You can access Google Analytics with any email address, provided it is linked to a Google Account. It doesn’t need to be a Gmail account but it does need to be registered with Google.
Executive Summary
- To access Google Analytics, you need a Google Account.
- A Google Account is not the same as a Gmail Account.
- You can also use any other email address.
- If you are not tech-savvy, you can set up a Gmail email to access GA.
What is a Google account, anyway?
With a Google account, you have access to certain Google products, such as Gmail, Google Analytics, or Google Search Console. The list of Google products is every changing but the second one listed, Google Account, is at the center of Google’s core business (making money with ads).
The purpose of a Google Account, for users at least:
- No more cookie acceptance.
- A history of everything you have been watching and searching for.
- As a bonus, an algorithm that gives you suggestions tailored to your preferences.
- There is also a section to control your privacy and security.
The advantage of Google Accounts for Google is slightly different:
- More data about users, including searches and all other activities on Google products, as well as on apps and sites that have GA installed.
Anyways, now that you know what you’re getting into, here are two options to sign into Google Analytics and other Google properties if you do not have a google email.
Option 1: Use your own email address to access GA
To access Google Analytics on desktop without Gmail, you need to use another valid email address that is registered as your Google Account.
If that is not the case yet, follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the Google Analytics site
You can do this here.
Step 2: Click on Create account
You can find the link between the login credentials.
Step 3: Choose Work / business
Google Analytics is a business product.
From the 3 options that show up, choose the For work or my business, even if you are running a personal site or business.
Step 4: Fill in your information
You need to provide your first name, last name, and email address.
Pay attention at this stage:
- Since you already have an email address, don’t click on the blue link to create a new Gmail instead.
- Double check the email address you enter belongs to you and is the one you plan using for Google Analytics.
Step 5: Choose a password
Enter a new password and confirm it.
- Do NOT enter the password of the email address you entered.
Step 6: Click the blue button with Next on it
Step 7: Open your mailbox
Open your mailbox. Look for an email from Google and copy the verification code.
Step 8: Paste the confirmation code
Paste the verification code in the field and click Next.
Step 9: Enter your phone number
Enter your phone number and click Verify.
This adds an extra layer of security to your Google Account. And thus later to Google Analytics.
If you don’t like this idea don’t worry. On the next screen, you can remove it.
You will receive a text message with a code.
Type it in the proper field and click Verify.
Step 10: Enter your age and gender
Now you need to fill in your birthday.
For Gender, you can choose between:
- Male
- Female
- Rather not say
- Custom
If you want to, you can remove your phone number.
Click Next.
Step 11: Optional: verify your phone number
You can skip this step and verify your phone number again. Or do it right away.
Step 12: Accept the terms and conditions
You can opt out of being tracked for certain services.
All set? Click I agree at the bottom of the page.
You thought you were finished?
Here is a surprise:
Remember that Google Analytics is a business product.
You can skip setting up your business account for now, but you will need to go to the steps to set up Google Analytics anyway.
After all that is done, you can access Google Analytics without a Gmail account.
That may seem like many steps, but if you are using a Gmail account, you have done this at one point too.
But honestly, isn’t there an easier way?
Option 2: Create Another Gmail Address or Use One You Already Own
Yes, you can just set up a Gmail account…but if you’d rather not have another email account, the above method works as well.
The choice is up to you. If you’re one of our clients and are still having trouble signing in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we will set up a Zoom to walk you through this.
We hope this has helped!