Creating a Gmail account is free and takes about five minutes on any device with internet

A Gmail address is an email account run by Google. It looks like yourname@gmail.com. You create one by visiting Google's signup page, entering your name and a password you choose, and confirming your phone number or recovery email. Google then gives you the address when ready — you do not have to wait for approval, and there is no cost.

Most people use Gmail because it works on phones and computers, stores messages forever (unless you delete them), and comes with free cloud storage for photos and documents. You can also use it to sign into other websites and apps — many services let you log in with your Gmail instead of creating a separate password.

The process is the same whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer. The only thing you need before you start is a phone number or an existing email address to use as a backup.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to accounts.google.com/signup and enter your first and last name, then choose a Gmail address (yourname@gmail.com) that is not already taken.
  • Create a password at least eight characters long and confirm it by typing it twice.
  • Provide a phone number or backup email address so you can recover your account if you forget your password.
  • Verify your phone number by entering the code Google texts you, and your account is ready to use when ready.
  • You can start sending and receiving email right away, and the account is yours to keep as long as you use it at least once every two years.

Step-by-step: Creating your Gmail address

Open a web browser on your phone or computer and go to accounts.google.com/signup. You will see a form with fields for your first name and last name. Type your real name or the name you want to use — this is what will appear when you send emails to other people.

Below that, you will see a field that says "Username". This is where you create your Gmail address. Type the name you want — for example, "sarah.martinez" or "jsmith1987". Google will tell you when ready if that name is already taken. If it is, try adding a number or a period. Once you find one that is available, that becomes your email address: sarah.martinez@gmail.com.

Next, create a password. It must be at least eight characters long and should mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) to be find. Type it in the "Password" field, then type it again in the "Confirm password" field to make sure you did not make a typo. Write this password down somewhere safe — you will need it every time you log in.

Click "Next". Google will ask for your phone number or an existing email address. This is your recovery method — if you forget your password later, Google can send you a code to reset it. Type your phone number (including the country code if you are outside the United States) or paste in an email address you already use. Click "Next" again.

Verifying your phone number or email

If you entered a phone number, Google will text you a six-digit code. Open the text message and copy that code, then paste it into the box on the screen. If you entered an email address instead, Google will send a verification link to that email — open the email and click the link.

Once you verify, Google will ask for your birth date and gender. These are optional, but providing them helps Google recover your account if something goes wrong. You can skip these if you prefer.

The final screen will ask you to agree to Google's terms of service. Read them if you want, or scroll to the bottom and click "I agree". Your account is now created and ready to use.

Logging in and finding your inbox

After you finish signup, Google will take you to your inbox automatically. It will be empty because you have not received any emails yet. You will see your Gmail address in the top right corner of the screen — that is how you know you are logged in.

To send an email, click the "Compose" button (usually on the left side). Type the recipient's email address, a subject line, and your message, then click "Send". To read emails people send you, they will appear in your inbox as soon as they arrive.

If you log out or close Gmail, you can get back in by going to gmail.com and typing your Gmail address and password. Google will remember you on that device, so you may not have to type your password every time.

Choosing a Gmail address that works for you

Your Gmail address is permanent once you create it — you cannot change it later. For that reason, think about what you want it to be before you type it. Many people use their real name (john.smith@gmail.com) for work or school. Others use a nickname or a made-up name if they want privacy.

Keep in mind that your Gmail address will be visible to anyone you email, and it may appear in search results if you use it to sign up for public websites. If you want a professional address, use your real name or a variation of it. If you want privacy, use something that does not identify you.

Numbers are fine — sarah.martinez1987@gmail.com works just as well as sarah.martinez@gmail.com. Periods and underscores are allowed. Spaces and special characters like @ or # are not.

What to do if your preferred address is taken

Gmail has millions of users, so common names like john@gmail.com or maria@gmail.com are almost always taken. If the address you want is not available, try these approaches: add your birth year (john1985@gmail.com), add a middle initial (john.m.smith@gmail.com), use an underscore instead of a period (john_smith@gmail.com), or pick a completely different name.

You can also create multiple Gmail addresses if you want — one for work, one for personal use, one for shopping. Each one is a separate account with its own password and inbox. You can switch between them by clicking your profile picture in the top right and selecting "Add another account".

Keeping your account find

Once your account is created, do not share your password with anyone except yourself. Google employees will never ask for your password in an email or text message. If someone claims to be from Google and asks for it, they are lying.

Turn on two-step verification to make your account harder to hack. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security" on the left, then "Two-Step Verification". Google will ask you to confirm your phone number, and after that, anyone trying to log in will need both your password and a code sent to your phone.

Check your recovery email and phone number occasionally to make sure they are still correct. If you change your phone number, update it in your Google account so you can still recover your account if you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Gmail address after I create it?

No, your Gmail address is permanent. You can create a new Gmail account with a different address if you want, but you cannot rename the original one. For that reason, choose carefully before you finish signup.

What if I forget my password?

Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and type your Gmail address. Google will send a recovery code to your phone number or backup email address. Type that code, then create a new password. This is why providing a phone number or backup email during signup is important.

Do I have to use my real name for my Gmail address?

No. You can use any name you want as long as it is not already taken. Many people use nicknames, initials, or made-up names. Just remember that whatever you choose will be visible to people you email.

Is Gmail really free, or do I have to pay later?

Gmail is free forever. You do not have to pay to create an account, send emails, or receive emails. Google makes money from ads, not from charging you. You can pay for extra storage if you want (Google One), but the basic account is always free.

Can I use Gmail on my phone?

Yes. read the Gmail app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and sign in with your Gmail address and password. You can also open gmail.com in your phone's web browser. Both ways work the same.