Save and use your recovery codes
You get 10 single-use recovery codes when you set up sign-in. Save them, use one if you lose your other methods, and create a new set when needed.
Last updated October 30, 2026
Recovery codes are your last way in. You receive 10 codes when you set up your sign-in methods, and each code lets you sign in once if you lose your passkeys and your authenticator app. We show the codes only once, so save them before you continue.
Save your codes
- When the codes appear, select Download (.txt), Copy codes or Print.
- Keep them somewhere safe and private, such as your password manager or a printed copy stored away from your devices.
- Tick I saved these codes somewhere safe to continue.
We store only a hashed form of each code, so we cannot show your codes again or read them back to you. We never ask for a recovery code by email.
Sign in with a recovery code
- Sign in with Google or with your email and password.
- Select Use another method, then Use a recovery code.
- Enter one of your saved codes and select Sign in.
After you sign in with a recovery code:
- That code no longer works.
- Your other sessions are signed out.
- For the next 24 hours, sensitive actions such as changing sign-in methods are paused.
- We email you that a recovery code was used.
- You see a new set of codes. Your old codes stop working, so save the new ones.
Create a new set
You also see a new set when fewer than 3 codes remain. To replace your codes at any time:
- Open Security from the Account menu.
- Under Recovery codes, select Create new codes.
- Save the new codes.
Your previous codes stop working right away, and we email you that a new set was created.