Gmail Log-in problems?

Frank99

Had my Gmail account for years without issue however it has suddenly stopped me from logging in, i know my email and password are correct but it is stating "This device isn’t recognised. For your security, Google wants to make sure that it’s really you." despite the fact that i have used the same device and location to log in for the last ten years.
Unfortunately the account with another provider it made me set up for recovery has been deleted for lack of use and so the options it gives are send a message to another email account but when i put the code in it says "we don't think it's you" and gives me an option to start a new account?
I have important emails which i need access to but the advice online is limited and i don't know what to do.

Neil_Jones

The "device" may be physically the same but something as simple as creating a new browser profile or deleting cookies or even a different IP address (assuming "location" isn't somewhere like a public Wifi spot) can cause Google to put the breakers on.

And this is why you should always verify your recovery information is up to date.  Or set up two factor authentication as a tap on the mobile phone prompt would have granted you access.

This might be of interest:

http://gmailaccountrecovery.blogspot.com/

pbartlett

Is the recovery email definitely deleted - sometimes it is deleted but you can still get in back by trying to log on.

Gmail also provides a recovery form to recover an account I can't post links but google it.

Frank99

pbartlett said:

Is the recovery email definitely deleted - sometimes it is deleted but you can still get in back by trying to log on.

Gmail also provides a recovery form to recover an account I can't post links but google it.

It was with Gmx mail but after being unable to log-in their customer service told me the account was deleted for inactivity in 12 months, apparently it is no longer recoverable.

Frank99

Neil_Jones said:

The "device" may be physically the same but something as simple as creating a new browser profile or deleting cookies or even a different IP address (assuming "location" isn't somewhere like a public Wifi spot) can cause Google to put the breakers on.

And this is why you should always verify your recovery information is up to date.  Or set up two factor authentication as a tap on the mobile phone prompt would have granted you access.

This might be of interest:

http://gmailaccountrecovery.blogspot.com/

Looks like i'm screwed according to that article, going to have to set up a new email account and change my contact details for my bill providers etc, think i'll use Yahoo, Yandex or some other provider this time, i wish gmail would have asked me to answer some security questions or something, i can't believe i can't log-in with the correct email and password i mean maybe a DNA sample should be used lol.

Neil_Jones

Gmail can't ask you security questions if you didn't set any.

Perhaps it might be worth setting up another email provider and seeing if you can "pull" them in.  On Yahoo you can set up access to non-Yahoo email boxes, so even though you can't log in, you may be able to get access to them.  Worth a try.

Also set up two factor authentication this time (as you can tap the prompt on the phone).  And when you set your recovery options, make sure its an email you use (set it up in your Yahoo as an external mailbox as above) or can get access to.  Unfortunately most people don't give this a second thought until they get locked out and of course by that point its too late...

pbartlett

You can also consider using a Microsoft Outlook account as your backup account.

Once you have your new gmail account, also create and print / download a set of recovery codes (backup codes) that will allow you to access your account without a password.

Did the gmail recovery form work?

pbartlett

I can't post the link but this page might help (yes it has not been hacked but it might as well have been so try this). Also click on 'tips' for how to complete the procedure

Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account

If you notice unfamiliar activity on your Google Account, Gmail, or other Google products, someone else might be using it without your permission. If you think your Google Account or Gmail have been hacked, follow the steps below to help spot suspicious activity, get back into your account, and make it more secure.

Frank99

Neil_Jones said:

Gmail can't ask you security questions if you didn't set any.

Perhaps it might be worth setting up another email provider and seeing if you can "pull" them in.  On Yahoo you can set up access to non-Yahoo email boxes, so even though you can't log in, you may be able to get access to them.  Worth a try.

Also set up two factor authentication this time (as you can tap the prompt on the phone).  And when you set your recovery options, make sure its an email you use (set it up in your Yahoo as an external mailbox as above) or can get access to.  Unfortunately most people don't give this a second thought until they get locked out and of course by that point its too late...

I got a message saying we no longer use security questions only the recovery email and 2 step amazon style sign in thing!

Frank99

This has been a painful lesson to an old fool like me but i'm just gonna have to learn and set up proper recovery, i recently had a new phone and deleted the gmail account email app before switching and feel like an idiot now. Having the app on my phone already giving me access might of saved my account possibly.

pbartlett

Have you still got the old phone? Deleting the app will not remove your google account from the phone.