How to Access Gmail: Getting Started & Adding Multiple Accounts

Gmail, Google’s email platform, is available on desktop, iPhone, and Android. Signing in is an easy process! Have your Gmail email address and password on hand. This wikiHow will show you how to access Gmail and add additional accounts.

Things You Should Know

On desktop, go to https://www.gmail.com/. Sign in to access Gmail.
On mobile, download the Gmail app. Then sign in to your Gmail account.
To add another Gmail account, click or tap the profile button. Then, select Add another account.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Desktop

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1
Open Gmail. Go to https://www.gmail.com/ in your web browser. This will open the Gmail login page.^{[1]
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- If you want to open Gmail on a computer, you can do so from any web browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc.).
- If you want to use Google-specific features of Gmail, such as offline mail, you'll need to open Gmail in Google Chrome.
- If you haven’t yet, you’ll need to create a Gmail account. You can also check out our guide on how to send an email in Gmail.
2
Enter your email address. Type your Gmail email address into the "Email or phone" text box in the middle of the page.^{[2]
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- If you don’t remember your email, click Forgot email? below the email entry box.^{[3]
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- If you don’t know your password, click Forgot password? to reset your Gmail password.
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It's the blue button below the "Email or phone" text box. This will take you to the password entry page.
Type in the password used to access your Gmail account.^{[4]
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It's below the password entry box. This will open your Gmail inbox.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

iPhone

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1
Tap Search in the App Store. It's a tab at the bottom of the screen. Doing so brings up the Search page.
- If you already have the Gmail app installed, skip to the Gmail sign-in step below.
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen, then type in gmail. Tap search on the keyboard to see the results.^{[5]
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It's to the right of the "Gmail - Email by Google" heading. The Gmail app icon is a multicolor “M” on a white background.
4
Sign in to Apple ID. If you’re prompted to sign in, enter your Apple ID password to confirm the Gmail app download.^{[6]
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- If you have Touch ID set up, you can use your fingerprint to sign in instead.
Tap OPEN in the App Store, or tap the Gmail app icon on your iPhone's Home screen.
It's at the bottom of the screen.
7
Sign in to Gmail. If there's no Google Account signed in on your iPhone, select the Google option when prompted. Then do the following:
- Enter your Gmail email address.
- Tap Next.
- Enter your Gmail password. You can reset or recover it if needed.
- Tap Next.
- If you see your Google Account listed on Gmail, you can skip the login process by tapping the switch button to the right of your account's name.
Once you're done signing into Gmail, your inbox should load within a few seconds.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Android

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1
Download Gmail. Get the official Gmail app from the Google Play Store (or your preferred Android app store).^{[7]
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- If Gmail is already installed, skip to the Gmail sign-in step below.
- You can check by opening the App Drawer by tapping
  on the Home screen (or by swiping up on some Androids). Most Androids come with Gmail installed.
Tap the Gmail app icon on your home screen or in the App Drawer.
3
Tap Sign in. It's at the bottom of the screen.
- If you aren't currently logged into your preferred Google Account on your Android, you can instead tap Add another email address, tap Google, and enter your email address and password when prompted.
Type in your Gmail email address when prompted. Then. tap Next.^{[8]
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Enter your password. If asked for your Gmail password to log in, type it into the provided text field and tap Next.
- Since you use your Google Account to log into your Android itself, you usually won't need to enter your password.
Once you've finished selecting your account and logging in, your Gmail inbox should load within a few seconds.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Add Accounts on Desktop

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1
Open Gmail. Go to https://www.gmail.com/ in your web browser. This will open your Gmail inbox if you're logged in.
- If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password when prompted.
It's the circle icon in the top right corner of the page. Clicking it opens a drop-down menu.^{[9]
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Doing so opens a new sign-in page.^{[10]
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Type in the email address of the Gmail account you want to add.
It's the blue button below the "Email or phone" text box.
Type in the password you use to log into your Gmail account.
It's below the Password text box. Doing so will both add the account to your list of currently signed-in accounts, and open the account's inbox.
If you want to switch between signed-in accounts, click the profile button, then click the account you want to view.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Add Accounts on Mobile

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It’s the circle icon in the top right of the Gmail app.
It’s next to the person icon with a plus sign.^{[11]
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3
Tap Google. It's at the top of the list of options.
- You may be prompted to allow Google to sign you in. If so, tap Continue or Allow.
Tap the "Email or phone" text box, then type in the email address for the account you want to use.^{[12]
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It's below the email entry box.
Type in the password you use to log into your Gmail account.
It's at the bottom of the page. Doing so will both add the account to your list of currently signed-in accounts, and open the account's inbox.
If you want to switch to a different signed-in account, tap the profile button. Then, tap an account in the profile menu.

Community Q&A

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Question

I have a google account that I have forgotten the password to. It wants an email - oops, same address. It wants a phone number - again, oops. Help, how can I reach someone who can help me access my google account?

Community Answer

Fill out Google's "Account Recovery Form" to access different methods of verification. https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/

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Question

Can I access Gmail on friend's computer?

Community Answer

Yes. Just sign out of their account and sign into yours.

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Question

How do I access Gmail on my computer when I can't remember the password?

Community Answer

On the sign-in page, there should be a button labelled "Find my Account." Click it and then enter your recovery email.

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Tips

For more Gmail info, check out how to change your password and find old emails.

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You can also set up Gmail for offline use on a computer if you want to be able to access your emails while you don't have Internet access.

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