The fastest way to access Gmail
Go to gmail.com in your web browser. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your account, then click Next. On the next screen, enter your password and click Next again. If you have two-step verification turned on, you will be asked to confirm your identity using your phone or a security key before you can enter.
Once you sign in, you land on your inbox. Your messages appear in a list, with the newest at the top. If this is your first time signing in on this device, Gmail may ask whether to trust the browser — you can choose to remember it so you do not have to verify every time.
If you do not remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. Gmail will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier, then let you create a new password.
Key Takeaways
- Visit gmail.com and enter your email address or phone number, then your password to sign in.
- If two-step verification is on, you will need to confirm your identity using your phone or security key after entering your password.
- You can use a recovery email or phone number to reset your password if you forget it.
- On a trusted device, Gmail remembers you so you do not have to sign in every time you visit.
- If you do not have a Gmail account yet, you can create one at accounts.google.com by clicking Create account.
Signing in on your phone or tablet
Open the Gmail app on your phone or tablet. If you have not installed it yet, download it from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android). Tap Sign in, then enter your email address and tap Next. Enter your password and tap Next.
The app will ask for permission to access your contacts, calendar, and other information on your device — you can allow or deny each one. If two-step verification is on, you will see a prompt to verify using your phone. After you sign in, the app shows your inbox and syncs new messages automatically.
To sign in to multiple Gmail accounts on the same phone, tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the app, then tap Add another account. You can switch between accounts by tapping your profile picture again and selecting the one you want.
What to do if you cannot sign in
If you see an error message saying your password is wrong, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword is different from mypassword. If you still cannot sign in after trying again, use the Forgot password? link to reset it.
If Gmail says your account does not exist, check that you are using the correct email address. Some people have multiple Gmail accounts and forget which one they use. If you created your account with a phone number instead of an email address, try signing in with that phone number.
If you see a message saying your account has been locked or suspended, Gmail will explain why and what to do next. This usually happens if Google detects unusual activity or if you have not used the account in a very long time. Follow the steps Gmail provides to regain access.
Two-step verification and security
Two-step verification adds a second layer of security by requiring you to confirm your identity on a device you trust — usually your phone. After you enter your password, Gmail sends a code to your phone via text message or an app like Google Authenticator. You enter that code to finish signing in.
If you turn on two-step verification, keep a list of backup codes in a safe place. These codes let you sign in if you lose access to your phone. You can find them in your Google Account settings under Security. If you lose your phone, you can use a backup code instead of waiting for a text message.
If you are locked out because you cannot receive codes on your phone, go to the Google Account recovery page and follow the steps to verify your identity using other information, such as a recovery email address or answers to security questions you set up earlier.
Using Gmail on a computer you do not own
If you sign in on a shared computer, library computer, or someone else's device, do not check the box that says Trust this browser or Stay signed in. After you finish using Gmail, sign out by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting Sign out.
On a shared device, always sign out when you are done. If you forget, the next person who uses that computer can see your emails. Some browsers also have a private or incognito mode that does not save your sign-in information — using that mode adds extra protection on a shared device.
Recovering a hacked or forgotten account
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password immediately. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left, then click Password and enter a new one. After you change your password, check the Your devices section to see which phones, tablets, and computers are signed in. Remove any devices you do not recognize.
If you have not used your Gmail account in a long time, Google may disable it to protect your data. You can reactivate it by signing in again. If you cannot remember your password and do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, use the account recovery form at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery to prove you own the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign in to Gmail without a password?
Yes, if you set up a passkey on your device. A passkey uses your fingerprint, face, or device PIN instead of a password. You can add a passkey in your Google Account settings under Security. Not all devices support passkeys yet, but they work on most modern phones and computers.
What should I do if I forgot which email address I used for Gmail?
Check your email inbox or old emails for messages from Google. Gmail sends a welcome email when you create an account. You can also try common variations of your name at gmail.com. If you still cannot find it, use the account recovery form at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and provide information like your phone number or a recovery email address you set up.
Can I sign in to Gmail on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. You can be signed in on your phone, tablet, and computer all at once. Each device syncs your emails automatically. If you want to sign out on one device without affecting the others, open Gmail on that device and click your profile picture, then select Sign out.
Is it safe to save my Gmail password in my browser?
Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less secure than typing it each time. Only do this on a device you own and use alone. On a shared device, never save your password. If you want convenience without risk, use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password instead — they encrypt your passwords and are safer than browser storage.
What if Gmail asks me to verify my identity but I do not have my phone?
Use a backup code if you saved one when you turned on two-step verification. If you do not have a backup code, click Try another way and choose a different verification method, such as a recovery email address or security questions. If none of those work, use the account recovery form to regain access.