How Do I Recover My Hacked Yahoo Email Account?

In a nutshell: If you suspect that your Yahoo email account has been hacked, there are several steps you can take to recover it. First, sign in to your account and change your password on the Account Security page. Then, review any third-party apps linked to your account and delete any that you don't recognize. Next, manage your email addresses and recovery numbers to prevent being locked out. After that, review and revert any changed mail settings on the Mail Settings page. Install or update your antivirus software for added protection, and consider enabling two-step verification for your account. Finally, make sure to review your recovery methods and settings occasionally to avoid being locked out.

Dec 18, 2023

Introduction

A Yahoo email account may have been hacked when you no longer receive incoming emails or when there are unusual logins on your recent activity page. Check the Sent folder for spam sent to your contacts, which may also indicate a hacked account. Also, determine if your email settings were changed without your knowledge, including the parameters of your email filters, email signature, sending name, and auto-forwarding addresses. Otherwise, do the steps below to recover your hacked Yahoo mail account.

Sign In to Your Account

Go to the Account Security Page

Click Change Password

How Do I Recover My Hacked Yahoo Email Account? (Step 3)

Enter a New Password and Tap Continue

If you can't remember your password, go to the Reset Password page to create a new password. Include numbers and special characters for added security.

Go Back to the Account Security Page

Don't log out yet so you can review any third-party apps linked to your Yahoo account. Older third-party apps that don't have the branded Yahoo sign-in page require just a single password to log in.

Hit Generate and Manage App Passwords

Review the third-party app passwords on your account and delete the ones you don't recognize.

Click Delete Next to the App Password You Want to Remove

Tap Delete to Confirm

Go Back to the Yahoo Account Security Page

The next step is to manage your email addresses and recovery numbers so you don't get locked out.

Add Your Email or Phone Number

You can find this on the Yahoo Account Security Page.

Enter a Recovery Email or Phone Number

Follow the On-Screen Instructions

If you already have a mobile number or email address as a recovery option, tap Edit if you want to change them. Follow the on-screen prompts to update the phone number and email. You also have the option to delete a mobile number or email address.

Go to Mail Settings

After managing your passwords and recovery methods, the next step is to revert the changed mail settings. Just review the settings on your account on the Mail Settings page and edit those that were changed.

Install or Update Your Antivirus Software

If you have antivirus software installed on your computer or laptop, update it. Don't have one yet? Make sure you install one to protect yourself from cybercriminals.

Go Back to the Account Security Page

You can add a layer of protection to your account by using a two-step verification. From the security page, look for Two-Step Verification and turn it on.

Select a Yahoo App to Apply the Two-Step Verification

How Do I Recover My Hacked Yahoo Email Account? (Step 16)

Follow the On-Screen Prompts

Conclusion

When Yahoo notices unusual account activity, you may be asked to verify your identity for security purposes. Yahoo may also ask you to verify your account even after successful sign-in when you use an unfamiliar browser or device to sign in or when you are in incognito mode. You'll need the phone number and email address in your recovery method to recover your account. This is why reviewing your recovery methods or settings occasionally is recommended to ensure you don't get locked out. If you have further questions about your Yahoo Mail, please contact Customer Support.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
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