How to Create a Google Account

Enjoy the benefits of Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and more

By
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Writer
  • University of Texas at Arlington
Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator.
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Updated on February 16, 2021

What to Know

  • Go to the Google account signup page and create a username to serve as your Gmail address (such as username@gmail.com).
  • In the upper-right corner of the Google screen, select the grid icon to see the Google products (Google Drive, Gmail, and others).
  • Go to myaccount.google.com to access your personal information, privacy, and account preferences at any time.

This article explains how to create a Google account so that you can take advantage of Gmail, YouTube, and other Google products.

Create Your Google Account

Signing up for a Google account is free and easy. Here's how to do it.

  1. In a web browser, go to the Google account signup page.

    If you're not sure if you have a Google account, visit the Google Accounts password change page. Enter an email address you may have used to create a Google Account. Google tells you if it recognizes the email address or not.

    the Google Account signup page

  2. Enter your first name and last name in the fields provided.

  3. Create a username, which will be your Gmail address in this format: username@gmail.com.

    creating a Google Account, entering name and password

  4. Enter a password and confirm it.

  5. Select Next.

  6. Enter your phone number (optional), recovery email address (optional), birthday, and gender (optional).

    Google Account signup, with birthday and gender

  7. Select Next.

  8. Read Google's Privacy and Terms and select I Agree.

    Google's Privacy and Terms, part of Google Account creation

  9. Your new Google account has been created and you can start using your Gmail address and Google's other products.

    Google Account welcome screen after account creation

    Access your personal information, privacy, and account preferences at any time by heading to myaccount.google.com and signing in.

Why Create a Google Account?

Most users are familiar with Google's search capabilities, but Google offers an array of powerful services that go beyond search, including Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, Calendar, and more. To add, use, and manage any of Google's products, you need just one Google account, with just a single username and password.

Explore Google's Products

To see and learn about all of Google's products, navigate to the Google Products page:

  1. In the top right corner of the Google screen, select the icon that looks like a keypad. You'll see a pop-up menu of Google product icons.

    Google Product icons

    The most popular products, such as Search, Maps, and YouTube, are displayed at the top.

  2. Scroll down and select More From Google to access additional products.

    More From Google to access more Google Account products

  3. You'll be taken to the Google Products page, where you can learn about and access all of Google's products.

    Google's Products Page
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