Everyone is always sending me stories of that poor soul that got locked out of their Gmail account (and every other Google app) because of a security problem. The unfortunate victim spends days (or even weeks, gasp) trying to get back in. Some criticize Google for not having a 1-800 number for help in these circumstances. Of course, you get what you pay for, and the majority of us pay nothing for our Google Apps use. I’ve read that there IS now a phone number to call for help if you are a paying Google App customer (is that enough reason to just pay the $20 a year for extra storage space?).

Anyways, there does now seem to be a solution to the Gmail-lockout-problem. If you ever get locked out of gmail, you will wish you had taken the 60 seconds to do this…

In Gmail, go to Settings, then click on the Accounts tab. Towards the bottom, click on Google Account Settings.

In the new window, click Change Security Question. Make a security question and give Google a secondary email address.

This is the information that Gmail will ask for on the web if you ever get locked out of your Google accounts. Without this information, it is very difficult for Google to confirm that you are really you, and if they can’t confirm that you are really you via a webpage, then you’re going to be in Gmail-lockout hell.

P.S. No, I am not speaking from experience, I just don’t want to have the experience and I don’t want you to have it either!

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