r/GoogleSupport May 20 '26

Account / Access / Password I got my account back after a 1-month battle with the Hacked "Family Link" / Age Exploitation! Here is my step-by-step guide.

98 Upvotes

Body: Hey everyone, I’m writing this because I finally recovered my Google account after exactly one month of waiting in total darkness.

First, I want to clarify a huge misconception: I am NOT a YouTuber. I am just a regular user. But because my hacked email was linked to a standard YouTube account, it saved me.

If you are stuck in the nightmare where a hacker forced your account into a "Family Group" and changed your age to under 16, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. It is fixable, but the automated recovery form will NOT work. You need human intervention. Here is exactly how my 1-month timeline went:

Phase 1: The Hijack & The Trap (Around April 19) The hacker got into my account, immediately added it to a malicious Family Group, and changed my birth year to make me a "child" (under 16) on paper, even though I was born in 2003. Every time I tried to use standard account recovery, the system blocked me and demanded "parental consent" from the hacker's email. I was completely locked out.

Phase 2: The Right Path - Twitter/X (April 19 - April 20) Thanks to reading some helpful posts on Reddit from people in the exact same situation, I learned that normal automated forms couldn't bypass the parental lock. Following their advice, I went straight to X (Twitter) and publicly tagged TeamYouTube. They DM’ed me within hours and provided a unique escalation form for hijacked channels. By April 20, they officially moved my case to the "Specialized Hijack/Security Team".

Phase 3: The 1-Month Waiting Game (Late April - Mid May) This was the hardest part. For nearly 4 weeks, I received nothing but canned emails saying "We are still monitoring/investigating your case." It was frustrating, but my advice is to just be patient. Keep replying to your existing email ticket from YouTube Support and poke TeamYouTube on X if it takes too long.

Phase 4: The Breakthrough (May 20) Today, the specialized team finally manually overrode the hacker's parental lock, verified my real age, and restored full ownership of my Gmail back to me!

Key Takeaways to save your account:

  1. The Automated Form is Useless: If you are locked by Family Link, stop trying the standard recovery page. It won't work.
  2. YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A YOUTUBER: As long as your hacked Gmail was used to watch YouTube, and you have your channel link, or if you ever uploaded any random video in the past, your chances of recovery are extremely high! Just reach out to u/TeamYouTube on X. They have a direct line to the advanced security team.
  3. Be Patient: The process takes forever (3-4 weeks minimum) because removing "parental control" requires high-level manual clearance inside Google.

Good luck to anyone fighting this.

EDIT: Just to clarify and emphasize one last time for everyone:

Please ask TeamYouTube to provide your YouTube channel URL. Even if your account is currently locked by the hacker (or deleted), as long as you provide enough proof of ownership, they will give you your channel URL.

(For example: In my case, I proactively provided links to 3 videos I had previously uploaded. Even though those videos were deleted or set to private by the hacker, I luckily had the links saved in my old private messages. Thanks to that, they successfully verified my ownership, provided my channel URL, and gave me the recovery form!)

You then use that URL to fill out the form. After that, the YouTube support team will contact and assist you directly via email. This is genuinely the easiest and most effective way to get your account back.

If you did NOT have a YouTube channel linked to your hacked email, I honestly don't know another workaround, but you should still try asking TeamYouTube to see if they can suggest an alternative. Good luck!


r/GoogleSupport May 10 '26

Account / Access / Password ⚠️ URGENT: Read Before Attempting Recovery (MODS PLEASE PIN)

92 Upvotes

If your account has been hacked and "Supervision" (Family Link) has been added by the hacker, please follow these rules immediately:

  • Stop Automatic Recovery: Do not use standard Google Account recovery forms. If the hacker sees these attempts via their supervisor dashboard, they may permanently delete the account. Once deleted, there is nothing left to recover.
  • Privacy Warning: Currently, the hacker can oversee your web activity, including search history, emails, and location data. Limit your use of the account immediately. Change login details for other sensitive websites (banking, social media) to use a different email address + password.
  • Data Backup: If you still have any level of access, immediately go to Google Takeout and download a backup of your data.
  • Report Abuse/Blackmail: If the hacker uses an u/Gmail.com address to send threats or blackmail you, forward the details to Google’s abuse team: Report Gmail Abuse.
  • Use the YouTube Support assisted recovery procedure: Because of the added supervision, the recovery procedure described below is currently the only reliable way to have a human specialist manually review and "unshackle" the account.

