You can create a new Gmail account in about five minutes using a web browser or the Gmail app

Creating another Gmail account means setting up a separate inbox with its own username and password. You might do this to keep work email separate from personal mail, to have a dedicated account for online shopping, or simply to start fresh. Google lets you create as many Gmail accounts as you want, and you can access multiple accounts from the same device.

The process is the same whether you use a computer, phone, or tablet. You'll need a recovery email address (which can be another Gmail account or any other email service) and a phone number for account verification. The whole setup takes about five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to accounts.google.com/signup to start creating a new Gmail account from any web browser.
  • You'll need to provide a first name, last name, desired Gmail username, password, recovery email, and phone number for verification.
  • Google will send a verification code to your phone number — you must enter this code to complete the account setup.
  • Once created, you can sign into this new account on any device and add it to the Gmail app to switch between accounts without signing out.

Creating a Gmail account on a computer or phone browser

Open any web browser and go to accounts.google.com/signup. You'll see a form asking for your first and last name. Type these exactly as you want them to appear in your Gmail account — you can change them later, but it's easier to get them right now.

Next, you'll choose your Gmail username. This is the part before @gmail.com in your email address. Type what you want, and Google will tell you immediately if that username is already taken. If it is, try adding numbers or a period (like firstname.lastname or firstname1985). Once you find an available username, move to the password field.

Create a password that's at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe — you'll need it to sign in. Then enter your birth date and select your gender (both required by Google).

Providing recovery information and phone verification

Google asks for a recovery email address — this is how you'll regain access if you forget your password. You can use another Gmail account, an Outlook address, a Yahoo account, or any other email service you have. This recovery email doesn't have to be active or checked regularly; it just needs to exist and be one you can access if needed.

Next, enter your phone number. Google uses this to verify you're a real person and to help you recover your account if something goes wrong. Type your number in the format shown (usually +1 followed by your 10-digit number in the United States). Google will send a text message with a six-digit verification code to this number. Check your phone, find that code, and enter it on the screen. If you don't receive the code within a minute, you can request another one.

After you enter the correct code, Google will ask you to review its terms of service and privacy policy. Read these if you want to, then click "I agree" to continue.

Completing your account setup

Google may ask you to add a profile picture and phone number again for additional security. These steps are optional — you can skip them by clicking "Skip" if you want to finish quickly. If you add a profile picture, it will appear next to your name when you send emails.

Once you finish these optional steps, your new Gmail account is ready to use. You'll be taken to your inbox, which will be empty. You can start sending and receiving emails immediately.

Accessing your new account on other devices

If you want to check this new Gmail account on your phone or tablet, open the Gmail app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Add another account," then choose Google. Enter the username and password you just created. The app will verify your identity using the same phone number you provided during setup.

Once added, you can switch between your Gmail accounts in the app by tapping your profile picture again and selecting the account you want to use. You don't have to sign out of one account to check the other — they stay logged in simultaneously on the same device.

What to do if you forget your username or password

If you forget your Gmail username, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter the recovery email address or phone number you provided during setup. Google will send a code to that email or phone, and you can use it to find your username.

If you forget your password, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter your username or recovery email. Google will send a verification code to your recovery email or phone number. Enter that code, then create a new password. Make sure your new password is different from the old one and that you write it down somewhere safe.

Managing multiple Gmail accounts on one device

Once you have multiple Gmail accounts set up, you can organize them in the Gmail app or on the web. In the app, tap your profile picture to see all your accounts and switch between them. On the web, click your profile picture in the top right corner of Gmail to see a list of all your signed-in accounts.

You can set different notification settings for each account. In the Gmail app, open Settings, select the account you want to change, and adjust notifications, sounds, and vibration for just that account. This way, you might get alerts for work email but not for shopping confirmations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Gmail username after I create the account?

No, your Gmail username is permanent once created. You can change your display name (the name that appears when you send emails), but the username itself cannot be changed. If you make a mistake, you'll need to create a new account with the username you want.

Do I need a phone number to create a Gmail account?

Yes, Google requires a phone number for verification during account creation. This is how Google confirms you're a real person and not a bot. You only need to provide it once during setup.

What's the difference between a recovery email and my new Gmail address?

Your recovery email is a backup way to regain access to your account if you forget your password. It's separate from your new Gmail address. You can use any email service for recovery — it doesn't have to be Gmail.

Can I use the same phone number for multiple Gmail accounts?

Yes, you can use the same phone number to create and verify multiple Gmail accounts. Google allows this, though it may ask additional security questions if you create many accounts from the same device in a short time.

How do I delete a Gmail account if I don't want it anymore?

Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Data & privacy" on the left, scroll to "Your data & privacy options," and select "Delete your Google Account." Google will ask you to confirm and may require you to enter your password. Once deleted, you cannot recover the account or its emails.