How to Reset Your Android if You Forgot Your Gmail Account

Since Android devices require the use of a Google Account for many of the features to work, it can be difficult to access one if you forget or lose your Gmail login information -- Gmail uses the same login information as your Google Account. If you can still access your settings, you can use the Factory Reset option in the Settings to reset the phone. If you cannot access the settings, you can use Recovery Mode to perform the reset. When you reset the device, all data will be wiped.

Settings

Open the app launcher on your Android device and tap "Settings."

Find "Backup & Reset" in the Settings menu and select it.

Choose "Factory Data Reset" from the options. Confirm that you want to delete all the data on the device. Once the reset is done, Android will reboot. From there you can log on with a different Gmail account, if you want.

Recovery Mode

Power off the device and wait for it to completely power down.

Press the power button and the volume up button at the same time. Note your Android device may have a slightly different key combination to enter recovery mode. It may be volume up, volume down and power; volume up, home and power, volume down and power; or volume up, volume down, home and power. Check your device's manual for the appropriate combination for your model.

Use the volume keys to navigate the recovery menu. Use the power button to select an option.

Navigate to "Factory Data Reset" and select it. Confirm that you want to proceed. The device will reboot once the reset is complete.