Create an email account
What an email address is, how to make a Gmail account step by step, and how to choose a sensible address.
An email address is your key to the online world. Let's make one. An email address is like a home address for messages. People can send you letters, documents and photos, and you'll need it to sign up for almost everything online. Every email address has two parts, joined by the at sign. First your name part, then the email provider, like gmail dot com.
The parts of an email address
The first part is your username. You choose it when you create the account. The middle symbol is the at sign. When you say an email address out loud, you say at. The last part is the provider, the company that runs the email service. To create a Gmail address, open the Gmail app or go to accounts dot google dot com, and choose Create account. Then enter your first and last name. Next, enter your date of birth. If you're under 13, you can't make your own account, but a parent can set one up for you with Google Family Link. Then choose your address. Popular names are often taken, so you can add a middle name or a number. Keep it simple and sensible, because you'll use it for school, jobs and banking. Create a strong password, and type it again to confirm it. In Unit 5, you'll learn how to make passwords that are hard to guess. Google may ask for your phone number and send you a code by text message. Type the code to prove it's you. Your phone number also helps you get back into your account if you ever forget your password.
Choosing a good address
Use your real name, so people know the email is from you. Avoid nicknames and jokes. An address like sweet girl two four seven won't impress a school or an employer. Write your new address down so you don't forget it. And never share your password with anyone.
Quick check
Quick check. Which email address is best for applying for a job? Emeka dot Okafor at gmail dot com. It's simple, sensible and uses a real name. Options: coolguy247@gmail.com; emeka.okafor@gmail.com; xx_boss_xx@gmail.com; emekaaaaaa1999@gmail.com.
Recap
An email address is your username, the at sign, and the provider. Create one in the Gmail app, or at accounts dot google dot com. If you're under 13, a parent can set one up with Family Link. Choose a sensible address with your real name. And keep your password secret.
Key points
- An email address has a username, the @ sign (said "at") and a provider, like amina.bello@gmail.com.
- Create a Gmail account in the Gmail app or at accounts.google.com. Under 13s need a parent to set one up with Google Family Link.
- Choose a sensible address with your real name. Add a middle name or number if your name is taken.
- Add your phone number so you can recover your account, and never share your password.
Try it: Set up your email
Tick each step when you've done it.