How to check if a Gmail address is available
There is no public "is this Gmail free?" lookup. The reliable test is Google's own sign-up form, which tells you right away if a username cannot be used.
Go to accounts.google.com/signup, start creating an account and type the username you want. If it is taken, too close to an existing name or reserved, Google says so and suggests alternatives. Gmail usernames must be 6 to 30 characters and use only letters, numbers and periods.
Check it on the sign-up form
- Open accounts.google.com/signup in a private or incognito window, so you are not signed in.
- Enter a name and birthday to reach the username step.
- Choose to create your own Gmail address and type the username.
- If Google moves you on to the password step, the name is available. If not, it shows why and offers suggestions.
You do not have to finish creating the account. Close the window once you know.
Why Google says a username is not available
- Already in use by someone else.
- Too close to an existing username. Because Gmail ignores dots, jo.lee counts as the same name as jolee.
- Reserved by Google to prevent spam or abuse (for example postmaster).
- Previously used. A username from a deleted Gmail account can never be registered again, even by its original owner.
Gmail username rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 to 30 characters |
| Allowed | Letters a–z, numbers 0–9, periods |
| Not allowed | & = _ ' - + , < > and two periods in a row |
| Dots | Ignored: john.smith and johnsmith are the same address |
| Capitals | Ignored: JohnSmith reaches johnsmith |
Is a "Gmail checker" website safe?
Sites that claim to check Gmail availability cannot see Google's user list. At best they guess; at worst they collect the names and addresses people type. Use Google's own form instead. To check whether an existing address is well formed and its domain accepts mail, use the free email checker.
Ideas when your name is taken
- Add a middle initial: maria.t.gonzalez
- Swap the order: gonzalez.maria
- Add your trade or city: maria.bakes, maria.tampa
- Avoid birth years. They are hard to say out loud and give away personal details.
More ideas: email name ideas.
Questions people ask
- Can I get a Gmail address someone deleted?
- No. Google never reissues a deleted Gmail username, to anyone.
- Can I check if a Gmail address exists without signing up?
- Not reliably. The sign-up form is the dependable test. A mailbox-checking service can sometimes tell if an address accepts mail, but Gmail does not always give a clear answer.
- Do capital letters or dots make a new Gmail address?
- No. Gmail ignores both, so they cannot be used to create a different address.
Sending one email to a whole list? Check the addresses first with Veml, which removes bad and risky emails before you hit send. (Veml and EmailNa have the same owner.)