This article shows you how to restore access to a Yahoo account using a recovery email address or phone number. If you haven't configured at least one of these two information, you won't be able to retrieve your account login credentials.
Steps
Step 1. Access the web page https://login.yahoo.com/forgot using your computer's internet browser
This is the Yahoo support page: it will allow you to regain access to your account after verifying your identity by sending a security code to the email address or phone number linked to the profile.
- In order to restore your Yahoo account, you will need to have access to the recovery email address or phone number you have configured. If not, you can speak to a customer service agent for a small fee. This is an English language service accessible by following these instructions: open the web page https://help.yahoo.com/kb/account and click on the link Speak with a live agent located at the top right of the page.
- If you haven't logged into your Yahoo account for more than 12 months, it is very likely that it has been permanently deleted by the platform administrators.
Step 2. Enter your Yahoo account email address and click the Continue button
If you don't remember this information, enter the phone number associated with the profile or the recovery email address.
Step 3. Review your recovery email address or phone number
It should be partially visible on the screen. If you have access to the mailbox or device indicated, click on the button Yes, send me an SMS with the verification code. If not, click on the item I don't have access to view the list of other options available to you.
- If you cannot use any of the proposed recovery options, you will see a message similar to the following: "It seems that your account cannot be recovered". To try again, using a different email address or mobile number, click on the button Start again.
- If you have chosen to use a recovery phone number, you will be asked to verify it is correct by entering two of the missing digits. In this case, type the correct numbers into the blue underlined text field and press the button Send.
Step 4. Find the verification code inside the message you received from Yahoo
If you have chosen to use a recovery email address, log in to the corresponding mailbox, read the message you received from Yahoo and make a note of the code. If, on the other hand, you have chosen to receive an SMS to the mobile number linked to the account, read the message to be able to retrieve the verification code.
If you can't find the email Yahoo sent you, try looking at the folder Spam or Junk Mail.
Step 5. Enter the verification code and click the Continue button
At this point, the account should have been restored. Since you no longer have access to the old security password, you will be given the option to create a new one.
Step 6. Click on the Create New Password option
Step 7. Type the new password in both fields available
Make sure they are exactly identical.
Step 8. Click the Continue button
At this point, you should be logged into your Yahoo account with the new password you just created.
As soon as you log into your account, you will have the opportunity to change your recovery options. You can add a new email address or remove an existing one you no longer have access to; just follow the instructions that will appear on the screen
Advice
- After deactivating a Yahoo account, you will have the option to reactivate it simply by logging in within 90 days of the deactivation date.
- Once an account is reported for permanent deletion, it is no longer possible to cancel the deletion process.
