new password.

Save your password somewhere safe after you reset it

Once you have created a new password, the easiest way to avoid this situation again is to let your browser save it. When you sign in with your new password, your browser will ask if you want to save it. Click Save, and the password will be stored in your browser's password manager.

If you use multiple browsers or devices, you can also turn on password sync in Chrome. Go to Settings > Sync and personalization, and make sure Passwords is toggled on. Your passwords will then sync across all devices where you are signed into Chrome with the same Google Account.

Do not write your password down on paper or in an unencrypted document. Do not email it to yourself. Your browser's password manager is encrypted and is the safest place to store it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Google show me my password if I ask them?

No. Google stores passwords encrypted, which means even Google employees cannot read them. If you have lost your password, resetting it is the only option. Google has no way to retrieve the old one.

Why does my browser ask for my computer password before showing my Google password?

Your browser stores passwords in an encrypted vault on your device. Asking for your computer password ensures that only someone with access to your computer can view the passwords stored there. This is a security feature.

If I reset my password, will I lose access to my Google Account data?

No. Resetting your password does not affect your emails, files, photos, or any other data in your Google Account. It only changes the password you use to sign in. All your data remains exactly as it was.

What if I do not remember the security questions I answered when I created my account?

During the recovery process, Google will ask you to answer them again. If you cannot remember the answers, tell Google that. You can then move to other verification methods, like describing your account activity or providing dates related to your account. Google will review your case if the automated options do not work.

Can I use my phone to reset my Google password?

Yes. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on your phone's browser and follow the same steps. If you have a recovery phone number on file, Google can send you a verification code by text or call, which is often faster than waiting for an email.