Looking to get started with Gmail? Google's free mail service is a favorite thanks to its generous storage, power spam blocking, and all kinds of power user features.

If you're a beginner, here's how to create a Gmail account, change your password, and delete old messages you don't need. For even more tips, check out our ultimate guide to Gmail.

How to Make a Gmail Account

  1. Visit the Google Account creation page.
  2. You'll need to supply your first and last name.
  3. Create a new username@gmail.com. This must be at least six characters and you can't use an address that belongs to someone else.
  4. Set a strong password.
  5. Add your birthday, gender, mobile phone, location, and a current email address (for account recovery emergencies).
  6. Click Next step when done. Google may prompt you to confirm your alternate email address or mobile number. Once you complete this, you'll see your new Gmail inbox.

How to Change Your Gmail Password

  1. Log in to Gmail and visit your inbox.
  2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
  3. Select the Accounts and Import tab, then click Change password.
  4. Confirm your current password, then Gmail will let you set a new one. Make sure you use a solid password so your account stays secure.

How to Delete Emails in Gmail

  1. In your inbox, select a message.
  2. On the right side of the email, click the dropdown arrow and select Delete this message.
  3. To delete many messages at once, check the boxes next to each email you want to erase. When you've checked them all, click the trash icon above your inbox to delete them.
  4. Visit the Trash tab on the left sidebar to view your deleted messages. Click Empty Trash now to permanently erase them all, which Gmail also does after 30 days automatically.

For many more tips, check out our power user guide to Gmail.

Do you use Gmail? Did these beginner instructions help you? Tell us down in the comments!

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