Dear TeachUsTech’ers,
If you are already a Gmail user you know how convenient it is. With one login you get access to free email, video calls, Google Docs and more. If you don’t have a Gmail or if you still have friends that are using their AOL account from 1997 this newsletter will walk slowly through how to create a brand‑new Gmail account. You can print this and check off each step as you go.
These instructions use a computer and a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.).
These newsletters are made to be printed and kept nearby, so feel free to mark them up and write your own notes in the margins. If you have a friend that would appreciate this but don’t know how to forward emails yet, you can view our very first newsletter here on “How to Forward an Email”.
Before you begin
Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.).
In the address bar at the very top, type www.gmail.com and press Enter.
Click Create account, then choose For my personal use. Now you should see Google’s “Create a Google Account” screens. We’ll take it from there.
How to Set Up a Gmail Account
Step 1 – Enter your name
On the “Create a Google Account” screen, click in the First name box and type your first name.
Click in the Last name box and type your last name.
When both boxes look correct, click the blue Next button in the bottom right corner.
Step 2 – Add your birthday and gender
On the Basic information screen, click the Month box and choose your birth month from the list.
Click Day and type the day you were born (for example, 25).
Click Year and type your birth year (for example, 1946).
Click the Gender box and choose the option that fits you best.
Click Next.
Step 3 – Choose your Gmail address
In the Username box, type the email name you would like to use. Google will add “@gmail.com” automatically.
Example: johnsmith.
If a red message appears saying “That username is taken. Try another.”, don’t worry – this is very common.
Try again by adding numbers or a middle initial, for example johnsmith1946, j0625smith, or john.a.smith.
When the red error disappears and the box is outlined normally, your choice is available.
Click Next.
Step 4 – Create a strong password
In the Password box, type a password that is hard for others to guess but easier for you to remember.
Use a mix of letters, numbers, and maybe a symbol (like ! or ?). Example: MapleLake52!.
In the Confirm box, type the same password again.
If you want to double‑check what you typed, click the small Show password box.
Write this password down in a safe place so you can find it later.
Click Next.
Step 5 – Confirm your phone number
On the Confirm you’re not a robot screen, click the Phone number box and type your mobile number.
Check that the country flag (for example, Canada or United States) is correct.
Click Next. Google will send a 6‑digit code to your phone by text message.
Pick up your phone, open your Messages app, and look for a new text from Google.
Read the code in the message (for example, G‑914408).
Back on your computer, type the numbers from that code into the Enter code box.
Click Next.
Step 6 – Add recovery options (optional but recommended)
On the Add recovery email screen, you can type another email address (for example, a spouse’s or trusted backup email).
This helps you get back into your account if you forget your password.
If you don’t have another email, you can click Skip and continue.
Click Next.
On the Add phone number screen, your number may already be filled in.
You can leave it as is and click Next, or click Skip if you prefer not to add it.
On the Get more from your number screen, you can choose either Yes, I’m in (to let Google use your number for extra services) or Skip (to keep it only for security).
Step 7 – Review your account info
On the Review your account info screen, check that your name, new Gmail address, and recovery phone number all look correct.
If something is wrong, you can click Back and fix it.
When everything looks good, click Next.
What you should see: A long page titled Privacy and Terms.
Step 8 – Review and agree to Google’s terms
Slowly scroll through the Privacy and Terms page.
You don’t have to read every word, but it is good to skim the bold headings.
When you reach the bottom, you’ll see buttons such as More options, Cancel, and I agree.
If you are comfortable with Google’s terms, click I agree.
Step 9 – Open your new Gmail inbox
On the Google Account page, look at the top‑right corner for a small grid of 9 dots (the Google Apps button).
Click the 9‑dot grid. A panel will open showing icons like Account, Drive, Gmail, Maps, and more.
Click the Gmail icon.
Gmail will open in a new tab or window.
The first time you open Gmail, your Inbox will likely be empty except for a welcome message from Google.
To try your new account, click the Compose button on the left and send a test email to a friend — or to yourself.
Tip
Keep this printed guide near your computer so you can refer to it the next time you need to set up an email account for yourself or a family member.
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