Signing In to Gmail on a New Phone: Prompts and Codes

On a new phone, Google may ask you to approve the sign-in on another device, enter a code, or use a passkey. Keep your old phone handy during the switch.

What Google may ask for

Before you switch phones

1. Check your recovery phone and email at myaccount.google.com.
2. Back up the old phone to your Google account.
3. Move Google Authenticator codes to the new phone (the app has a transfer option).
4. Print or save backup codes.

Setting up the new phone

On Android, signing in to your Google account during setup brings Gmail, contacts and apps across. On iPhone, add the account in the Gmail app. The first sign-in on a new device often triggers a prompt on your old phone.

No prompt arrives

• Make sure the old phone is online and has Google Play services or the Google app running.
• Choose Try another way on the new phone.
• Use Wi-Fi you have used with this account before; it helps Google trust the sign-in.

Old phone lost

Use a backup code, a text code to your recovery number, or the account recovery form. Answer as many questions as you can from the new phone. See Gmail recovery.

After you are in

• Remove the old phone from your account's device list if you are giving it away.
• Create a passkey on the new phone for easier sign-in.
• Turn on Find My Device for the new phone.

Need a second inbox? See creating a second Gmail account.

Work and school Gmail

Accounts from an employer or school may need the device to be approved or managed before Gmail works. Follow the prompts to install any work profile, or ask your IT team.

FAQ

Why does Gmail ask for approval on a new phone?

Google checks new devices to confirm it is you.

What if I do not have my old phone?

Use a backup code, a text code, or account recovery.

Do I need to move Google Authenticator?

Yes, before resetting the old phone.

Related: Gmail recovery · Google account locked · passkeys.