Gmail is a core part of the Google Workspace suite. Google has dedicated apps for Android, iPhone, and tablets, and you can also access them through its web app on your computer.
But if you are new to Google’s ecosystem or don’t use it very often, logging in to your account can be a little confusing, especially if you have multiple accounts.
Plus, you might not remember when the Gmail sign-in procedure happened during setup on a new Google Pixel phone. Otherwise, you can always manually sign in to the app.
Our guide shows you how to sign in to your Gmail account on desktop and mobile devices.
If you manage multiple Google accounts on the same device, change your default Google account rather than signing in or out.
How to sign in to your Gmail account on any browser
Signing in to Gmail in a web browser is easy. You can use any browser you’d prefer, like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge, or another browser on mobile and desktop.
But if you plan to sign in to Gmail regularly, some browsers offer streamlined sign-in options, for example, Chrome. Signing in still works the same across all web browsers.
In our steps below, we use Microsoft Edge as an example. Any other browser will work similarly.
- To start the sign-in process, open your browser and go to Gmail.com.
-
When the sign-in page appears, enter the email or phone number associated with your Google account. This is identical to the login details you use for your Gmail account. Then, enter the password associated with your Google account.
-
Depending on your Google account settings, you may be prompted to verify your account with 2-Step Verification. Follow the instructions to complete the sign-in process.
When signing in to your Gmail account from a new device, Google may ask you to set up a recovery email and a passkey.
These steps are optional. You can skip them by clicking Not now. If you change your mind, you can always add them later in Google settings.
How to sign in to your Gmail account from the mobile app
If you check your email often on your mobile device, it’s recommended that you download the Gmail app.
Our guide shows you how to sign in to your Gmail account in the mobile app, whether you use it on an Android device, iPhone, or iPad.
While the app differs slightly between operating systems, the steps for signing in are identical.
When you set up a new Android phone, you’re prompted to sign in to or create a Google account. This is necessary for Google Play and other Google services.
This automatically signs you in to Gmail if the app is preinstalled on your phone.
If you weren’t automatically signed in to the Gmail app, manually sign in. Go through the steps below to make changes.
- Open the Gmail app and tap Add an email address at the bottom of your screen.
-
Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner of your screen and tap Add another account if you’re signed in to another account.
- When the Set up email screen appears, select Google.
- Enter your Google account’s email or phone number to finish signing in.
-
Tap Next, then enter your Google account password.
If you have a secondary Google account or a work Gmail ID, sign in to your Gmail email using the steps above.
When you use Gmail as the primary email app on your iPhone, set it as the default app.
- Launch iPhone Settings and scroll to Mail.
- Tap Default Mail App.
-
Tap Gmail.
You can now delete the Mail app on your iPhone. Long-tap the Mail app icon, select Remove app, and confirm your decision.
Sign in to your Gmail account on an iPhone
Unlike Android, Gmail isn’t preinstalled on iPhones and iPads. Apple bundles the Mail app on its devices.
If you don’t want to download the Gmail app from the App Store and continue with the Mail app, use the steps below to set up your Google account with it.
When you integrate Gmail with the Mail app, you can sync your Gmail contacts, notes, and calendars with the system apps.
- Open Settings on iPhone.
- Scroll to Mail.
-
Select Accounts.
- Tap Add Account.
- Select Google.
-
Enter your Gmail email address and password to authenticate the account.
- The system prompts you to sync your Gmail calendars, contacts, and notes with the default iOS apps.
- Open the Mail app, expand Gmail, and check your messages.
If you plan to continue using the Mail app on iPhone and iPad, set Gmail as the default account.
- Go to Mail in iPhone Settings (refer to the steps above).
- Scroll to Default Account.
-
Tap Gmail.
The Mail app works seamlessly in the Apple ecosystem.
However, use the Gmail app to enjoy all Gmail features, such as predictive text, different inboxes, labels, and more (follow the steps in the section above).
How to recover your Gmail account
If you can’t remember the email, phone number, or password associated with your Google account, or if you can’t complete two-step verification, you need to recover your Google account through other means.
When you forget your username or password, go to Google’s account recovery page. This page walks you through the steps to recover your username or password.
Head to this page, especially if you can’t complete the two-step verification. But a word of warning, it may take three to five business days for Google to confirm it’s you in this situation.
If you still can’t sign in to your account or have a sign-in issue unrelated to the above problems, follow Google’s troubleshooting guide.
When you get your account back, add a second email address and a cellular number to recover your account in such situations.
You should also get one of the top password managers to save essential login information.
Stay on top of your emails
Gmail is preinstalled on most Android phones, and creating a Google account creates a Gmail account.
If you have an iPhone, you’ll go through several steps to use Gmail with the default Mail app. Similarly, you can set up your Gmail account with the Mail app on Mac and Outlook on Windows.
For desktop users, stick with the web version to unlock its full potential. However, Gmail isn’t perfect right out of the box, so change these settings after signing in to improve it.
