Getting Started with Google – How to Set Up Your Google Account

A Google Account is the free account you use to sign-in to all things Google. This includes Google Docs, Drive, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Calendar, Blogger, etc. Before you can start using any of Google’s services, you will need to sign-up for this account.

If you are using a computer to sign-up, you will need a web browser and a connection to the Internet.

If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, you will need the web browser on that device and a connection to the Internet either through a wifi hotspot, or a data plan through your mobile device carrier.

Lets walk through the setup process.

Step 1: Go to https://accounts.google.com, and select the Create account link.

 

 Step 2: Fill out the sign-up form and select Next Step button.

Step 3: Choose to verify account by voice call or text message, enter your phone number, and select the CONTINUE button.

 

Step 4: Enter the verification code you receive, and select the CONTINUE button.

Step 5: You are taken to a welcome screen showing your new Google Account. Select the CONTINUE button and you will be taken to your account screen where you are walked through a security and privacy check.

Now you have your Google Account created and you can decide if you want to do a Security and Privacy Checkup for your Google Account.  I recommend you don’t skip these steps. You will wish you completed this info when you forget your password.

Step 6: Select the GET STARTED link under the Security Checkup box

Step 7: Recovery information
Your first asked to provide recovery information Google can use to send a password reset if you happen to forget your password. Select the DONE button once you enter the recovery information.

Step 8: Check your recent security events
This tells you of any recent changes made to your account. This way you can see if anything looks out of place. If everything looks good, select the Looks good button.

Step 9: Check your connected devices
This lets you see what devices have been used to connect to your Google Account. If you see a computer or mobile device listed that you don’t use, then you know someone has compromised your account. If everything looks good, select the Looks good button.

Step 10: When you are done checking the security settings, select the DONE button and it will take you to the next check.

 

Step 11: Select the CONTINUE button and you are taken back to the My Account screen.

 

Now you can do the Privacy Checkup and determine how you want Google to use your information.

Step 12: Select the GET STARTED link in the Privacy Checkup box.

Step 13: In the Privacy Checkup, you can see how Google uses your information. By default, Web & App Activity, YouTube Search History, and YouTube Watch History is enabled. Location History, Device Information, and Voice & Audio Activity are not enabled.

Description of the default enabled settings. You can disable the settings by sliding the blue slider on the right.

Description of the default disabled settings. You can enable these settings by selecting the slider on the right side. Once you are finished, select the NEXT button.

Step 14: You are given the option to adjust the ads setting to make them more relevant. Select the NEXT button to finish up.

 
Step 15: You get this screen confirming everything is setup. Select the BACK TO MY ACCOUNT button and we are finished with setting stuff up.

Congratulations! You are now all setup with your new Google Account and can choose the app you would like to open by selecting the square icon in the top right corner.

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