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How to Recover a Lost or Forgotten Password ?

Recover lost or forgotten password easily with Premiers Clics - Internet and Windows basics for beginners
Ajouter des dossiers de photo dans la photothèque de Windows

View passwords saved by Google Chrome (or Edge, Firefox, Opera…)

In this tutorial, I will show you how to display all the usernames and passwords saved by your browser: Google, Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo, Orange, La Poste, EDF…

This can be very useful if you want to find login details saved on your computer, for example to connect from another device. It will save you from having to create a new password.

I will explain the steps to follow directly in your web browser.

From my experience, banks generally avoid using typed passwords, even with two-factor authentication. Instead, they often use a numeric code entered with the mouse, which is more secure than typing a password.

For administrative websites, I also recommend using FranceConnect whenever possible. It allows you to log in to multiple government websites with the same credentials. For example, if you know your tax account login, you can access the health insurance website (Ameli) without creating a new account.

For your information, a short password made only of numbers is called a PIN code (usually 4 to 6 digits). Be careful not to confuse it with your phone’s SIM PIN code. I recommend checking an IT glossary if you want to learn more.

Tip: If you are trying to unlock your Outlook, Hotmail, or Microsoft account, I recommend reading the dedicated article on this topic.

Tutoriel informatique pour les nuls : retrouver la clé du wifi !

Pour les lecteurs français
Consultez le guide complet sur comment récupérer un mot de passe perdu ou oublié

Table of Contents

  1. Password problems: the 10 most common questions
  2. How to find a lost or forgotten username or password

1. Method 1: automatic transfer

1. I forgot my phone password – what should I do?

If you have forgotten your phone lock code (password, pattern, or PIN), here is what I recommend:

  • On Android: you can use Smart Lock or try to log in with your Google account if prompted.
  • On iPhone: you need to go through iTunes or iCloud.com to reset the device.

⚠️ If none of these methods work, you will have to reset the phone, which may lead to data loss if no backup was made.

2. How can I recover my forgotten Google (Gmail) password?

Go to https://accounts.google.com, click on “Forgot password”, then follow the steps:

  • Enter your Gmail address
  • Answer the questions (SMS code, recovery email, etc.)
  • Choose a new password once your identity is confirmed

🔐 Tip: I recommend keeping your phone nearby to receive the security code.

3. What should I do if I forgot my PIN code?

The PIN code is required when starting your phone. After 3 incorrect attempts, your SIM card will be blocked.

You will then need to:

  • Enter the PUK code (provided with your SIM card or available in your customer account)
  • Choose a new PIN code

⚠️ I strongly advise never guessing randomly, as this can permanently block your SIM card.

4. Forgotten screen lock (pattern, code, etc.) – what to do?

On recent Android devices, after several attempts, you may be able to unlock using your Google account.

If this does not work, I recommend restarting the phone in recovery mode to perform a factory reset.

On iPhone, you can use iTunes, Finder (Mac), or iCloud.com to restore the device.

👉 I also recommend regularly backing up your data to avoid losing it.

5. How to unlock an Android phone without a password?

There are several methods depending on the device:

  • Smart Lock (if enabled) allows automatic unlocking in a trusted location (e.g., home)
  • Android Device Manager (Google) allows you to erase the phone remotely

Otherwise, you can use recovery mode (Volume + + Power) to reset the device.

6. How to reset my phone if I forgot my password?

In many cases, resetting (erasing all data) is the only solution.

  • On Android:
    Turn off the device → press Volume + and Power → access Recovery mode → select “Wipe data / factory reset”
  • On iPhone:
    Use iTunes / Finder or iCloud → Erase iPhone

⚠️ All data will be deleted if not backed up.

7. I forgot my email password – how can I recover it?

Go to your provider’s website (Gmail, Outlook, Orange, etc.):

  1. Click on “Forgot password”
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Choose a verification method (SMS, secondary email, or security question)
  4. Follow the steps to create a new password

👉 I recommend writing down your new password to avoid forgetting it again.

8. Forgotten password on Facebook or Instagram – what to do?

On the login screen:

  1. Click on “Forgot password?”
  2. Enter your email or phone number
  3. You will receive a code by SMS or email to reset your password
  4. Create a new secure password

If you no longer have access to your email or phone, click on “I no longer have access” and follow the recovery process.

👉 You can also read the dedicated article about Facebook password recovery for more details.

9. How to recover my iPhone or iPad password (Apple ID)?

Go to https://iforgot.apple.com:

  1. Enter your Apple ID (email)
  2. Follow the steps (SMS code, recovery email, or security questions)
  3. Once verified, you can create a new Apple ID password

⚠️ If you no longer have access to your email or phone, recovery may take several days.

10. How do I know if an app saved my password?

Some devices automatically store your passwords.

  • On Android:
    Settings → Google → Password Manager
  • On iPhone:
    Settings → Passwords (Face ID or passcode required)
    You can view saved passwords for apps and websites
  • On PC:
    In your browser → Menu → Autofill → Passwords (Chrome)

👉 On computer, I explain this in detail just below.

2. Find a lost or forgotten username or password

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password

To display all your saved usernames and associated passwords in Chrome, I recommend following these steps:

Click on “Menu” → “Settings” → “Autofill and passwords” → “Google Password Manager”.
Then click on the eye icon to display your password in plain text.

👉 Path:
Menu → Settings → Autofill and passwords → Password Manager


To make it easier, I will guide you step by step.

Start by opening your browser menu.

How to view saved passwords in Google Chrome

Then click on “Settings”,

Next, go to “Advanced settings”,

Then click on “Manage passwords”.

You will now see the list of all your saved usernames and passwords.
To display a password, simply click on the eye icon.

How to view saved passwords in Firefox

If you are using Mozilla Firefox, I recommend going to:

Menu → Settings → Privacy & Security → Saved Logins

You will then be able to view all the login details saved by your browser.

How to view saved passwords in Microsoft Edge

If you are using Microsoft Edge, go to:

Menu → Settings → Profiles → Passwords

You will see all the saved login credentials stored in your browser.

In my opinion, this is the quickest way to recover a forgotten password, especially if your computer has already saved it.

Conclusion

I recommend that you read my tips on how to create a simple but secure password. I also suggest downloading and printing a password reminder sheet to avoid forgetting them again. If you can no longer access your Outlook email account, I invite you to read the article dedicated to “Forgot Outlook password”.

If you want to go further, I offer free online computer courses to help you better understand how Windows works and become more comfortable using your computer.

End of the lesson

You know now how to transfer your photos on your laptop or computer

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In which cases can this tutorial help you?

I wrote this tutorial to help you if you are in one of these situations:

  • “I forgot my password”
  • “I want to see my saved passwords”
  • “I want to find a password in Chrome”
  • “My computer saved my password, how can I view it?”
  • “I want to see my passwords in Edge”
  • “I want to recover a forgotten password”

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Thibaut MATHIEU
Thibaut MATHIEU

Editor of Premiers Clics

Editor and writer of Premiers Clics, and author of the book “Je me mets à l'informatique” (only avalaible in french), I share all my computer knowledge to help you learn, using the Premiers Clics computer courses.

Also the manager of a computer support and repair company, I fully understand your needs in computer training and assistance. Every day, I answer my clients’ questions about their computers, phones, or tablets.

This experience has given me extensive knowledge in consumer digital technology, allowing me to separate fact from fiction in device protection, identify the most common user mistakes, and provide numerous tips to make the best use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

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