Difference Between Google account and Gmail account

Knowing the differences between the Google account and Gmail will help you use them consistently. 

Google and Gmail accounts are two terms that are interconnected to each other. Both the terms were Google's powered services. But the Google account stands to cover a wide range when compared to Gmail in terms of services they handle.

In this article, we're going to see the basic differences between a Google account and a Gmail account. 

Tip: you should not get confused about these two expressions "Gmail address" and "Gmail account" both two phrases are the same in meaning. Meanwhile, the Google account has its specific implication as we will soon see the differences between them.

Before we proceed with the key differences it is worth knowing the concepts of each term in a separate topic. 

What is a Google account

When we say Google account in general we are referring to a medium that allows a user to access and manage Google products and services. Gmail is among the most popular Google products that are used primarily for sending and receiving email messages. 

If a person creates one Google account he can use it to access all the Google products and services like YouTube, Maps, Gmail, etc. 

What is a Gmail account

As we previously mentioned, a Gmail account is nothing without a Google account. It is a sub-product of a Google account and its primary function is to allow a user to send and receive mail. Gmail is the most popular and utilizable part of Google account's products with free access to hundreds of mail storage.

Apart from these functions, the Google team later attached some other responsibilities to a Gmail mobile application including video calls, Google calendar, and Google contacts.

Let's dive into the key differences between Google accounts and Gmail accounts. 

Differences between Google account and Gmail account

These are some areas we have so far collated where the Google account differs from the Gmail account.

1. A Google account is necessary for creating Gmail. Meanwhile, a Google account can be created by using a non-Gmail email address like Yahoo or Hotmail. 
2. Creating your Gmail account is a subset of the process of creating your Google account.
3. Your Gmail is your username to sign up and log in to your Google account. (i.e username@gmail.com)
4. Each Google account is attached to a specific Gmail account.
5. You will only get access to a Gmail account and other services like Google Maps, Drive, meet, shopping, chrome, and more if you have a Google account.

In a note shell: Gmail account is a part of Google account products that utilize for sending and receiving messages.

While a Google account authorizes users to access all Google services including Gmail, YouTube channels, Google play, etc.

Related topic: How to create Google and Gmail account

Let's talk about some other substantive topics which may help us in understanding the differences between a Google account and a Gmail account.

When do you need a Google account

The majority of Google's owned products and services required you to sign in to your Google account before you gain access to it. Yet If you don't have it before, Google will allow you to  create a free new account. This is the reason why you should at least have one account most importantly for sending and receiving mail. One is enough for all Google products.

Below are some common products that we access using a Google account.

1. Google play store and app store. This allows users to download applications for mobile phones.

2. Google Drive: this grants you access to upload and save your documents in secure places.

You may want to read: How to save Documents/Files in Google Drive

3. YouTube channel: You can create your channel to upload as many videos as you want and even monetize it.

4. Google classroom: this is a place used to manage teach and learn from one central place.

5. Google meets: allows online meetings from different destinations.

5. Google pay: this service allows you to add your payment method to your google account to make a purchase and send money.

6. Google Maps: It helps you know your location and navigate in a certain direction.

There are other Google products and applications you can access without having an account such as search engine, Assistant, Chrome, etc. 

 

Types of Google account

1. Individual Google account: this is for your personal use.

2. Child account: they authorized you to create and manage an account for your child until he reached 13 years or the applicable age in your country. 

3. Business Google account: used to create a business profile that helps you to manage your business online.

If you have any inquiries about the difference between a Google account and a Gmail account feel free to ask in the comments section. 

Also read: How to set 2-step verification in Gmail