How to Create a Gmail Account

Set up a Gmail account in minutes with these simple steps

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on January 6, 2021
Reviewed by
Kayla Dube
Kayla Dube headshot
Reviewed by Kayla Dube
  • J. Everette Light Career Center
Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

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.

These instructions apply to web browsers in any operating system.

How to Create a Gmail Account

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.

    Create your Google Account window
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  2. Enter your first and last name.

    Name entry in Create your Google Account
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  3. Type your desired 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."

    Suggested email address in Google Account creation
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  4. Input an email password that is difficult to guess.

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

  5. Select Next.

  6. Optionally, you can enter your mobile phone number and/or an alternate email address for account verification and authorization. Google uses this information to to allow you to recover a lost password.

  7. Enter your birth date and gender (all fields are required).

  8. Select Next.

    Phone number, recover email address, birthdate and gender screen for new Gmail account
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  9. You will be asked to verify your phone number or alternate email. Click Send or skip this by clicking Not now.

    Gmail verification page.

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

    Privacy and Terms screen for Google Account
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    If you do not agree to the privacy and terms, you will not be able to continue creating a Gmail account.

  11. You'll be directed 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.

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