The fastest way to get into Gmail

Go to gmail.com in your web browser. Type the email address you use for Gmail, then click Next. Type your password, then click Next again. If you have two-step verification turned on, you will be asked to confirm your identity using your phone or a backup code before you land in your inbox.

That is the standard path on a computer. On a phone or tablet, you can use the Gmail app instead — download it from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android), open it, and sign in the same way.

If you cannot remember your password, click Forgot password? on the sign-in page. Google will ask you to verify you own the account by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number. Once you confirm, you can set a new password.

Key Takeaways

  • The web version of Gmail is at gmail.com, and you sign in with your email address and password.
  • If you forget your password, use the Forgot password? link and verify your identity through your recovery email or phone number.
  • The Gmail app on your phone or tablet works the same way and syncs your messages across devices.
  • If you have two-step verification enabled, you will need to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or a backup code you saved.

Signing in on different devices

On a desktop or laptop, gmail.com works in any browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, or others. You stay signed in until you manually sign out, so you can close the browser and come back later without re-entering your password.

On a phone or tablet, the Gmail app is usually faster and more reliable than the web version. The app also sends you notifications when new mail arrives, and you can swipe to delete or archive messages without opening them. If you prefer the web version on mobile, open your browser and go to gmail.com the same way you would on a computer.

If you use Gmail on a shared computer, always sign out when you are done. Click your profile picture in the top right, then click Sign out. This prevents the next person from reading your email.

What to do if you are locked out

If you have tried your password multiple times and it keeps failing, Google may temporarily lock your account for security. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem continues, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and follow the recovery steps.

Google will ask you to verify your identity in one of several ways: by entering a code sent to your recovery email, by entering a code sent to your recovery phone number, or by answering security questions you set up when you created the account. Once you verify, you can reset your password.

If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, the process takes longer. Google may ask you additional questions about your account history, such as when you created it or what devices you normally use to sign in. Answer as accurately as you can.

Two-step verification and sign-in codes

Two-step verification adds a second layer of security. After you enter your password, Google sends a code to your phone or asks you to approve the sign-in from your phone. You must provide that code or approval before you can enter Gmail.

If you have two-step verification turned on and you lose access to your phone, you can use a backup code instead. Google gives you a set of backup codes when you first turn on two-step verification. Save these codes somewhere safe — in a password manager, a notebook, or printed out. If you cannot find your backup codes, go to myaccount.google.com, click Security on the left, and look for App passwords or Backup codes.

If you have lost both your phone and your backup codes, you will need to go through the account recovery process described above.

Staying signed in across multiple devices

You can sign into Gmail on as many devices as you want at the same time. Your inbox, contacts, and settings sync across all of them. If you check email on your phone in the morning and your computer in the afternoon, both devices show the same messages and folders.

If you want to sign out on one device without affecting the others, sign out normally on that device. If you want to sign out everywhere at once — for example, if you think someone else has access to your account — go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, scroll down to Your devices, and click Manage all devices. Then click Sign out on all other devices.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If Gmail says your password is wrong but you are sure it is correct, check that Caps Lock is not on. Passwords are case-sensitive, so MyPassword is different from mypassword. Also make sure you are typing the full email address, including the @gmail.com part.

If you are using a browser that has not been updated in a long time, Gmail may not work properly. Update your browser to the latest version. If you are using an older phone or tablet, make sure the Gmail app is also up to date — check your device's app store for updates.

If you see a message saying "This browser or app may not be secure," Google is blocking the sign-in to protect your account. This usually happens if you are using an old app version or an unusual location. Update the app or browser, or try signing in from a different device. If you still cannot sign in, use the account recovery process to reset your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot which email address I used for Gmail?

If you remember a phone number or recovery email you linked to the account, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter that information instead of the email address. Google will help you find the account. If you remember nothing about the account, you may not be able to recover it.

Can I sign into Gmail without a password?

Yes, if you have a phone linked to your account. On the sign-in page, enter your email address and click Next. Instead of typing a password, click Sign in with your phone. Google will send a notification to your phone asking you to approve the sign-in. Tap yes, and you will be signed in without typing a password.

Is it safe to stay signed into Gmail on a public computer?

No. Always sign out when you are done using Gmail on a shared or public computer. Anyone who uses that computer after you can read your email if you stay signed in. If you forget to sign out, go to myaccount.google.com from any other device and sign out remotely.

Why does Gmail keep asking me to verify my identity?

Google asks for verification if you are signing in from a new device, a new location, or after a long time away. This is a security measure to make sure it is really you. Verify using your recovery email or phone number, and Gmail will remember that device or location for next time.

Can I use the same Gmail account on multiple email apps?

Yes. You can add your Gmail account to Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or other email apps. In the app, choose to add a Gmail account and sign in. You may need to create an app-specific password in your Google account settings if two-step verification is turned on.