Once your account exists, logging into Gmail takes seconds. This guide covers signing in on a computer and phone, protecting your account on devices that aren't yours, and every recovery route when you can't get in.
01 — DesktopSign in on a computer
Go to gmail.com
Open any browser and visit gmail.com — or mail.google.com — and click Sign in.
Enter your email or phone
Type your full Gmail address (or the phone number linked to it) and click Next.
Enter your password
Type your password and click Next.
Approve two-step verification
If it's turned on, approve the prompt on your phone or enter the code. You'll land straight in your inbox.
Note: if you're already signed into another Google account, click your profile picture in the top-right and choose Add another account to switch between them without signing out.
02 — MobileSign in on your phone
Open the Gmail app, tap your profile picture in the top-right, then Add another account → Google. Enter your address and password and approve any security prompt. Android keeps you signed in until you remove the account.
Open the Gmail app and tap Sign in, or add the account under Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Google. Enter your credentials and confirm any verification step.
03 — SafetySigning in on a shared or public device
Logging in on someone else's computer or a library machine needs extra care, because a session left open is an open door to your inbox.
- Use a private / incognito window so nothing is saved after you close it.
- Never save the password when the browser offers to.
- Always sign out when you finish — click your profile picture, then Sign out.
Watch out: only ever enter your password on a page whose address is accounts.google.com. If you reached a "login page" by clicking a link in an email, stop — that's how phishing scams steal passwords.
04 — RecoveryForgot your password?
On the sign-in screen, click Forgot password? Google will try to confirm it's really you. Your odds are best when you do this from a device and location you've used before.
Start the recovery flow
Enter your email, then click Forgot password? on the password screen.
Verify your identity
Google may text a code to your recovery phone, email a code to your recovery address, or ask about a password you remember. Complete whichever it offers.
Set a new password
Choose a strong password you haven't used before, and update it in any apps that were signed in.
No recovery options left? Use Google's Account Recovery page, which asks a series of questions about your account history to verify you. Answer as accurately as you can — even approximate answers help.
05 — SecurityTwo-step verification when you log in
If you've enabled two-step verification (and you should), each new sign-in asks for a second proof after your password: a tap on your phone, a code from an authenticator app, or a hardware key. You can mark a personal device as trusted so it asks less often, but keep the feature on everywhere else.
Tip: print or save your backup codes from myaccount.google.com/security. They let you sign in if you ever lose your phone.
06 — HelpFix common login errors
"Wrong password" when you're sure it's right
Check Caps Lock and your keyboard language, and make sure you're not mixing up two Google accounts. If it still fails, reset it with Forgot password?
"Couldn't verify it's you" / extra questions
Google shows these when it sees an unfamiliar device or location. Approve the sign-in from a device you already trust, or use a recovery option to confirm your identity.
The verification code never arrives
Wait a minute and request a new one, or switch to another method such as an authenticator app or a saved backup code.
"Too many failed attempts"
Wait a few hours before trying again, or reset your password. Repeated wrong entries temporarily lock sign-in as a safety measure.
Stuck in a redirect loop
Clear cookies for google.com, disable browser extensions, or try a private window. A different browser usually breaks the loop.
07 — SessionsSign out of Gmail everywhere
Left yourself signed in somewhere? On a computer, scroll to the very bottom of your inbox, click Details under "Last account activity," and choose Sign out of all other web sessions. Changing your password also signs out every other session automatically — the fastest fix if you think someone else has access.
08 — FAQFrequently asked questions
How do I stay signed in to Gmail?
On your own device, Gmail keeps you signed in until you sign out. Avoid this on shared computers — use a private window instead.
Can I sign in to Gmail with my phone number?
Yes, if you've added a phone number to your account you can use it in place of your email address on the sign-in screen.
Why does Gmail keep asking for a verification code?
That's two-step verification protecting your account. You can mark a personal device as trusted so it asks less often, but keep the feature on for security.
Can I recover an account with no phone or recovery email?
It's harder, but Google's Account Recovery page can still verify you through questions about your account history. Answer from a familiar device for the best chance.