# What is a backup email?

A backup email allows you to:
- Receive security alerts at a second email address.
- Receive support communications if you lose access to your primary email.
- Regain access to your account if you lose access to your primary email.
## How do I add a backup email?
1. On the [**Dashboard**](https://dashboard.stripe.com/), click the **Settings** gear icon in the upper-right corner.
1. In the **Personal settings** section, click **Personal details**.
1. Click  **Edit** to the right of the **User** heading.
1. Under **Backup email**, click **Add backup email** and enter your backup email address.
1. Check your backup email inbox for a confirmation email and enter the 6-digit code.
1. Follow the remaining prompts to verify your identity.
1. On completion, the dialog closes and your new backup email appears.
## How do I update or remove an existing backup email?
1. On the [**Dashboard**](https://dashboard.stripe.com/), click the **Settings** gear icon in the upper-right corner.
1. In the **Personal settings** section, click **Personal details**.
1. Click **Edit** to the right of the **User** heading and find **Backup email** in this section.
   - To update your backup email:
     1. Click **Update backup email** and enter your new backup email.
     1. Follow the prompts to confirm your new backup email and verify your identity.
     1. On completion, the dialog closes and your new backup email appears.
   - To remove your backup email:
     1. Click **Remove backup email**.
     1. Follow the prompts to verify your identity.
     1. On completion, the dialog closes and your backup email no longer appears.
## Can I add a backup email if I use SSO/SAML to sign in?
No, unless you have access to a merchant that supports email and password sign-in. If you only have access to SSO/SAML merchants, you won't be able to add a backup email.
If you have a backup email and lose access to all merchants that support email and password sign-in, you keep your backup email but can't update it. However, you can remove it.
## Can I add a backup email if I use Sign in with Google?
Yes. Follow the steps above to add one.