topic Google and Gmail in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Google and Gmail

pvmb — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:44:54 GMT

I've only had a smart phone since last December and have not yet registerd it for a Google account - meaning I can't update the Apps etc. I didn't really want to register with Google, however...

Something else I don't have and didn't prticularly want was a Gmail account. Unfortunately... what with the endlessly ongoing issues trying to get emails from a Plusnet email address to Gmail users I may have to consider getting my own Gmail account, purely for diagnostic purposes.

How does all this work with an Android phone? If I register it with Google using the phone number, will I automatically get an accompanying Gmail account, or would I have to apply for that separately?

TIA.

Re: Google and Gmail

cpc6128 — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 11:10:47 GMT

Which phone is it?

When you say register with google using your phone number what is this for? guarantee? when adding an account?

When you do have a google account I recommend enabling two factor.

Re: Google and Gmail

pvmb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:37:26 GMT

@cpc6128

"Which phone is it?

When you say register with google using your phone number what is this for?"

Just an Android phone, in order to get software updates/apps from the Google Store. You sign up to Google with Email or Phone. I don't particularly want to but will presumably need to to get app updates - I didn't realise how smart phone apps 'worked' until I got my first smart phone last December.

I don't really want a Gmail account either but, with all the ongoing problems with getting emails from Plusnet/Greenby email accounts to Gmail, I may have to sign up for a Gmail account simply for test purposes.

I was wondering, If I sign up to Googfle via the phone would I get a default Gmail account as well. Or would I have to sign up for that eperately?

Presumably anyone with an Android phone who uses the Google Store would know.

Re: Google and Gmail

cpc6128 — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:03:24 GMT

I do have an android phone and a google account with gmail but it's been a while since I signed up and I did so to get the e-mail then I linked it to my phone after.

It does look like you'll need a google account to update and install apps.

The sign on process does want you to either create a new gmail address or you can link it to an existing e-mail address.

Re: Google and Gmail

billnotben — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:17:02 GMT

On my old android phone I never bothered adding a gmail account and linking it to google play store.

I just downloaded any apps I wanted from a couple of fairly reputable websites, or the apps developers website. And installed the apk manually.