The basic steps to sign in to Gmail

Go to gmail.com in your web browser. You will see a sign-in page with two fields: one for your email address and one for your password. Type the email address associated with your Gmail account — this is usually the address that ends in @gmail.com, though it can also be a custom domain if your organization set that up.

Click the Next button. On the next screen, enter your password and click Next again. If your account has two-factor authentication turned on, you will be asked to verify your identity using a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Enter that code and you will be logged in.

Once you are signed in, you will see your inbox with your messages listed. The Gmail interface shows your folders on the left side, your message list in the middle, and a preview of the selected message on the right. You can click any message to read it in full.

Key Takeaways

  • Gmail sign-in happens at gmail.com and requires your full email address and password in two separate steps.
  • If two-factor authentication is enabled on your account, you will need to enter a verification code from your phone or authenticator app.
  • You can stay signed in on a device by leaving the "Stay signed in" checkbox marked, though you should uncheck it on shared computers.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in page to reset it using your recovery email or phone number.

Staying signed in versus signing out

When you sign in to Gmail, you will see a checkbox that says "Stay signed in". If you check this box, Gmail will remember you on that device and you will not have to enter your password the next time you visit gmail.com. This is convenient for personal computers but risky on shared devices like library computers or family tablets.

On a shared device, leave the checkbox unchecked. This forces you to sign in every time, which prevents other people from accessing your email. When you are done using Gmail on a shared device, you should also manually sign out by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting "Sign out".

What to do if you cannot remember your password

On the Gmail sign-in page, click the "Forgot password?" link below the password field. Google will ask you to enter the last password you remember. If you cannot remember any password, click "Try another way" and Google will offer recovery options.

Google can send a verification code to a recovery email address or phone number you set up on your account. If you have access to either of those, you can use the code to reset your password. If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, you can answer security questions you set up when you created the account, though this option is not always available.

If none of these recovery methods work, you may not be able to regain access to the account. This is why setting up a recovery email and phone number when you first create a Gmail account is important.

Signing in on a phone or tablet

On an iPhone or Android phone, you can sign in through the Gmail app or through your phone's email settings. To use the Gmail app, download it from the App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Sign in". Enter your email address and password the same way you would on a computer.

On Android phones, you can also add your Gmail account through Settings > Accounts > Add account > Google. This lets your phone sync your email, calendar, and contacts without opening the Gmail app. On iPhones, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google and follow the same process.

Two-factor authentication works the same way on phones as on computers — you will be asked to enter a verification code if it is turned on. The code can come from a text message, a phone call, or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

Using Gmail with other email apps

You can also read and send Gmail messages through other email programs like Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird. To do this, you will need to create an app password — a special 16-character password that Gmail generates for you instead of using your regular password.

To create an app password, sign in to your Gmail account on a computer, go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security" on the left side, scroll down to "App passwords", and follow the steps. Google will generate a password that you enter into your email app instead of your regular Gmail password. This keeps your main password safer because the app never learns it.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see an error message saying your password is wrong, first make sure Caps Lock is not on — passwords are case-sensitive. If you are certain your password is correct, try resetting it using the "Forgot password?" link. Sometimes a password change on another device can cause sign-in to fail on older devices.

If Google says your account is not recognized, double-check that you are typing your full email address, including the @gmail.com part. If you created your account with a custom domain or through your workplace, the address might be different than you remember. If you still cannot find your account, you may need to create a new one.

If you see a message saying "This browser or app may not be secure," Google is blocking the sign-in because it detected unusual activity. Click "Try again" or "Check your recovery email" to verify your identity. If you are using an older email app, you may need to use an app password instead of your regular password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign into Gmail without a password?

Yes, if you set up a passkey or security key on your account. You can also use your phone to verify your identity instead of typing a password. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security," and look for "Passkeys" or "Security keys" to set these up. This is more secure than a password because it cannot be stolen or guessed.

What happens if I sign in from a new device?

Google may ask you to verify your identity the first time you sign in from a new device or location. You will receive a code on your recovery phone or email. Enter the code to complete the sign-in. After that, you will not be asked again on that device unless you clear your browser cookies or sign out.

Can someone else sign into my Gmail account?

Only if they know your password or have access to your recovery email or phone. This is why you should use a strong, unique password and keep your recovery information up to date. You can see all active sign-ins by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Security," and scrolling to "Your devices." You can sign out of any device remotely from that page.

Is it safe to sign into Gmail on a public computer?

It is safer than it used to be because Gmail uses encryption, but it is still risky. Never check "Stay signed in" on a public computer. Always manually sign out when you are done, and clear your browser cookies if possible. If you must use a public computer, consider using a temporary password or app password instead of your main password.