How to Open an Email in Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and More

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Quickly open and read your emails on any device

Co-authored by Brandon Phipps and Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: April 7, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Using a Computer
|
• Using iPhone or iPad
|
• Using Android
|
• Creating an Email Account
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

Are you trying to open an email you received online? If you have an email address, you can easily access your inbox by logging into your email provider's website. The inbox is where you can find all your received emails. You'll just need an email account and a computer, laptop, or mobile device to get started. This wikiHow will walk you through finding and reading an email sent to your email address on your computer, iPhone, or Android device.

How to Open an Email

• On your computer, open the email provider's website, sign in, and click on an email in your inbox to open it. Double-click the email to open it in a new window.
• On your phone, add your email account to your default mail app (or install a different mail app if you choose). Open the app and tap on an email to open it up.
• If you don't already have an email account, you can make a free account online using Gmail, Outlook, Proton Mail, AOL, Yahoo Mail, iCloud, or Mail.com.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Using a Computer

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1. 
   1
   Go to your email provider's website. Open a web browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or another browser. If you don't have an email account, you can easily create one.

   • Some popular email providers include:
     • Gmail: mail.google.com
     • Outlook: outlook.live.com
       • If you use Outlook, you can also open it in the desktop app, available on both Windows and Mac computers. If you have a PC, Outlook is usually installed automatically. If you have a Mac, you can download and install Outlook from Microsoft.
     • Proton Mail: proton.me/mail
     • AOL: mail.aol.com
     • Yahoo Mail: mail.yahoo.com
     • iCloud: www.icloud.com/mail
     • Mail: mail.com
2. 
   2
   Log in to your email account. If you aren't already logged in, click the Sign in button if you don't see the login fields. Enter your email address and password. Then, click Sign in.

   • If you don't remember your password, you'll need to reset it. This will look different depending on your provider, but you should see a Forgot password? option or similar on the sign-in page.
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3. 
   3
   Click Inbox. This is usually the default screen when you open your email. If not, in most cases, you'll find this on the left side of the screen. The inbox is where you'll find all emails sent to you. You'll see the subject title, sender, and date/time sent.
4. 
   4
   Click an email to open it. The email will either open in a new page or in a part of your screen. You'll now be able to read the email. To open the email in a new window, double-click it.

   • If you want to read another email, click the back arrow or Inbox to return to the Inbox. Select another email.
   • If you find a lot of spam emails, you can click the trash can icon to delete them, or you can report the user in the email's settings.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Brandon Phipps

   Technology Specialist

   Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.

   

   Brandon Phipps
   Technology Specialist

   Never click on anything you don't trust in an email. Be careful when clicking on links or sharing your personal information online to avoid security breaches. Cybercriminals send emails with malicious links to deceive users. Verify the sender's identity and take precautions before clicking on any links or sharing personal information to prevent unauthorized account access.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using iPhone or iPad

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1. 
   1
   Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon. If you don't have an email account, you can easily create one.

   • This method involves using iOS's built-in Mail app to manage the email accounts on your device. You'll be able to view, write, and send emails from multiple accounts with this app.
   • Make sure to update your iOS to the latest version.
   • Most popular email providers also offer mobile apps you can download and use instead of the default Mail app. Simply search the App Store for Gmail, Outlook, or another provider to find an app, and then tap GET.
2. 
   2
   Tap Apps. Scroll all the way to the bottom of your settings menu to find this option.
3. 
   3
   Tap Mail. You’ll find this in the M section of the Apps menu..
4. 
   4
   Tap Mail Accounts. You’ll see this near the top of the Mail menu.
5. 
   5
   Tap Add Account. A new page will open where you can enter the email address for the account you want to add. Alternatively, you can tap choose from a list and select your provider, then enter your account info.
6. 
   6
   Enter your email address and password. With some providers, you'll enter the email address first and tap Next to see the password field. Once logged in, the Mail app will verify your account.

   • If you see Save, tap Save.
   • Your email address will be added to the Mail app.
7. 
   7
   Open the Mail app. This looks like a white envelope with a blue background. You can find this on your home screen or in the App Library.

   • By default, the app should open to your inbox. If you have more than one account added, tap your account underneath the Mailboxes header, or tap All Inboxes.
8. 
   8
   Tap an email to open and view it. The inbox is where you'll find all emails sent to you. You'll see the subject title, sender, and date/time sent. The email will open once you tap it.

   • If needed, you can send a new email by tapping the icon of the pencil and paper in the bottom-right corner.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using Android

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1. 
   1
   Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon. You can find this on your home page or App Drawer.

   • This method will add an account to your Android device, which will sync your email, contacts, calendar, and more.
   • Make sure to update your device to the latest version.
   • Most popular email providers offer a mobile app you can download and use. Simply search the Google Play Store for Gmail, Outlook, or another provider to find an app, and then tap Install.
2. 
   2
   Tap Passwords & accounts. This can also look like Users & accounts depending on the model of Android phone that you have.
3. 
   3
   Tap Add account. You can find this underneath the Accounts header.
4. 
   4
   Tap your email provider. If you want to add a Google Account, tap Google. If you want to add a Google Meet account, tap Meet.

   • For other email providers, tap Exchange, Personal (IMAP), or Personal (POP3).
5. 
   5
   Enter your email address and password. With some providers, you'll enter your email address first, then tap Next to see the password field. You may need to provide your device's PIN, pattern, or password to fully add the email address.
6. 
   6
   Open the Gmail app. This looks like a multi-colored M with a white background. You can find this on your home screen or in the App Drawer.

   • By default, the app should open to your inbox. If you have more than one account added, tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner and select Primary or All Inboxes.
7. 
   7
   Tap an email to open and view it. The inbox is where you'll find all emails sent to you. You'll see the subject title, sender, and date/time sent. The email will open once you tap it.

   • You can also send emails with the Gmail app by tapping Compose in the bottom-right corner.
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Section 4 of 4:

Creating an Email Account

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1. 
   1
   Decide on an email provider. Nowadays, there are several different email services and providers with which you can create an email account for free. This depends entirely on your own preferences and needs. Gmail is a popular option, and it's simple to use.

   • Other popular email providers include:
     • Outlook: outlook.live.com
     • Proton Mail: proton.me/mail
     • AOL: mail.aol.com
     • Yahoo Mail: mail.yahoo.com
     • iCloud: www.icloud.com/mail
     • Mail: mail.com
2. 
   2
   Visit the provider's website in a web browser. Open a web browser and navigate to the proper website. This will look different depending on the provider you choose.
3. 
   3
   Click Create an account. This can also look like Sign up, Create account, or similar. You can usually find this in the top corner of the page.
4. 
   4
   Fill out all required fields. With most providers, you'll be required to provide your first and last name, create an email username and password, and provide your date of birth, gender, and mobile phone number.

   • You can use a fake name if you aren't comfortable using your real name, and you can change it later on.
   • If the email address you want is taken, you'll see an error. In this case, enter another unique email address or select one of the suggested ones.
5. 
   5
   Click Next to proceed. This can also look like OK, Continue, or similar.

   • In some cases, you may need to verify your phone number. If prompted, check for a code sent to your device and enter it into the field.
   • Your email account is ready to use.
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