How to set up a Gmail account on your iOS or Android device

One of the first things most people do when they purchase a new smartphone is add their Gmail account. You may have more than one account, maybe you’ve made a new account that you want to add, or perhaps you skipped the email step during the initial setup process. Whatever the reason, adding a Gmail account is easy.

Because there are differences between iOS and Android, and a range of manufacturer variations, it may not be obvious where you should go to add your Gmail account. That’s why we put together this simple, step-by-step guide on how to set up a Gmail account on your iPhone and most Android phones.

How to add a Gmail account in iOS

Go to Settings.

Scroll down to Mail > Accounts > Add Account, and then select Google.

You’re now at the Gmail sign in page.

Enter your Gmail address, and tap Next.

Enter your password, and tap Next.

It will ask you which things you want to sync. Turn off the things you don’t want to sync, and tap Save in the upper-right corner when finished.

How to add a Gmail account in Android

There are many custom interfaces when it comes to Android phones, so the process for adding your Gmail account isn’t as clear cut as it is on an iPhone, but the main idea is to get to the Add your account screen from Google. Regardless of how different the software looks, or how the setting menus are configured, you’ll eventually end up on this screen. So let’s have a look at how to add your Gmail account through both the Gmail app and the settings menu.

Using stock Android

1. Open the App Drawer. Depending on your version of Android — or any themes you may have — this can be done by swiping up from the dock, or tapping the App Drawer icon.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Go to Accounts > Add account, and then select Google.
4. At this point, you may be asked for a password, fingerprint, or pattern.
5. You’ve arrived at the Add your account screen, so enter your Gmail address and tap Next.
6. Then, enter your Gmail password and tap Next.
7. Select Agree on the Terms of Service page.
8. If you want to add payment information, add your credit card here. Otherwise, select No thanks.
9. Once finished, you will be back at Accounts in Settings. If you want to see the accounts that you have added, or want to delete any, just tap Google.

Using a Samsung phone

1. Tap Apps.
2. Go to Settings.
3. In the top menu, swipe left or right until you see the Personal section.
4. Go to Accounts.
5. Select Add account.
6. Choose Google from the resulting menu.
7. This will bring you to the Add your account screen. Here, enter your Gmail address and tap Next.
8. Then, enter your Gmail password and tap Next.
9. Select Agree on the Terms of Service page.
10. If you want to add payment information, add your credit card here. Otherwise, just select No thanks.
11. Once finished, you will be back at Accounts in Settings. If you want to see the accounts that you have added, or want to delete any, just tap Google.

Using the Gmail app

Tap the hamburger menu () in the upper-left corner, then tap your name and email in the upper left.

Select Add account.

Select Google.

This will bring you back at the Add your account screen. Here, enter your Gmail address and tap Next.

Then, enter your Gmail password and tap Next.

Select Agree on the Terms of Service page.

If you want to add payment information, add your credit card here. Otherwise, just select No thanks.

Once finished, you will be back at Accounts in Settings. If you want to see the accounts that you have added, or want to delete any, just tap Google.