Locked out? Get back into your Apple, Google or Microsoft account

Locked out of your Apple, Google or Microsoft account? Each company has its own way back in, and the right door depends on what you still have: a signed-in device, your phone, a backup code. Pick yours and get the three steps, straight from the company's own help pages. Never call a phone number from a pop-up or a search ad to get back in.

Still stuck after these? Text PJ.

• Easiest: a trusted Apple device plus your trusted phone number. Choose "Forgot Password?" and follow the steps.
• Account recovery when you can't do that: iforgot.apple.com in Safari, or the Apple Support app on a borrowed device (Support Tools, Reset Password, "Help Someone Else"). It can take several days or more.
• During the wait, signing in on a device cancels the request. Started on the web? Turn your Apple devices off.
• Set up now, before you need it: a recovery contact, someone who can get you a six-digit code. If you turn on a 28-character recovery key instead, keep it safe: Apple says losing it can lock you out permanently.

Apple Support: forgot your password · recovery contact · recovery key

• Start here: Google account recovery. Answer as best you can; wrong guesses don't kick you out, and there's no limit on tries.
• Lost the phone with your codes? Sign out of it and change your password. Then verify with another signed-in phone, another 2-Step number, a saved backup code, a security key or a passkey.
• Backup codes: a set of 10, each used once. Making a new set turns off the old one. Google never asks for one except at sign-in.
• A work or school account? These steps might not work; ask your administrator.

Google Account Help: recover your account · lost or stolen phone · backup codes

• Forgot the password: "Forgot password?" on the sign-in page, a code to your phone or email, then a new password. Not working? The sign-in helper.
• Know the password but lost the phone and email: choose "I don't have any of these" and replace them, then wait 30 days to sign in.
• Lost both: the account recovery form, usually reviewed in about 24 hours; it doesn't work with two-step verification on.
• Haven't signed in for years? Microsoft asks you to sign in at least once in a two-year period, and may close inactive accounts.

Microsoft Support: reset a forgotten password · verification code issues · account activity policy

• Reset by email: enter the email on the account and open the link. Invalid link? Try again in a private or incognito window.
• Lost the email: get the old email back if you can, or start a new account. Try other sign-up methods too: phone, Apple, Google.
• Hacked: reset the password, then Sign out everywhere on your account page (up to an hour) and check Manage apps.
• No phone support: Spotify says it doesn't offer support by phone. Message them instead.

Spotify Support: reset password · think your account's been hacked? · contact us

• Forgot the password: Forgot Password on the log-in screen, your email or phone, then the emailed link.
• New or lost phone: sign in with your username, email or old number and password, then tap "Other options" or "I don't have access to this phone."
• Money moved you didn't send: Me, Settings, Get Help, Chat With Us, as soon as possible.
• The code is the key: Venmo says an agent will never ask for the code it texts you, never asks to access your device, and never asks you to install an app.

Venmo Help Center: reset password · verification code from a new device · unauthorized activity · common scams

Locked-out people search for a support number and find fake ones. Microsoft says real Microsoft error messages never include a phone number to call, Microsoft never reaches out with unsolicited tech support, and its agents aren't allowed to send reset links or change your account. Never read a code to a caller. (Microsoft: avoid tech support scams) More: pop-ups and fake virus warnings · senior scams, who to call.

For a business Instagram or Facebook page, see locked out of a business page. A work or school account is your IT admin's to reset.

Recovery is slow and fussy, and it's easy to give up halfway. PJ, a local in Solana Beach, sits with you (or your parent) on your own device, works through the steps, then sets up a recovery contact or backup codes so it doesn't happen again. You type your own passwords and codes; he never asks for them. Text PJ · tech help at home.

From Apple Support, Google Account Help, Microsoft Support, Spotify Support and the Venmo Help Center, linked above, read October 12, 2026. This page is an independent local guide, not any of those companies.

More local answers

• Helping from out of state
• iPhone fix finder
• Google's Gemini agent, for a small business

Need a human?

This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.

Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.