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Getting Started with Gmail

Set up and use Gmail to send and receive emails — everything you need to know to get started.

Start the guide

Beginner Global

Start with the first step, try it on your own device, and use the next-step section at the end if you want a clear follow-on guide.

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Guide details and who this is for

Guide details

Published
February 1, 2025
Country scope
Global

Who this is for

Best for everyday online tasks where you want a calm step-by-step path.

Good to know

Try one step at a time on your own device. If something does not look right, stop there and ask for help before guessing.

Before you begin

What this guide helps you do

This guide breaks the task into practical steps so you can finish it without needing technical knowledge.

Best time to use it

Use it when you need to complete an online task, service, app, or admin job with less stress.

Common mistake to avoid

Do not skip the review step before you submit, send, or install something.

Helpful tech words

Open a plain-English term first if you need it

Browse all jargon help

Browser

A program you use to visit websites on the internet, such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge.

Search Result

A webpage shown by a search engine in response to your query.

Download

Copying a file from the internet onto your device.

Your Free Email with Gmail

Gmail is Google’s free email service. Once you have a Gmail address, you can use it to log in to many services including Google Maps, YouTube, the Play Store, and many government services apps.

Creating a Gmail account

  1. On your phone, open the Play Store or go to gmail.com on your browser.
  2. Tap Create account → For myself.
  3. Enter your first and last name.
  4. Choose an email address — for example: name@example.com@gmail.com. If it is taken, Gmail will suggest alternatives.
  5. Create a strong password (at least 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
  6. Add your phone number — Google will send a verification code by SMS.
  7. Enter the code and complete the setup.

Your Gmail address ends in @gmail.com.

Sending an email

  1. Open Gmail and tap the Compose button (pencil icon, bottom-right).
  2. In the To field, type the recipient’s email address.
  3. Tap the Subject field and type a short description — e.g., “Appointment inquiry”.
  4. Tap the main body area and type your message.
  5. Tap the Send button (paper aeroplane icon).

Reading emails

  • New emails appear in your Inbox with a bold subject line.
  • Tap an email to read it.
  • To reply, tap the Reply arrow at the bottom of the email.

Organising your inbox

  • Archive: Swipe an email to the right to archive it — it hides from your inbox but is not deleted.
  • Delete: Swipe left to delete.
  • Labels: Tap the three-line menu → Create new label (like a folder). Useful for separating bank emails, government emails, and personal messages.

Keeping Gmail secure

  • Turn on 2-Step Verification: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification.
  • Never share your Gmail password.
  • If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Google, do not click links — go directly to myaccount.google.com instead.

Using Gmail for your area services

Many government apps (official government login, your local health portal, the retirement service letters) can send notifications to your Gmail. When registering on any government services website, use your Gmail address as your contact email.

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Move to the next recommended guide if you want a clear progression, or ask a real person if you would rather check before trying something new.

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Using Singapore Government Services Online

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