The basic steps to sign in to Google
Go to google.com and look for the "Sign in" button in the top right corner. Click it, then enter the email address or phone number linked to your Google account. On the next screen, enter your password. If you have set up two-step verification (a security feature that sends a code to your phone), Google will ask for that code before letting you in.
If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen. Google will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number — and then let you create a new one. Keep your new password somewhere safe, like a password manager or a notebook you keep at home.
Once you sign in, you stay signed in on that device unless you manually sign out. This means the next time you visit Google, you will already be logged in. If you share a device with other people, always sign out when you are done, especially on shared computers or tablets.
Key Takeaways
- Sign in at google.com by clicking the "Sign in" button, then entering your email and password.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link to recover your account through your recovery email or phone number.
- Two-step verification adds a security layer by requiring a code from your phone before you can sign in.
- Always sign out on shared devices to prevent other people from accessing your account and search history.
What to do if you do not have a Google account yet
If you have never created a Google account, you will need to make one before you can sign in. Click "Create account" on the Google sign-in page. Google will ask for your name, a new email address (or you can use an existing email), a password, and your phone number. You can also add a recovery email — a second email address Google can use to help you regain access if you forget your password.
After you fill in this information, Google sends a verification code to your phone number. Enter that code on the next screen to confirm the number is real. Once you do, your account is created and you are automatically signed in.
Signing in on phones and tablets
On an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, you can sign in through the Google app or through your device settings. In the Google app, tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap "Sign in." Enter your email and password the same way you would on a computer. On Android phones, you can also go to Settings, tap "Google," and sign in there — this gives Google access to more of your device.
On iPhones and iPads, signing in through the Google app is usually simpler. You will not need to sign in to every app separately; once you are signed in to the Google app, other Google services (like Gmail or YouTube) will recognize you.
Staying signed in safely on shared devices
If you use a computer or tablet that other people also use, think carefully before staying signed in. Anyone who sits down at that device can see your Gmail, your search history, your YouTube watch history, and anything else connected to your Google account. On a shared device, it is safer to sign out every time you finish.
If you do stay signed in on a shared device, at least use a strong password — one that is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it harder for someone to guess your password and sign in as you on a different device.
Using multiple Google accounts on one device
You can sign in to more than one Google account on the same device. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right of any Google page and select "Add another account." Enter the email and password for the second account. You can switch between accounts by clicking your profile picture again and choosing which account you want to use.
On a phone or tablet, open the Google app, tap your profile picture, and tap "Add another account." You can then switch between accounts the same way. This is useful if you have a work email and a personal email, or if you manage multiple accounts for different reasons.
What to do if you are locked out of your account
If Google thinks someone else is trying to sign in to your account, it may lock you out temporarily for security. You will see a message saying your account has unusual activity. Click "Yes, that was me" if you recognize the sign-in attempt, or "No, that was not me" if you do not. If you say it was not you, Google will ask you to change your password and may ask security questions to confirm your identity.
If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, use your recovery email or phone number instead. Google will send a code to one of those, and entering it proves you own the account. After that, you can create a new password and sign back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign in to Google without creating a Gmail account?
Yes. You can create a Google account using any email address you already own — it does not have to be Gmail. During account creation, choose "Use my current email address instead" and enter the email you want to use. Google will send a verification code to that email to confirm you own it.
What is the difference between signing in and signing out?
Signing in tells Google who you are and lets you access your account and personal information. Signing out removes that connection, so Google no longer knows who is using the device. On a shared device, always sign out so the next person cannot see your data.
Why does Google ask for a phone number when I sign in?
Google uses your phone number as a recovery method. If you forget your password or someone tries to break into your account, Google can send a code to your phone to prove you are the real owner. This makes your account much harder to hack.
Can I sign in to Google on a public computer?
You can, but it is risky. Public computers in libraries or internet cafes may have software that records passwords. If you must sign in on a public computer, change your password as soon as you get home. Better yet, use a phone or your own device instead.