Can't Sign In to Gmail? Here's How to Fix It
If you can't sign in to Gmail, try these in order: (1) Check your Caps Lock key — passwords are case-sensitive. (2) Reset your password using 'Forgot password?'. (3) Try a different web browser. (4) Make sure you're on gmail.com — not a fake site. (5) If you see 'Account temporarily locked,' wait 24 hours and try again from your home computer.
If you can't sign in to Gmail, try these in order: (1) Check your Caps Lock key — passwords are case-sensitive. (2) Reset your password using 'Forgot password?'. (3) Try a different web browser. (4) Make sure you're on gmail.com — not a fake site. (5) If you see 'Account temporarily locked,' wait 24 hours and try again from your home computer.
Step-by-step practice mode
Click through each step to practice. The screens look like the real Gmail app — but nothing here changes anything in your real account or device.
Step 1 — Open Gmail
Open your web browser and type gmail.com into the address bar.
Sign in
to continue to Gmail
Not your computer? Use Guest mode to sign in privately.
When you press Enter, Google takes you to the sign-in page where you'll type your email address.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check your Caps Lock key
Look at your keyboard — if 'Caps Lock' has a light on, press it once to turn off. Passwords are case-sensitive, so 'PASSWORD' is different from 'password'.
- 2
Carefully retype your email and password
Type slowly. Don't paste — typos in copy-paste are a common cause of sign-in failures.
- 3
Try the 'Forgot password?' link
If your password really doesn't work, click 'Forgot password?' under the password box and follow our password reset guide.
- 4
Try a different web browser
If you usually use Chrome, try Edge or Safari. Sometimes a browser glitch blocks sign-in. Just open another browser and go to gmail.com.
- 5
Make sure you're on the real Gmail
The address bar should say gmail.com or accounts.google.com. If it says anything else, close it — that's a scam site trying to steal your password.
- 6
Wait if Google says you're locked
If Google says 'Account temporarily locked,' it's a security pause. Wait 24 hours, then try again from your home computer on home WiFi.
What if it's not working?
Problem: It says 'Couldn't find your Google account'
How to fix: Your email is wrong. Check the spelling carefully. Common mistakes: missing letters, wrong domain (gmail.com not gmail.co.uk), or using your name instead of your full email address.
Problem: It says 'Wrong password' even though I typed it right
How to fix: Reset the password using 'Forgot password?' — sometimes accounts get auto-changed by security alerts. See our forgot password guide for steps.
Problem: Sign-in works but kicks me right back out
How to fix: This is usually a browser cookie problem. Close all browser windows, reopen, and try gmail.com again. If that doesn't work, restart your computer.
Problem: I get a 6-digit code prompt but the code doesn't work
How to fix: Codes expire after 5 minutes. Click 'Resend' for a new code. If still no luck, click 'Try another way'.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Gmail keep saying my password is wrong?
Most common reasons: Caps Lock is on, the keyboard is set to a different language, or the password was actually changed (e.g. by a security alert). Reset it using 'Forgot password?' to be safe.
What does 'Account temporarily locked' mean?
Google noticed suspicious sign-in activity — usually too many wrong passwords or an attempt from a strange location. Wait 24 hours and try again from a familiar device on familiar WiFi.
Why does Gmail keep asking me to sign in over and over?
Your browser is probably blocking cookies, or you have a browser extension blocking Google. Try a different browser. If that works, the original browser has a cookie problem you can fix in its settings.
Why won't Gmail open at all?
Either your internet is down, gmail.com is having a problem (check downdetector.com), or your browser is too old. Try restarting your router and your computer.
Can a virus stop me from signing in to Gmail?
Yes — some viruses redirect Google to fake sites or steal passwords. If sign-in stops working suddenly along with other strange computer behavior, run a virus scan. Trini System can help — call 347-953-1531.
Should I worry if I see 'Sign-in attempt blocked'?
No — this is Google protecting you. It usually means an old app is trying to use your password. Follow Google's instructions to allow the app, or just ignore it if you don't recognize it.
Related guides
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