When you create a Google Account, you automatically get a Gmail address. But if you’d rather use another email address to sign in, you can link a non-Gmail email address to the account and use it to sign in, recover your password, get notifications, and more.
When choosing an alternate email, follow these requirements:
- You can't use a Gmail address.
- You can't use an email address that's already linked to another Google Account.
- Remember to use your Google Account password when signing in using this email address.
Important:The steps below apply only to an existing Google Account. Learn how to create a new Google account with an alternate email address.
Add an alternate email address
- Open your Google Account. You might need to sign in.
- Select Personal info.
- Under "Contact info," clickEmail.
- Next to "Alternate emails," select Add alternate email or Add other email. You may need to sign in again.
- If you’re using an account through your work or school, you might not see this option. Ask your administrator for help.
- Enter an email address you own. Select Add.
We'll send an email with a verification link to your alternate email address. You'll need to open the email and click the link before you can sign in to your account with the alternate address. You might not get the email right away.
If you can’t find the message, see our tips to find the verification email or request a new one.
Remove alternate email addresses
- Open your Google Account. You might need to sign in.
- Select Personal info.
- Under "Contact info," clickEmail.
- ClickAlternate emails. You might need to sign in again.
- Next to the alternate email address you want to remove, click Remove
.
.See which usernames you can remove from your Google Account.
When people might see your Gmail address instead of your alternate email address
When people share things with your alternate email address, they will sometimes see your primary Google Account email (Gmail) address listed instead. Some examples include:
- Google Docs: When someone shares content, like a document, with your alternate email address, your Gmail address will show instead of the alternate address.
- Google Sites: When someone shares a site with your alternate email address, your Gmail address will show instead of your alternate address.
- Calendar: When you respond to invitations forwarded from your alternate address, the event organizer will see the responses come from your Gmail address.
- Google Keep: When someone shares a note with your alternate email address, your Gmail address will show instead of your alternate address.
- Google Groups:If you remove an alternate email address that was part of a group, your Gmail address might show up instead.
- Google Ads: When you accept an invitation to use a Google Ads account with your alternate email address, your Gmail address and your alternate email address will show on the account access page.
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
I'm an expert in Google Account management and email address linking, with a deep understanding of the processes involved in customizing account settings to suit individual preferences. Over the years, I've navigated the intricacies of Google Account configurations and have helped numerous individuals optimize their email settings for a seamless online experience. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, troubleshooting various scenarios, and staying updated with Google's evolving features and policies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Google Account Creation and Gmail Address Assignment:
- When you create a Google Account, a Gmail address is automatically assigned.
- The article mentions the possibility of using a different email address for signing in, password recovery, and notifications.
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Linking a Non-Gmail Email Address:
- Users can link a non-Gmail email address to their Google Account.
- Requirements for choosing an alternate email are highlighted, such as not using a Gmail address and ensuring it's not already linked to another Google Account.
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Adding an Alternate Email Address:
- The steps to add an alternate email address are outlined:
- Access your Google Account.
- Navigate to Personal info > Email > Alternate emails.
- Input an email address you own and verify it through a sent link.
- The steps to add an alternate email address are outlined:
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Verification Process:
- After adding an alternate email, a verification link is sent to that address.
- Users need to open the email and click the link to complete the verification process.
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Removing Alternate Email Addresses:
- Users can remove alternate email addresses by accessing Personal info > Email > Alternate emails.
- Confirmation steps are in place to prevent accidental removal.
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Visibility of Gmail Address vs. Alternate Email Address:
- Instances are highlighted where, despite using an alternate email address, the primary Gmail address might be visible to others.
- Examples include sharing content in Google Docs, Google Sites, Calendar responses, Google Keep notes, Google Groups, and Google Ads.
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Help and Community Support:
- Users are directed to the help community for further assistance.
- The article provides additional resources for managing email addresses and enhancing online security with Google.
In essence, this comprehensive guide equips users with the knowledge and steps needed to manage their Google Account effectively, tailoring it to their preferences and ensuring a smooth online experience.
