How to set up a new email account with Gmail

We always recommend you have an email address that isn't hosted by your ISP. This means you can continue to use it, even if you switch to another broadband provider. 

It’s easy and free to set up a new email address with Gmail, which is a webmail account that lives in the cloud. You can access it from any computer, tablet or smartphone by logging in to your account.

Below, we explain how to create a Gmail account and secure it with two-factor authentication. We've also got tips on coming up with a sensible password.

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How to choose an email password

Before you go ahead and create your Gmail account, think about password options.

While it’s unlikely that an individual will target your account, there are automated hacking systems that attempt to hack email accounts en masse.

Don't use something a hacker could easily guess, such as your pet's name, your place of birth or your favourite football team. Avoid using your own surname, your date of birth, the word ‘password’ or simple number combinations. 

A simple passphrase made up of three or more words, such as 'umbrella kitten pink', is easy to remember and much harder for the hackers' automated systems to crack.

Better still, use a password manager such as LastPass or Dashlane to generate very secure passwords and manage them for you. 

Create your new Gmail account

To create a Gmail account, follow these steps:

1. Head to google.com/gmail and select Create an account
2. Enter your name, preferred username and password
3. On the next page, add your phone number. You'll receive a code that needs adding to the setup screen
4. Next, you'll be offered the choice of Express personalisation or Manual personalisation. The latter is longer, but lets you choose how much data you want to share with Google

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Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Although your email account has a password linked to it, you should always have the extra protection of two-factor authentication.

To turn it on, select your initial in the circle in the top right-hand corner and then Manage your Google Account.

• On a computer – select Security on the left side of your screen. Under How you sign in to Google, choose 2-Step Verification.
• On a mobile – select Security underneath your profile picture, then choose 2-Step Verification.

On the next screen, you'll be asked to enter your password again. Then, on the next window, you'll see Let's set up your phone.

If you choose your phone, you'll always be sent a code via SMS when you sign in to confirm that it's you. Make sure that the phone number is correct and that Text message is selected. You'll be sent a code to your phone: type that in.

To go back to your inbox, click the Google apps menu button next to your initial in the top right-hand corner (it looks like a square of nine dots) and choose Gmail.

Once you've done all this, your email address is up and running.

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