Adding a Google Account using macOS on your Mac

Adding a Google Account using macOS on your Mac

This tutorial assumes you're adding your Google account for the purposes of syncing with Apple's apps (e.g. Mail, Safari etc.) - if you're using the Chrome web browser and want to be able to make better use of the security separation, we'll add another article specifically for that.

To add a Google account:

  • Go to System Preferences (find this icon on your Dock)


    Alternatively, you can get to System Preferences by clicking on the  Apple logo at the very top left of your screen and go to System Preferences;
  • Choose Internet Accounts
  • Click on Google on the right-hand side of the new window that pops up

    You will be prompted that Google requires completing authentication in your web browser. Choose the Open Browser button to open Safari.
  • You will then be shown a Google Sign-in screen asking for your Email or phone number. Enter your email address and choose the blue Next button below.
  • Next, you will be asked for your password. Enter this and choose the blue Next button below.

    You will be prompted that "macOS wants to access your Google Account". Choose the Allow button below.
  • At this point, your Google account will be loaded on your device if you press Done at the bottom right of the screen, however, you really should review which services you want to sync with the account you have connected:
    • If this is a shared account, you should disable Contacts, Calendars and Notes.
    • If you are going to use Gmail in your web browser, you should disable Mail.
  • Choose Done at the bottom right of the screen.
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