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Email. Send and receive messages

You do not need to learn everything today.
If you can send one short email and read a reply, you are doing great.

Use this topic if you or someone you support want to:
  • Set up a Gmail email account, or sign in if you already have one.
  • Send one email to a person you trust.
  • Open a reply and write back.
  • Attach a photo if you want to.

Tip

If you are helping someone else, sit beside them and let them tap the screen themselves. Talk them through it. It builds confidence.

What you need

  • A phone, tablet, or computer connected to the internet.
  • About 10 to 15 quiet minutes.
  • A pen and paper for your email address and password.
  • One trusted person you can email, like a family member or friend.

Before you start. 60 seconds

  • Make sure your device is charged, or plugged in.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi if you have it.
  • Keep your phone nearby in case a code is sent to you.
Step 1. Open Gmail or create a Gmail account

Choose the path that fits you.

If you already have a Gmail account

  1. Open the Gmail app, or go to gmail.com in a web browser.
  2. Enter your email address.
  3. Enter your password.
  4. Tap or click Sign in.
  5. You should now see your Inbox. This is where emails arrive.

Tip

If you cannot remember your password, select Forgot password and follow the steps on screen.

Important

  • Never share your password or one-time codes with anyone.

If you do not have an email address yet

  1. Open the Gmail app, or go to gmail.com.
  2. Tap or click Create account.
  3. Choose For myself.
  4. Enter your first name and last name.
  5. Choose an email address.
    For example: yourname@gmail.com
    If a name is taken, Gmail will suggest alternatives.
  6. Create a password.
    Use a mix of letters and numbers that you can remember.
  7. Follow the steps on screen. You may be asked for:
    • Your date of birth.
    • A phone number to send a code.
    • A recovery email (optional but helpful).
  8. When finished, you will be taken to your Inbox.

Important

  • If you are creating an email address for the first time, keep it simple.
  • Avoid using your full date of birth or other personal details in your email address.

You now have an email address. Write it down.

Step 2. Send your first email
  1. In Gmail, find the Compose button.
    On phones, it is usually a plus sign or pencil icon. On a computer, look near the top left for Compose.
  2. Tap or click Compose.
  3. In To, type the email address of the person you want to contact.
  4. In Subject, write a few words.
    For example: Hello or Checking in.
  5. In the large box, write your message.
    Keep it short. One or two sentences is enough.
  6. Tap or click Send.

You should see a message saying the email was sent.

Step 3. Open a reply and write back
  1. When someone replies, their email appears in your Inbox.
  2. Tap or click the message to open it.
  3. Scroll down and choose Reply.
  4. Type your response.
  5. Tap or click Send.

Tip

If you are nervous about making a mistake, start with one line.
For example: Thanks. I got your message.

Step 4. Attach a photo (optional)

You only need this if you want to share a photo. If this feels confusing, you can skip it for now.

  1. While writing an email, look for a paperclip or photo icon.
  2. Tap or click it.
  3. Choose a photo from your device.
  4. Wait for it to finish attaching.
  5. Send the email as normal.

Important

Do not email photos of passports, bank cards, one-time codes, or private documents.

Common problems

If this happens Try this
I cannot sign in Check spelling carefully.
Make sure Caps Lock is off.
Select Forgot password if needed.
I am not receiving replies Check your internet connection.
Then check your Spam folder.
I forgot my password Use the recovery steps in Gmail. This works best if you added a phone number or recovery email.

If you are still stuck, see:
Quick fixes. When something goes wrong

You are finished when

  • You have sent one email, and
  • You have opened a reply (even if you do not reply yet)

If you want to practise, send a second short email to the same trusted person.

If something feels wrong

Most emails are safe. If a message feels urgent, frightening, or asks for money, passwords, or codes, pause and get a second opinion.

Go to: Email safety. Spot suspicious messages and scams

Next step

Once you can send and reply to an email, you are ready to try messaging and calls.