The fastest way to add a Gmail account
To add a new Gmail account, go to myaccount.google.com on a web browser, or use the Gmail app on your phone. If you already have a Gmail account open, sign out first, then tap or click "Create account" on the sign-in screen. Google will walk you through entering a name, choosing a username (your email address), setting a password, and verifying your phone number. The whole process takes about five minutes.
If you want to add an existing Gmail account to a device where you're not currently signed in — rather than create a new one — the steps are the same: go to the sign-in screen and enter the email address and password for the account you want to add.
Key Takeaways
- Creating a new Gmail account requires a name, a chosen username, a password, and a phone number for verification.
- You can create a Gmail account on any web browser by visiting myaccount.google.com or through the Gmail app on your phone.
- If you already have a Gmail account signed in, you must sign out before you can create or add a different account on the same device.
- Adding an existing Gmail account to a new device uses the same sign-in screen as creating a new account — just enter the email and password instead.
Creating a new Gmail account on a computer
Open any web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. On the sign-in page, look for the text that says "Create account" and click it. Google will show you two options: "For myself" or "To manage my business." Choose "For myself" unless you're setting up a business account.
Enter your first and last name in the fields provided. Next, choose your Gmail address — this is the username you'll use to sign in. Type what you want, and Google will tell you if it's already taken. If it is, try adding numbers or a period in the middle of your name. Once you find one that's available, click "Next."
Create a password that's at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Google will show you a strength meter as you type. Enter the password again to confirm it, then click "Next." Google will ask for your phone number and will send a verification code by text or call. Enter that code, and your account is created.
Adding a Gmail account on an Android phone
Open the Gmail app on your Android device. If you're already signed in to another account, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap "Add another account." If no account is signed in, the app will show a sign-in screen with an option to create a new account.
Tap "Create account," then "For myself." Enter your name, choose a username, and create a password the same way you would on a computer. When Google asks for your phone number, use the number associated with your Android device if you have one — this makes verification faster. Enter the code Google sends, and the account will be ready to use in the Gmail app.
Adding a Gmail account on an iPhone or iPad
Open the Gmail app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left. Scroll down and tap "Settings," then tap "Add account." Choose "Google" from the list of account types. If you're creating a new account, tap "Create account," then "For myself."
Follow the same steps as on a computer: enter your name, choose a username, create a password, and verify your phone number. Once verification is complete, the account will appear in your Gmail app's account list, and you can switch between accounts by tapping the menu and selecting the one you want.
What to do if you already have a Gmail account
If you want to add an account you already own to a device, the process is simpler. Go to the Gmail sign-in screen (on a computer, visit gmail.com; on a phone, open the Gmail app). Enter the email address for the account you want to add, then enter the password. If Google asks you to verify your identity, follow the prompts — you may need to enter a code sent to your phone or answer a security question.
Once you're signed in, that account will stay on the device unless you sign out. On a phone, you can have multiple Gmail accounts signed in at the same time and switch between them using the menu. On a computer, you can also have multiple accounts open in different browser tabs or windows, or use Google's account switcher in the top right corner.
Recovering access if you forget your password
If you can't remember the password to a Gmail account you own, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Enter the email address, and Google will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by entering a recovery code, using a phone number you set up, or answering a security question you created when you set up the account.
Once you verify your identity, Google will let you create a new password. Make sure to write it down or save it in a password manager so you don't lose it again. If you can't verify your identity using any of these methods, you may not be able to recover the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone number instead of a username for my Gmail address?
No. Your Gmail address must be a username you choose, followed by @gmail.com. You can use numbers in your username, but the address itself cannot be just a phone number. Google requires a username to identify your account.
What happens if the username I want is already taken?
Google will tell you it's not available and suggest alternatives. You can add numbers, periods, or underscores to your preferred name to make it unique. For example, if "john.smith" is taken, you could try "john.smith.1985" or "john_smith_design."
Do I need a phone number to create a Gmail account?
Yes. Google requires a phone number for verification during account creation. You'll receive a code by text or call that you must enter to finish setting up the account. This helps Google confirm you're a real person and protects your account from unauthorized access.
Can I add multiple Gmail accounts to the same device?
Yes. On a phone, you can sign in to multiple Gmail accounts in the Gmail app and switch between them using the menu. On a computer, you can sign in to multiple accounts in the same browser using Google's account switcher, or open different accounts in separate browser windows or tabs.
Will adding a Gmail account to my phone back up my data automatically?
If you sign in with a Gmail account on an Android phone, Google will back up certain data like contacts and calendar events to your Google account automatically. On an iPhone, Gmail itself does not back up phone data, but you can set up iCloud backup separately through your phone's settings.