How to Create a Gmail Account

Set up a Gmail account in minutes with these simple steps

Gmail on iPhone
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by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated November 07, 2018

It's easy to create a free Gmail email account, whether you want a new email address a different username or more storage for your messages.

A Gmail account offers these and a robust spam filter. You can use it to access your existing email accounts and profit from Gmail eliminating the junk. You can also use it to archive old mail or as a backup.

How to Create a Gmail Account

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Setting up a free Gmail account is a quick, easy process that takes little time to complete. Below are the step-by-step instructions you'll need to create an account and start using Gmail in no time.

  1. Visit Create your Google Account for Gmail.

  2. Enter your first and last name in the Name section.

  3. Type your desired username under Choose your username.

    Your Gmail email address will be your username followed by "@gmail.com." If your Gmail username is "example," for instance, your Gmail address is "example@gmail.com."

  4. Enter a password for your Gmail account under both Create a password and Confirm your password. Pick an email password that is difficult to guess.

    For enhanced security, you should later enable two-factor authentication for your Gmail account.

  5. Click Next.

    Website for creating a Gmail account, focusing on the Next button

  6. You are asked to verify your phone number. You can skip this step if you prefer.

    Verify your phone number web page while creating a new Gmail account

  7. Enter your mobile phone number and an alternate email address for account verification and authorization. Google uses this information to protect your privacy and to allow you to recover a lost password.

  8. Enter your birth date and gender in the fields provided.

  9. Click Next.

    Phone number, recover email address, birthdate and gender screen for new Gmail account

  10. Read and the Privacy and Terms and then click I Agree to continue.

    Privacy and Terms screen when creating a new Gmail account

    If you do not agree to the privacy and terms, you will not be able to continue creating a Gmail account.

  11. That's it. You're done. Once you click I Agree you're taken to the My Account page for the email address you just created. From there, you can sign into your account, manage your personal information, and set your account preferences.

Access the Gmail Account and Your Other Existing Email

You can access Gmail on the web, and you can also set it up in desktop and mobile email programs. There are Gmail apps for Windows 10, iOS and Android mobile devices. Just download the app compatible with your device and sign in. Gmail lets you access your other existing POP email accounts, both for sending and receiving mail.