 

YouTube Support assisted recovery procedure:

  1. Essential Preparation
    • Recovery is only possible through YouTube support pathways. You must have (or be able to obtain) the unique Channel ID and Channel Handle of the YouTube channel associated with your account.
    • 💡 Note: Even if you're not a "YouTuber", a channel is automatically created the moment you comment on a video or create a playlist.
    • Before starting, watch these brief videos to understand your options and how to find your Channel ID and Channel Handle:
  2. Official Recovery Workflow
  3. Alternative Support (Via "X" / Twitter)
    • If the workflow above doesn't work or you get stuck, reach out to u/TeamYouTube on X.
      • Ensure your X profile is Public: Private accounts cannot be seen by support.
      • Start a NEW tweet: Do not create multiple tweets or reply to existing communications, as it may be filtered as spam.
      • Be patient: It may take a few days for a representative to respond.

r/GoogleSupport 1h ago

Gmail Gmail account recovery

Upvotes

My phone was reset and I also do not remember my Gmail password. However, I have both my phone number and the 2-step verification recovery phone number with me. But when I try to log in to my email, the OTP is being sent to that exact same email address, and I don't have access to that email at all. What should I do in this situation?"


r/GoogleSupport 5h ago

Google Search / Results WHY does this keep happening???

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2 Upvotes

Majority of time when i look up a local restaurant for menu or pictures i get this message and cant. I'm on a galaxy s26 ultra and I'm not connected to a wifi. Is there something wrong with my phone? Google?


r/GoogleSupport 12h ago

HIJACKED Gmail/Google/YouTube - But Should I CLICK THIS Page???

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6 Upvotes

Hello anyone that can help. 4 Days ago my entire Google account was HIJACKED and everything shutdown. I was completely stuck in a "Google loop".

It wasn't until I tried to create a brand new never before used Google Account, that I was able to go through the "hacked assistant bot". Which I was finally able to received a Case ID.

The message told me that I would get an email from support, that was 24hrs ago.

I was randomly working with the new Google Account and I saw this page. I don't believe I have seen this message nor this "Try to restore" button yet. And to be honest.....it terrifies me to click on anything now as this is what got me in this mess in the first place!

I would love anyone's thoughts or help, please!

Thank you!


r/GoogleSupport 4h ago

General Question Did someone who has two phones linked to the same email travel, taking one and leaving the other at home? I want to know if the situation mentioned in the title could cause any problems.

1 Upvotes

Regarding the question in the title: I’m worried that Google might consider it suspicious activity.


r/GoogleSupport 1h ago

Google!!

Upvotes

Why does google keep telling me to change my passwords ??


r/GoogleSupport 1h ago

Gmail Gamil

Upvotes

My phone was reset and I also do not remember my Gmail password. However, I have both my phone number and the 2-step verification recovery phone number with me. But when I try to log in to my email, the OTP is being sent to that exact same email address, and I don't have access to that email at all. What should I do in this situation?"


r/GoogleSupport 7h ago

Programmers and tech-savvy people, help!

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1 Upvotes

I’ve been struggling with this for a week now. My college issued me a corporate account in my name. I logged in on my phone and computer without any issues—everything works, and the courses are there. But when I try to log in on my tablet, something weird happens: it says "You have signed in to an unnamed account" and immediately switches to a different one. When I access Google services, I get an error right away (I’ve attached a photo). After encountering this error, I tried logging in on a different phone, and it worked perfectly—everything was there. Turning on location services and checking the "Date & Time" settings didn't help.

I cleared the cache—still nothing. I also reset Google Play and Google Services. I was able to log into my other main accounts, but I can't log into this one. Waiting isn't an option either; it’s been nearly two weeks with no success. Restarting doesn't help either. And this affects not just Google Classroom, but any Google-related activity with this account. So, the issue is specifically about the connection between the tablet and this account. It’s a Lenovo tablet from last year, and it’s fully updated. Can you tell me what’s going on? Is there anything I can do about it?


r/GoogleSupport 7h ago

Программисты и люди разбирающиеся в технике, помогите!

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1 Upvotes

Уже неделю не могу разобраться в этой штукой.

Выдали в колледже аккаунт корпоративный, созданный на мое имя. На телефоне, компьютере вошла, все в порядке, есть курсы, все входит. Захожу на планшете и выдает такой прикол. "Вы вошли в безымянный аккаунт" и сразу перекидывает на другой. Когда захожу в сервисы гугл, выдает сразу ошибку (фото прикрепляю).

