Blogs on Gmail and Google Accounts

The above is either the title or the gist of plentiful threads I have seen posted in both the Gmail and the Google Accounts Help Communities for the last several months and noticing how the volume of such threads has continued to increase, I feel it is time to take a deep-dive into this topic to explain certain things in great detail. For better management, we are going to divide this article into three sections. Section 1: What typically happens Section 2: Why does this happen Section 3: What are the available options for account recovery when this happens Section 1: What typically happens It typically begins when you forget the password of your Google account. So, you decide to reset the password through the Google user-verification process; which then sends a code to the mobile number listed on the account and once you put that code in and click on next, surprise, surprise, a code is sent to the same email address you are trying to recover!!! Section 2: Why does this happen ...

Often we see threads in the Gmail Help Community where we are asked to explain the difference between the Category labels and the Inbox category tabs in Gmail. We begin the discussion by visually highlighting what we mean by the Inbox category tabs and the Category labels and where they are located. Now, we are going to take a look at the differences, with examples. So, let's begin. Commonly, if we click on one of the Category labels, say Promotions, we see a list of messages that Gmail internally categorizes as such, based on various signals such as how they are marked up, what they contain, the domain they are sent from, etc.  As shown in the screenshot above, it also generates a search query for our better understanding - category:promotions  and it is important to remember this little detail. Similarly, when we click on the Promotions tab in Gmail inbox, it also shows a list of messages, in fact, the same set of messages in this case. So, where's the difference? To de...

The Gmail Activity Information (formerly known as the Gmail Last Account Activity) window presents the easiest way to check for unauthorized account access or suspicious activities within Gmail. One can access that window by clicking on the Details link below the Last account activity link at the bottom-right of the Gmail Inbox page in the Gmail standard web UI. Note: In certain inbox layouts, such as Unread First with the Preview pane enabled and a conversation selected, you may not see the Details link. In that case, simply reload the page to see that option in the preview pane. The window includes the last ten entries when your Gmail was accessed using web browsers, POP/IMAP email clients, Gmail or third-party mobile apps, any other Google apps, etc. and lists the IP address that accessed your email, the associated location, as well as the time and date. As shown, some of the entries will have a “Show details” link next to them to display additional information when clicked upon. A...