The basic steps to read your email
To check your email, you open a website or app, enter your email address and password, and your messages appear. The exact steps depend on whether you use a computer, phone, or tablet, and which email service you have — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, or another provider. Once you log in, you see your inbox, which is where new messages land.
Most people check email through a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) by going to their email provider's website. Others use an app on their phone or computer that downloads messages automatically. Both methods show you the same emails — the difference is just how you access them.
Key Takeaways
- You check email by visiting your provider's website or opening an email app, then entering your email address and password.
- Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail are the most common free email services, and each has its own website and app.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it using a recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created the account.
- Email apps on phones and tablets can check your email automatically and send you notifications when new messages arrive.
- Your inbox is where new messages appear, and you can organize them into folders or mark them as read once you have looked at them.
Checking email on a computer using a web browser
Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. In the address bar at the top, type the website for your email provider. If you use Gmail, go to gmail.com. If you use Outlook, go to outlook.com. If you use Yahoo Mail, go to mail.yahoo.com. If you are not sure which service you use, check any email you have received — the sender's address usually tells you (for example, someone@gmail.com uses Gmail).
Once the website loads, you will see a sign-in page. Click the box that says "Email address" or "Username" and type your full email address. Then click the box that says "Password" and type your password. Click the button that says "Sign in" or "Log in." Your inbox will open, and you will see your messages listed.
If you want to stay signed in on that computer, look for a checkbox that says "Keep me signed in" or "Remember this device" and check it before you sign in. This means you will not have to enter your password every time you visit. Do not do this on a shared computer or a public computer — only on one you use alone.
Checking email on a phone or tablet
You can check email on a phone or tablet in two ways: through a web browser (the same way as a computer) or through an email app. An app is a small program you read that sits on your home screen. Most phones come with an email app already installed — iPhones have Mail, and Android phones usually have Gmail or another email app.
To use an app, open it and tap "Add account" or a plus sign. Type your email address and password. The app will connect to your email provider and read your messages. After that, the app checks for new messages automatically, usually every few minutes. You will see a notification (a small alert) on your screen when a new message arrives, so you do not have to open the app to know someone has written to you.
If you do not want to use an app, you can open a web browser on your phone and go to gmail.com, outlook.com, or mail.yahoo.com the same way you would on a computer. The website will adjust to fit your phone screen.
What to do if you forget your password
If you try to sign in and your password does not work, look for a link that says "Forgot password?" or "Can't sign in?" Click it. The email provider will ask you to prove you own the account. Usually this means they send a code to a recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created the account.
Check the email or text message you receive. It will contain a code or a link. Enter the code on the password reset page, or click the link. Then you can create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you will remember, or write it down somewhere safe.
If you do not have access to the recovery email or phone number, the process takes longer. You may have to answer security questions or provide other proof that you own the account. Each email provider has a different process, but they all have a way to help you regain access.
Understanding your inbox and organizing messages
Your inbox is the folder where all new messages appear. As you read messages, you can mark them as read (so you know you have seen them) or leave them unread. Most email services show unread messages in bold or with a small dot next to them.
You can organize messages by creating folders. For example, you might create a folder called "Bills" or "Work" and move messages into those folders so your inbox stays clean. You can also delete messages you do not need — they usually go to a "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder first, and stay there for 30 days before disappearing permanently.
Many email services also have a "Spam" or "Junk" folder where unwanted messages go automatically. Check this folder occasionally in case an important message was sorted there by mistake.
Staying safe when you check your email
Never share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for your email provider. Real companies will never ask for your password by email or phone. If someone asks for it, they are trying to steal your account.
When you sign in on a public computer — at a library, school, or internet cafe — always sign out when you are done. Look for a button that says "Sign out," "Log out," or "Exit," and click it. This prevents the next person from seeing your messages.
If you use an email app on your phone, make sure your phone itself is password-protected. That way, if you lose your phone, someone cannot open the app and read your messages.
Common reasons email does not work
If you type your email address and password but nothing happens, check that you are on the correct website. Gmail.com, outlook.com, and mail.yahoo.com are the official sites. If you are on a different website, you might be on a fake site designed to steal passwords. Close the page and type the address again carefully.
If the website or app says "Incorrect password," try again slowly, making sure you type every letter and number correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters are different from lowercase letters. If you still cannot sign in, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it.
If the website is very slow or will not load at all, your internet connection might be the problem. Try opening a different website to test. If other websites work fine, wait a few minutes and try your email again — the email service might be having temporary problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the same email account on multiple devices?
Yes. You can sign in on your computer, phone, and tablet all at the same time using the same email address and password. Messages you read on one device will usually show as read on the others too, though this depends on your email provider and settings.
What is the difference between an email app and checking email in a web browser?
An app downloads messages to your device and can notify you when new mail arrives. A web browser requires you to visit the website each time. Apps are faster and more convenient, but both show you the same messages.
Is it safe to check email on public WiFi?
It is safer if your email provider uses HTTPS, which encrypts your password so others on the WiFi cannot see it. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail all use HTTPS. Still, avoid checking email on public WiFi if you can, and always sign out when you are done.
How do I know if an email is real or a scam?
Look at the sender's email address carefully — scammers often use addresses that look similar to real companies but are slightly different. Real companies will not ask you to click a link and enter your password. If you are unsure, go directly to the company's website instead of clicking a link in the email.
Can I recover an email I deleted by mistake?
Usually yes. Deleted messages go to a Trash or Deleted Items folder first and stay there for 30 days. Open that folder, find the message, and move it back to your inbox. After 30 days, the message is permanently gone.