Setting up a Gmail account

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Introduction

Setting up a Gmail account is easy. You will begin by creating a Google account, and during the quick sign-up process you will choose your Gmail account name. In this lesson, we'll show you how to set up your Google account for Gmail, add and edit contacts, and edit your mail settings.

Setting up a Gmail account

To create a Gmail address, you'll first need to create a Google account. Gmail will redirect you to the Google account sign-up page. You'll need to provide some basic information like your name, birth date, gender, and location. You will also need to choose a name for your new Gmail address. Once you create an account, you'll be able to start adding contacts and adjusting your mail settings.

To create an account:

  1. Go to www.gmail.com.
  2. Click Create account.
    Clicking create an account link
  3. The sign-up form will appear. Follow the directions by entering the required information.
    Filling in the signup form
  4. Next, enter your phone number to verify your account. Google uses a two-step verification process for your security.

    verify phone number
  5. You will receive a text message from Google with a verification code. Enter the code to complete the account verification.
    typing a verification code then clicking the Verify button
  6. Next, you will see a form to enter some of your personal information, like your name and birthday.
    Enter personal information
  7. Review Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then click I agree.
    Clicking the I Agree button
  8. Your account will be created.
    opening the account menu in the top-right corner of Google

Just like with any online service, it's important to choose a strong password—in other words, one that is difficult for someone else to guess. For more information, review our lesson on creating strong passwords.

Signing in to your account

When you first create your account, you will be automatically signed in. Most of the time, however, you'll need to sign in to your account and sign out when you're done with it. Signing out is especially important if you're using a shared computer (for example, at a library or office) because it prevents others from viewing your emails.