Step-by-step guide
Update your Google recovery email and phone
Short answer
Recovery contacts make later lockouts easier to handle. Add methods you control while signed in; you cannot add them from this site or after you are locked out.
Review recovery settings inside GoogleWe never ask for your account address, password or verification code. AccountsAid cannot recover an account for you.
Choose durable methods
Google notes that available options vary by account, region and device.
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Recovery email
Use a separate address you regularly access.
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Recovery phone
Use a personal number that can receive messages and remains under your control.
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Backup factor
If you use 2-Step Verification, prepare additional methods before losing your primary device.
Make the change inside Google
Verify every method rather than assuming it was saved.
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Open Security & sign-in
Find the recovery phone or email settings in your Google Account.
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Add or edit the contact
Complete the confirmation Google requests.
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Check the result
Review the displayed method and remove old contacts you no longer control.
Changes are not always immediate
Note: Google says recovery phone changes can take up to seven days to take effect. It may also send codes to previous recovery information for seven days after a change. Review the specific current instructions; these are not a universal wait for every account action.
Official sources
Primary Google guidance referenced on this page.
- Google Account Help · Recovery options — support.google.com
- Review recovery settings inside Google — myaccount.google.com