How to Add a Gmail Account to iPhone

You have two options: use iPhone's built-in Mail app (which can handle Gmail), or install Google's Gmail app. Here's both, plus what to do when Gmail refuses to load.

Option 1: Built-in Mail app

Best if you want a unified inbox with all your email accounts in one place.

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down, tap Mail
3. Tap Accounts
4. Tap Add Account
5. Tap Google
6. A Google sign-in window opens. Enter your Gmail address, tap Next
7. Enter your password, tap Next
8. If you have 2-step verification on (you should), enter the code from your authenticator app or text
9. Tap Allow when iPhone asks for permission to access your Google account
10. Choose what to sync: Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes
11. Tap Save
12. Open the Mail app. Your Gmail is there

Option 2: Gmail app

Best if you're used to Gmail on a computer (labels, advanced search, Google Meet integration).

1. Open App Store
2. Search for Gmail (Google LLC)
3. Tap Get / Install
4. Open Gmail app
5. Sign in with your Google account
6. Allow notifications if you want them
7. Done

Use both at once

You can have Gmail in the Mail app AND the Gmail app simultaneously. Notifications can be set up however you like:

• Settings > Mail > Notifications: turn off if Mail app duplicates Gmail's notifications
• Settings > Gmail > Notifications: configure as you like

Adding a second (or third) Gmail account

Most people have personal Gmail + work Gmail.

• Mail app: Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google. Repeat for each account
• Gmail app: open Gmail, tap your profile icon top right, tap "Add another account"

Switch between accounts by tapping your profile icon (Gmail app) or selecting accounts in the Mail app sidebar.

Why won't my Gmail load?

2-step verification challenge

Most common cause. When you sign in to Gmail on a new device, Google sometimes requires extra verification:

1. Go to myaccount.google.com on a computer
2. Security > Sign in to Google > 2-Step Verification
3. If on, sign in to your iPhone again and pass the challenge (code via text or authenticator)

"Less secure apps" no longer supported

Google stopped supporting basic password sign-in for "less secure apps" in 2022. You must use OAuth (which Apple's Mail app does automatically with the Google option). If you tried to add Gmail as a generic IMAP account, switch to using the Google option in Settings > Mail > Accounts.

Account locked

Too many sign-in attempts can lock your Google account temporarily. Go to myaccount.google.com and unlock through Google's recovery flow.

Wi-Fi or cellular blocking

Some workplace networks block Gmail. Try on cellular data to test.

Remove Gmail from iPhone

1. Settings > Mail > Accounts
2. Tap your Google account
3. Tap Delete Account at the bottom
4. Confirm

This removes Gmail from iPhone, but your account and emails stay safe on Google's servers.

Set Gmail as default Mail app

If you want all "mailto:" links to open Gmail instead of Apple Mail:

1. Settings > Gmail
2. Tap Default Mail App
3. Select Gmail