Friends getting strange emails from you? Password reset emails you didn’t ask for? If your email was hacked, here’s what to do, in plain steps: change your password from a clean device, turn on two-factor sign-in, remove forwarding and rules you didn’t create in Outlook.com and Gmail, sign out devices you don’t recognize, check your recovery info, scan your computer, and warn your contacts.
Signs your email was hacked
- Friends get spam or strange requests from you
- Sent messages you didn’t write — Check your Sent and Deleted folders
- Password reset emails you didn’t ask for
- Forwarding or rules you didn’t set up — Your mail quietly goes somewhere else
- You can’t sign in at all
Your email was hacked? Do this, step by step
1Step 1: Change your password, from a clean device
Use a computer or phone you know is clean. In your Microsoft account, Security shows Recent activity: look for sign-ins you don’t recognize.
2Turn on two-factor sign-in
With two-factor sign-in, a stolen password isn’t enough. You approve each new sign-in on your phone.
3Step 3: Outlook.com: turn off forwarding and delete rules you didn’t create
Settings → Mail → Forwarding. If forwarding is on and you didn’t set it up, uncheck Enable forwarding and click Save.
3Step 3: Gmail: disable forwarding and delete filters you didn’t create
Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP. Choose Disable forwarding, then Save Changes.
4Step 4: Sign out devices you don’t recognize, and check your recovery info
Google Account → Security & sign-in → Your devices. Next to a device you don’t recognize, choose Sign out.
+Want us to check it for you?
We’ll secure your email account, remove forwarding and rules, check your computer for malware, and set up two-factor sign-in.
Step 5: finish the cleanup
- Scan your computer — Run a full scan with your security software
- Warn your contacts — Ask them not to click links or send money “from you”
- Same password somewhere else? — Change it there too, starting with banking and shopping
- Watch for fake “helpers” — Naples Computers never cold-calls you to get on your computer
Recap: what to do if your email was hacked
- New password, from a clean device
- Turn on two-factor sign-in
- Remove forwarding & rules
- Sign out other devices
- Check recovery phone & email
- Scan, warn contacts, fix reused passwords
Printable quick guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my email was hacked?
Common signs: friends get spam or strange requests for money from you, your Sent folder has messages you didn’t write, you get password reset emails you didn’t ask for, your mail is forwarded or moved by rules you didn’t create, or you can’t sign in.
Is changing my password enough?
No. Hackers often set up forwarding or rules so they keep getting your mail after you change the password. Also turn on two-factor sign-in, sign out devices you don’t recognize, check your recovery phone and email, and scan your computer.
How do I turn off email forwarding in Outlook.com and Gmail?
Outlook.com: Settings, Mail, Forwarding, uncheck Enable forwarding, Save. Gmail: Settings, See all settings, Forwarding and POP/IMAP, choose Disable forwarding, Save Changes. Then check Rules (Outlook.com) or Filters and Blocked Addresses (Gmail).
What if I can’t sign in to my email anymore?
Use your provider’s official account recovery page, from a device you know is clean. If you get stuck, call Naples Computers at 239-513-1960 and we’ll help you get back in.
Should I tell my contacts?
Yes. Let friends and family know your email was hacked, and ask them not to click links or send money if a message seems to come from you.
Related guides
- How to turn on two-factor authentication
- How to spot a phishing email
- Password managers: why you need one and how to start
- Email hacked? Get help from Naples Computers
Source: How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account (FTC)