I was trying to download the scanned PDF files attached to my previous emails in my Gmail account. Each scanned PDF file is about 10MB, and there are quite a few of them. After downloading some, my Gmail account became locked down.
Unusual Usage – Account Temporarily Locked Down
To keep our systems healthy, Google has temporarily disabled your
account. This primarily occurs when we detect unusually high levels of
activity on your account. In most cases, it should take one hour to
regain access. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours for access to
be reinstated.
It has been locked down for two hours, and i can't afford waiting for 24 hours for access to be reinstated.
How shall I do then? Does Gmail have a customer service phone number which I can call for immediate assistance?
Best Answer
Short answer
Wait a bit (an hour) and try again. Repeat as necessary.
Long answer
Explanation
The Gmail consumer accounts support options could vary from time to time and due to other factors like location and language and day time.
First, take a look to the Gmail Help Center for a "Contact us" link. If it's not there search for a help article related to your issue. If you are lucky, a pop-up will be displayed offering you to chat with a support agent.
The next thing to try is to post a question in the Gmail help forum. Bear in mind that getting help to be in touch with a Gmail support agent could take a while and that there is no guarantee that it will occur.
As far as I know, even been able to get in touch with a Gmail support agent, the user of a locked-down account should wait until the access being automatically reinstated.
How to prevent this from occurring again
Instead of downloading a large number of attachments manually in a short time, use one or several of the following alternatives:
References
1. Contact us - Google
2. Attachments: View, download, and save - Gmail Help
3. Get started with IMAP and POP3 - Gmail Help
4. Dowload your data - Accounts Help