1. To create a Gmail account and a Google account. Click on CREATE AN ACCOUNT.
![How to get a Google Gmail account](https://i0.wp.com/amethystisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GoogleGmailAccount004.jpg?resize=900%2C53&ssl=1)
2. Create a name for your Gmail account. Check availability. If your name is taken (which I’m sure is not the case, you are unique, after all), several suggestions are made.
![How to get a Google Gmail account 002](https://i0.wp.com/amethystisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GoogleGmailAccount0021.jpg?resize=545%2C342&ssl=1)
3. Create a password. A minimum of 8 characters in length. Try and use those extra characters, too, like %, $, &, etc. Your password strength should be “strong.”
![How to get a Google Gmail account 003](https://i0.wp.com/amethystisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GoogleGmailAccount003.jpg?resize=619%2C179&ssl=1)
4. Pick a security question and answer. Do not use spaces or punctuation. Save your answer as you would a password, not because someone can steal it, but because the answer has to be entered the same way each time. For instance, if your pet’s name is “St. Bernard.” you will need to enter it as StBernard and enter it that way whenever you are asked for it. Have a recovery email address for the “Recovery email” box.
![How to get a Google Gmail account 005](https://i0.wp.com/amethystisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GoogleGmailAccount005.jpg?resize=592%2C197&ssl=1)
5. Here are the security questions at this time.
![How to get a Google Gmail account 001](https://i0.wp.com/amethystisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GoogleGmailAccount001.jpg?resize=587%2C205&ssl=1)