How to recover a permanently deleted YouTube account without email access

Losing access to your YouTube account can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have access to the email you used to create the account.

Sometimes, accounts get deleted, and it feels like there is no way to recover them. However, there are a few ways to try and get back your YouTube account, even if it’s been permanently deleted and you don’t have access to the email.

In this article, I will explain step-by-step how you can attempt to recover a permanently deleted YouTube account without email access.

What Does It Mean to Have a “Permanently Deleted” Account?

Before we begin, it’s important to understand what “permanently deleted” means. When a YouTube account is permanently deleted, it means that all of your videos, comments, playlists, and other data are gone. However, even in these situations, you can try certain methods to recover your account.

Step 1: Try to Use Recovery Form

YouTube provides a recovery form for people who have trouble accessing their accounts. If your account has been deleted and you don’t have access to the email, this form might help you.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Go to the YouTube Help Center (search “YouTube Help Center” on Google).
2. Look for the Account Recovery Form or Contact Us section.
3. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, including the username of the deleted account and any other information about the account.

Make sure to provide accurate information because YouTube will use this to verify your identity.

Step 2: Try Recovering with Phone Number

If you have linked your YouTube account with a phone number, you can try using it to recover your account. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Google Account Recovery page.
2. Enter your phone number.
3. You might be asked to enter some additional information to prove that the account is yours. Google will then send a recovery code to your phone.
4. Use that code to reset your Google account password and gain access.

This method works best if your YouTube account was connected to a phone number, and you still have access to that number.

Step 3: Contact YouTube Support

Another option is to contact YouTube Support directly. Even though this may seem slow, sometimes it’s the best way to get help. Here’s what you can do:

1. Log in to a different Google account or create a new one.
2. Go to the YouTube Help Center and select Contact Us.
3. Explain your problem in detail, stating that you have lost access to both your email and YouTube account.
4. Provide as much information about your old account as possible (like the username, the approximate date when the account was deleted, or any associated channels).

YouTube support will review your case and decide if your account can be recovered.

Step 4: Check Backup Email

If you’ve ever added a backup email address to your YouTube/Google account, this might be the easiest way to recover your account. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Google Account Recovery page.
2. Click on Forgot Email or Forgot Password.
3. Enter your backup email address and follow the instructions.

Once you verify that the backup email belongs to you, Google will allow you to reset your password and regain access to your YouTube account.

Step 5: Use Your Linked Social Media Accounts

Sometimes, you may have linked your YouTube account to a social media profile like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In such cases, you can try the following steps:

1. Visit the Google Account Recovery page.
2. Select Sign in with another account or choose Sign in with social media.
3. Follow the instructions and log in through your social media account.

If your YouTube account was linked to your social media profile, this method could help you get back in without needing your email.

Step 6: Search for Help on Forums

Sometimes, the best way to find help is through forums where people share their experiences and solutions. Websites like Reddit or YouTube Community Forums have many users who might have faced the same problem.

1. Go to Reddit or search for a YouTube help forum.
2. Post your question and describe your issue.
3. Wait for replies from people who have found ways to recover their accounts without email access.

This method doesn’t always guarantee success, but it might lead you to new ideas on how to recover your account.

Step 7: Recover Deleted YouTube Videos

If you’re only concerned about recovering the videos you had uploaded, you might be able to retrieve them. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to bring back videos directly from YouTube if your account is permanently deleted. However, you can try a few things:

1. Google Search Cache: Sometimes, Google saves a copy of old YouTube videos in their search results. Try searching for your old video titles on Google, and if you’re lucky, you might find cached versions of your videos.
2. Wayback Machine: The Wayback Machine is a website that stores old versions of web pages. You can search for your deleted YouTube account or videos there, and you might find older copies.

Step 8: Prevent Future Issues

To avoid losing access to your YouTube account in the future, here are a few tips:

1. Update Your Email: Make sure your YouTube account is connected to an active and secure email.
2. Add Recovery Options: Add a backup email or phone number to your Google account so you can easily recover it.
3. Backup Your Videos: Always save copies of important YouTube videos on your computer or cloud storage, just in case.

Conclusion

Recovering a permanently deleted YouTube account without email access may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined above—such as filling out the recovery form, using a linked phone number, or contacting YouTube Support—you have a chance of regaining access to your account.

Always remember to keep your account information up to date to prevent this situation from happening again. Even though it might take time and effort, it’s worth trying all the methods mentioned to recover your YouTube account. Good luck!