The fastest way to get into Gmail

Go to gmail.com in your web browser. Type the email address you use for Gmail into the box labeled "Email or phone", then click or tap Next. On the next screen, type your password and click Next again. If you have set up two-step verification (a security feature that sends a code to your phone), you will be asked to enter that code before you can proceed.

That is the standard path. If you have forgotten your password or cannot sign in, the sections below cover what to do at each point where things go wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Gmail sign-in happens at gmail.com with your full email address and password — not a username.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in screen to reset it through your recovery email or phone number.
  • Two-step verification adds a security code sent to your phone; if you lose access to that phone, you can use backup codes or your recovery email to regain entry.
  • If you are locked out and cannot use recovery methods, Google's Account Recovery form can help you prove ownership, though the process takes several days.
  • On phones and tablets, the Gmail app signs you in the same way as the website, but you can also use your Google account settings to manage multiple email accounts in one place.

What to do if you have forgotten your password

On the Gmail sign-in page, click or tap Forgot password? below the password box. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any password, leave it blank and click Next.

Google will then ask you to verify your identity. The most common method is to send a verification code to the recovery email address or phone number you set up with your account. Check that email inbox or text messages for a code that looks like a string of numbers, type it into the box on the screen, and click Next. You will then be able to create a new password.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, click Try another way to see other verification options. Google may ask you security questions you answered when you created the account, or it may ask you to verify your identity through your Google account settings on another device where you are already signed in.

When you have two-step verification turned on

Two-step verification means that after you type your password, Google sends a code to your phone (usually by text message or through the Google Authenticator app). You must type this code to finish signing in. This makes your account much harder to break into, even if someone learns your password.

If you have a new phone or cannot receive codes on your old one, you have options. When the sign-in screen asks for your verification code, look for a link that says Can't use your phone? or Try another way. Google will offer alternatives: you can use a backup code (a list of one-time codes you should have saved when you first turned on two-step verification), sign in on a device where you are already logged in, or use your recovery email address.

If you have lost all of these options, you will need to go through Google's Account Recovery process, which is described in the next section.

If you are completely locked out of your account

If you cannot remember your password, cannot access your recovery email or phone, and do not have backup codes, you can still regain entry through Google Account Recovery. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter the email address of the account you cannot access. Google will walk you through steps to prove you own the account.

Google may ask you to enter a recovery email or phone number associated with the account, answer security questions, or provide information about when you created the account and what devices you normally use to sign in. The more information you can provide, the faster the process moves.

Account Recovery can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Google will send you an email when your identity has been verified and you are able to sign in again. During this time, you will not be able to access your Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services tied to that account.

Signing in on your phone or tablet

On an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you can sign into Gmail two ways. The first is to open the Gmail app (which you can download free from the App Store or Google Play), tap the profile icon in the top right, tap Add another account, and follow the same sign-in steps as on a computer — email address, then password, then verification code if you use two-step verification.

The second way is through your device's settings. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts (or Accounts and passwords on some phones) and tap Add account, then Google. On iPhone, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts and tap Add Account, then Google. Both methods let you add your Gmail account to your device so that email, contacts, and calendar sync automatically across apps.

If you have multiple Gmail accounts, you can add all of them to the same device. The Gmail app will let you switch between accounts by tapping the profile icon and selecting the account you want to use.

Why you might not be able to sign in even with the right password

Sometimes you will type the correct password and still see an error message. The most common reasons are: your account has been locked for security reasons (Google detected unusual activity), you are signing in from a new device or location and Google is asking for extra verification, or your account has been suspended due to a violation of Google's terms of service.

If Google says your account is locked, it will usually offer a way to unlock it immediately — often by confirming your identity through your recovery email or phone. If it says you are signing in from an unrecognized location, you may see a message asking you to confirm that it is really you; check your recovery email for a confirmation link.

If your account has been suspended, you will see a message explaining why. Google's support pages for account suspension explain what you can do next, though not all suspensions can be reversed. If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, you can submit an appeal through your account settings.

Keeping your account secure after you sign in

Once you are in Gmail, take a moment to check your account security. Click your profile picture in the top right and select Manage your Google Account. Go to the Security tab and scroll down to Your devices. This shows every device that is currently signed into your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select Sign out.

While you are in the Security tab, check Recovery email and Recovery phone to make sure they are current. If someone gains access to your account, these are the only ways you can prove you own it and regain entry. If your recovery email or phone number is outdated, update it now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign into Gmail without a password?

No, Gmail always requires a password or a two-step verification code after you enter your password. However, if you are already signed in on a device, you can often stay signed in without re-entering your password each time you open Gmail. Some devices also let you use your fingerprint or face recognition to unlock Gmail instead of typing your password.

What is the difference between my Gmail address and my Google account password?

Your Gmail address is the email you use to sign in (like yourname@gmail.com). Your Google account password is separate from any other passwords you use — it only works for Google services like Gmail, Drive, Photos, and YouTube. If you change your Google password, it changes for all of these services at once.

Why does Gmail ask me to verify my identity even though I typed the right password?

Google does this when it detects something unusual — you are signing in from a new country, a new device, or at an unusual time. It is a security feature to make sure no one else is trying to break into your account. Check your recovery email for a verification link, or use the code Google sends to your phone.

Can I sign into someone else's Gmail account?

No. You need the account owner's email address and password to sign in. If you need to let someone else read your email, you can set up forwarding or give them permission to access your account through your Google Account settings, but they will not be able to sign in as you.

What should I do if I think someone else signed into my Gmail?

Go to your account settings, click the Security tab, and check Your devices to see all active sign-ins. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select Sign out. Then change your password immediately and turn on two-step verification if you have not already. Check your recovery email and phone number to make sure they are still yours.