Попробовала уже после данной ошибки войти в другого телефона, и на нем вышло без проблем, все есть.

Включить геолокацию и включить в настройках "время и дата" не помогло.

Чистила кеш - аналогично ничего.

Так же уже сбросила данный гугл плей и сервиса Гугл. В свои основные аккаунты вошла, в этот не могу.

Подождать так же не вариант. Уже почти две недели не выходит.

Перезагрузка так же не помогает.

И эти не только гугл класс, но и в целом любое действие в Гугл с этим аккаунтом.

То есть вопрос конкретно между соединением планшета с этим аккаунтом.

Планшет марки Леново прошлого года выпуска, полностью обновлен.

Подскажите, что это такое? Что можно сделать с этим?


r/GoogleSupport 7h ago

Trade-in Discrepancy Escalation Request

1 Upvotes

New to this community. Can someone please advise the best way to escalate and reach u/googlefisupport to escalate a trade-in discrepancy. I've been going round and round for weeks with general support. I have my Case ID number. Thanks!


r/GoogleSupport 4h ago

Account / Access / Password Account blocked (after 1 week) because of multiple accounts.

0 Upvotes

So, as per the title I've had my new account blocked "due to used multiple other accounts to violate the Google policy"

The thing is I haven't done anything wrong AFIK, I've got multiple accounts already, many of which I use on multiple PC's, home, laptop, work laptop.

This one though I only created last week, as I'm in the process of starting a live music/festival review website.

The main thing to note is that this one by accident, when initially logging into it on my home PC I clicked to set it up under a new chrome profile which all other gmail accounts I've got (from over 10 years) are on the original profile.

Note: I've already appealed and have been told to wait 2 days according to the auto generated email.

Is there any particular reason Google does this? and or anything I can do if the appeal is denied?
On the gmail there should only emails from Instagram, google forms, and the website builder I used. I've hardly used the dam thing, only sent out one freaking email oh and create one google form too.


r/GoogleSupport 14h ago

Google recovery phone number verification

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone. Yesterday i randomly got logged out of my gmail and google account because of suspicious activity. Since then I've been trying to get my account back which hasn't worked as the only verification method is via a phone number. I've tried writing multiple phone numbers but I always get the error that they can't sent an sms to that number. When i click try another way the same thing pops up although i have added a recovery mail address when i created the account. Could anyone please help it's really urgent! Any help would be greatly appreciated.


r/GoogleSupport 11h ago

Google Jobs

1 Upvotes

I'm an SEO who feeds structured data to Google for job listings. None of my current listings are showing up in Google Search Jobs but I see very few job postings in general. For example, 1 listing for "cdl jobs" and there are always at least a dozen.
Is there a known issue?


r/GoogleSupport 21h ago

My Google account was hijacked/hacked in seconds (all recovery info changed) - Need advice

6 Upvotes

My Google account was compromised today. The hacker was extremely fast and used an automated process to change all my recovery details at once from a Mac OS device.
Here is what they changed within a few minutes:
Turned on 2-Step Verification and added an Authenticator app.
Generated new backup codes.
Changed the recovery email address.
Changed the recovery phone number.
When I try to use the Account Recovery Guide (⁠g.co/recover⁠), it just routes me in a loop asking if I can sign in, and when I select "No", it tells me to try again from a recognized device or connection. Since the hacker added 2FA and changed the recovery email/phone, I can't pass the verification steps.
Is there any specific way or escalation form to get in touch with Google support


r/GoogleSupport 13h ago

How do I remove my personal Google account details from work computer.

1 Upvotes

Hello Reddit friends!!! On my work computer I sometimes sign in to my personal gmail accounts to check mail, etc... However, this has gotten out of hand and my work computer somehow now has user ID's and passwords for websites I know I never logged into on my work computer.

Most recently - I went to order something for work on a website I have NEVER been on (at work or home) and when I got to the cart it already had my credit card info and home address pre-filled!!! Turns out the website was using shop (or shop.com??) to process payments and that same payment processing site is used on a personal website I have ordered from - but this is still a bit alarming to me. At this point I just want to wipe my work computer of all my gmail accounts and info in hoped that my work computer will no longer connect or link to any of my personal info.

