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In today’s digital age, Gmail has become one of the most popular email services worldwide. Whether you use it for personal communication or professional purposes, ensuring your account’s security is vital. Unfortunately, situations arise where your Gmail account got hacked, leading to lost access and potential data breaches. Knowing how to safeguard your account, understand essential incoming server settings, and steps to recover a Gmail account or even recover deleted Gmail mails can save you from a lot of hassle.

Understanding the Importance of Correct Incoming Server Settings
When setting up your Gmail account on an email client like Outlook, Thunderbird, or a mobile mail app, configuring the correct incoming server settings is crucial. These settings allow your email client to retrieve emails from Gmail’s servers securely and reliably.

For Gmail, the incoming mail server is typically imap.gmail.com for IMAP protocol or pop.gmail.com for POP3. The recommended port for IMAP is 993 with SSL enabled, and for POP3, port 995 with SSL. Using the correct settings ensures you receive your emails without interruption and minimizes the risk of syncing errors or security vulnerabilities.

If your incoming server settings are incorrect, your email client may fail to fetch messages, leading to confusion and missed communications. Always verify these details from official Gmail support resources when configuring your email app.

What to Do If Your Gmail Account Got Hacked
Discovering that your Gmail account got hacked can be alarming. Hackers might use your account to send spam, steal personal information, or access linked services. Immediate action is essential to regain control and protect your data.

First, try to log into your Gmail account and change your password immediately. If you’re locked out, proceed to the account recovery process. Review your account’s recent activity via Google’s security settings to check for unauthorized logins. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra security layer, making it harder for hackers to access your account again.

It’s also wise to check and update your recovery email and phone number, ensuring Google can contact you if suspicious activity is detected in the future.

How to Recover a Gmail Account When Locked Out
Whether due to hacking or forgotten credentials, you may need to recover a Gmail account. Google offers a straightforward recovery process to help you regain access.

Visit the Gmail recovery page and enter your email address. You will be prompted to verify your identity through various methods, such as entering a previously used password, receiving a verification code on your recovery phone number, or answering security questions.

For best results, provide accurate and consistent information during the recovery process. If you have recovery email or phone number set up, it greatly increases the chance of successfully recovering your account.

Steps to Recover Deleted Gmail Mails
Accidentally deleting important emails happens to everyone. The good news is that Gmail offers an easy way to recover deleted Gmail mails if acted upon quickly.

Start by checking the Trash folder in your Gmail account. Emails deleted from your inbox are usually stored in Trash for up to 30 days before permanent deletion. Simply select the emails you want to restore and move them back to your inbox or any other folder.

If emails have been permanently deleted from Trash, Gmail’s chances of recovery are slim but not impossible. You can try contacting Google Support to see if they can assist in retrieving lost data, especially if it involves account compromise or data loss.

Conclusion
Managing your Gmail account securely and efficiently involves understanding key aspects like the correct incoming server settings for smooth email access and being prepared to act swiftly if your Gmail account got hacked. Knowing how to recover a Gmail account and recover deleted Gmail mails ensures that even when issues arise, you can regain control and prevent significant data loss.