How to Check If Your Gmail Account Is Hacked and How to Fix It

Your Gmail account contains emails, personal data, banking details, OTPs, photos, and contacts. If someone gets access to it, the risk is huge. That is why you must know how to check if your Gmail account is hacked and how to fix it immediately.
This guide will help you understand the signs of unauthorized access and the steps to secure your account quickly.

Also read: How to Create Filters in Gmail to Organize Your Inbox

Common Signs Your Gmail Account Is Hacked

If your Gmail account is compromised, Google usually detects unusual activity. Still, you should stay alert and check for these warning signs:

1. You See Emails You Did Not Send

If you find sent emails that you never wrote, it means someone may be using your account.

2. Password Is Not Working

If you are suddenly unable to log in with your correct password, it is possible that someone changed it.

3. Unknown Devices in Your Login History

New phones, tablets, or computers you do not own may appear in the device list.

4. Recovery Options Are Modified

Changes to your recovery email or phone number are a major red flag.

5. Strange Account Activity Alerts From Google

Google may send warnings about blocked sign in attempts or suspicious login activity.

6. Inbox Rules Are Changed

Hackers often create filters to hide security alerts or forward your emails somewhere else.

Also read: How to Share Your WhatsApp QR Code – Simple and Complete Guide

How to Check if Your Gmail Account Is Hacked

Here are the easiest ways to confirm if someone accessed your Gmail account without permission.

1. Check Recent Security Activity

1. Open Gmail.
2. Click your profile picture.
3. Select Manage your Google Account.
4. Go to Security.
5. Look at Recent security activity.

If you see logins from unknown locations or browsers, act fast.

2. Review Devices Logged Into Your Account

1. Open Google Account settings.
2. Go to Security.
3. Scroll to Your devices.
4. Select Manage all devices.

If you see devices that you do not recognize, remove them immediately.

3. Check Gmail Filters

Hackers may create hidden filters to forward all your emails.

To check:

1. Open Gmail on desktop.
2. Click the Settings gear.
3. Select See all settings.
4. Go to Filters and Blocked Addresses.
5. Delete filters you did not create.

4. Check Sent and Trash Folder

If your account is hacked, you may find unknown emails in the Sent, Trash, or Spam folders.

Also read: How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on WhatsApp

How to Fix a Hacked Gmail Account

If you confirm suspicious activity, follow these steps to secure your account fully.

1. Change Your Password Immediately

Use a strong password that is not used anywhere else.
Make it a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

2. Enable Two Step Verification

This is the most powerful way to protect your account.

To enable:

1. Go to Google Account settings.
2. Open Security.
3. Turn on 2 Step Verification.
4. Add your phone number or Google Authenticator.

Even if someone has your password, they cannot log in without your approval.

3. Remove Unknown Devices

Go to the device list and sign out from any device you do not recognize.

4. Review Permissions for Third Party Apps

Some apps may have access to your Gmail.

To check:

1. Open Google Account settings.
2. Go to Security.
3. Select Third party apps with account access.
4. Remove anything suspicious.

5. Reset Recovery Options

Add only your trusted recovery email and mobile number.
Remove anything you did not add.

6. Scan Your Phone and Computer for Malware

If your device is infected, hackers can steal your login details again.
Use a trusted antivirus to clean your device.

7. Notify Your Contacts

If your account was sending spam, let people know so they do not click harmful links.

Also read: How to Enable End to End Encryption on Instagram – Simple Privacy Guide

How to Prevent Gmail Hacking in Future

Here are simple habits to keep your Gmail safe:

• Use a strong and unique password.
• Do not log in on public computers.
• Avoid clicking unknown links in emails.
• Enable alerts for suspicious activity.
• Keep your phone and computer updated.
• Use 2 Step Verification at all times.

Final Thoughts

Checking if your Gmail account is hacked should be a regular habit, not something you do only after a problem occurs. With the steps above, you can identify suspicious activity early and secure your Gmail account effectively.
A few minutes of precaution can protect your data, privacy, and personal security.

Also read: How to Stop WhatsApp From Saving Photos – Complete Simple Guide