How to Set Up Gmail Email on Mac Mail

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Gmail is very popular, free to use email service provider. This guide will help you setup the Mac Mail program to access your email, rather than rely on the web interface.

Before You Begin:

Verify Password
Before setting up, take a moment to visit the web-based version of your email, and try to log in (sign out then back in if you need to). You will need to remember your password in order to complete setup.

Gmail and Mac Mail

2. Gmail Email Setup for Mac Mail

macOS handles your Internet Accounts, like your Yahoo! account, in a central location in System Preferences. Then, programs such as Mail get the settings from there automatically.

  1. Select the Apple Menu, then select System Preferences.
Apple Menu with System Preferences highlighted.
  1. Select Internet Accounts.
Internet Accounts Preferences
  1. Select Google.
Internet Accounts with Google highlighted.
  1. Google requires authentication through your browser. Select Open Browser.
Browser prompt with Open Browser highlighted.
  1. Type in your Gmail Email address and select Next.
Google Sign-In with email field and Next button highlighted.
  1. Enter your Gmail Password and select Next.
Password prompt with Password Field and Next button highlighted.
  1. Google will ask permission to access your accounts, select Allow.
Access prompt with Allow highlighted.
  1. Internet Accounts will ask what aspects of your Gmail account to access. The defaults are fine, select Done.
Internet Accounts apps access with all checked and Done highlighted.
  1. Your Google account is now setup on your Mac.
Internet Accounts with Gmail account setup.
  1. Open the Mail program from your Dock or from Applications to read and compose email.
Mac Mail.

Mac Mail with Gmail account.