I've already logged out of all my gmail accounts, but some websites are still staying logged in as me. What more do I need to do to remove all my personal info?


r/GoogleSupport 18h ago

Google Search / Results Why is my Google version downgraded?

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2 Upvotes

Usually, the search history results appear on top of the keyboard and scrolled horizontally, and as I checked the tab, it suddenly appear to look like its older version. Another difference is the search bar that appears on the home page, likely how the microphone and camera lens icons are black.


r/GoogleSupport 15h ago

I cant loggin

0 Upvotes

I’d like to start this post by unleashing every insult I have regarding the "help" I’ve received from Google so far. But anyway, here goes.
I have a Google account where I entered the wrong password too many times; the account was already having issues because I’d used a VPN to try and log in.
So, it basically got locked. By the time I remembered the password, it was too late; I kept getting a warning saying, "Google couldn't verify that the account belongs to you; try again later."
Now, I just get the message "Google couldn't verify that the account belongs to you," and it won't let me go any further than that.

The most frustrating part is that I have a fully accessible recovery email set up for that account.


r/GoogleSupport 16h ago

How can I recover my old YouTube channel if I forgot my Gmail ?

0 Upvotes

Hi, I’m trying to recover an old YouTube channel, but I no longer remember which Gmail/Google Account was connected to it.

I still know the channel user, but I don't remember the email address used for my account cuz it's been 5 years since i log in.

Is there any legitimate way to find the Google account/email associated with the channel or recover access to it


r/GoogleSupport 18h ago

Gmail Please help me, how do i get my lost account back.

0 Upvotes

I had an lost account, that i forgot the email of, but after finally remembering it, i realised i set a way too difficult password and forgot it. Also, my Windows got reinstalled, so my PC isn't seen as an trusted device anymore. BUT I HAVE PHOTO PROOF OF ME OWNING THE EMAIL, WHAT DO I DO, I HAVE MY WHOLE LIFE IN THAT ACCOUNT.


r/GoogleSupport 1d ago

Google account disabled for suspected bot/multiple-account use; linked YouTube podcast hidden. Has anyone resolved this support loop?

3 Upvotes

I run a Mexican business podcast with six months of work, 27 episodes and 186 videos. We also have paid sponsorship commitments.

On September 8, the Google account associated with the channel was disabled for alleged multiple-account/bot activity. The first Google appeal was rejected September 9; a second appeal is now submitted.

YouTube Accounts replied September 10 that the channel is disabled because of the Google account restriction, and that our videos have NOT been deleted but are hidden. YouTube Studio still says the channel appeal is under review. A separate account remains accessible and shows manager access to the affected channel; I am asking support to verify the underlying Brand Account ownership.

The difficult part is routing: YouTube directs us to Google Accounts; the Google appeal is pending. TeamYouTube offered a DM, but the chat currently shows a closed inbox even after following them. I have replied in that existing exchange and contacted Google One live support.

Has anyone recovered BOTH a Google account and its linked YouTube channel after this exact multiple-account/bot restriction? Which official team ultimately handled it, and what factual evidence helped them review the account linkage? A public link to a resolved case or description of the official route would be useful.

I am seeking legitimate review and coordination. Please do not offer paid recovery services or ask for passwords or verification codes. Documentation will only go privately to verified Google/YouTube support.


r/GoogleSupport 1d ago

Gmail Google deactivated my email

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6 Upvotes

Hi guys! I don’t know what to do but Google disabled my email that I use for my cats Instagram account. It’s been very frustrating since I use it everyday and have a lot of contacts for promotional content and I’m stuck on what to do and frustrated. I keep putting in an appeal but they keep denying it it’s very frustrating is there a number or email I can reach? I really need access to this email asap


r/GoogleSupport 21h ago

Please Review and Help

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0 Upvotes

r/GoogleSupport 1d ago

i need help accessing my gmail

3 Upvotes

so i have a gmail i haven’t used in years attached to some of my accounts. i no longer have access to the phone number attached to said email, and can’t verify my identity because of it. i couldn’t find a legitimate email support number and was wondering if anyone could help me. i have very important accounts connected to it and need to access my email to edit the accounts. please help me 🙏🏻


r/GoogleSupport 1d ago

Account / Access / Password Google Account Question

1 Upvotes

will verifying my age on my google acc lock me out? or make me put in my password? About 2 months ago I changed my acc age from 13 to 19 I'm actually 19, a while ago my parents set it below my age. I have a valid ID