Set up a Play Store account

Before you can download new apps for your Android smartphone or tablet, you need to set up a free Play Store account. We'll explain how to do it.

Create a new Play Store account (Google account):

If you do not yet have a Google user account (e.g. Gmail), you must first create one. You can do this either on the Google website (first click on "Login" and then on "Register") or directly on your Android smartphone. When you use your smartphone for the first time, the configuration wizard should start automatically. Otherwise, proceed as follows:

1. Open the app drawer (the overview of all installed apps) on your smartphone and select "Settings".
2. Select the entry "Accounts & Synchronization" and then "Add Account" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select "Google" as the account type. You will now be asked whether you want to add an existing account or create a new one. Click on "New".
4. Now enter your first and last name in the appropriate fields. Then choose "Next".
5. Enter your desired email address. You can only freely choose the part before the @ sign. Then tap "Next".
6. Now choose a password for your new account. This must be at least eight characters long. Repeat your password in the second input field.
7. Enter an existing email address that you have access to. Also select a security question and enter the appropriate answer in the associated field.
8. You will now be asked whether you would like to additionally log in to Google+. If you do not want this, you can skip this step with "Not now".
9. In the last step you can activate the web protocol for your account. This feature adjusts search results based on your searches and websites you visit. If you do not want this, remove the check mark. Touch "I agree" to accept the Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Set up an existing Play Store account (Google account):

If you already have a Google account, you no longer need to set up your own account for the Play Store. You can then easily use the existing account:

1. Open the app drawer on your smartphone and select "Settings".
2. Select the entry "Accounts & Synchronization" and then "Add Account" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select "Google" as the account type. You will now be asked whether you want to add an existing account or create a new one. Select "Existing".
4. Enter the email address and password of your Google account in the two input fields as specified. Select "Sign in."
5. You will now be asked whether you want to secure your phone using your Google account. If you do not want this, remove the check mark. Then select "Next".

A smartphone with Android 4.0.4 was used for this practical tip. For other versions of Android, the steps may vary slightly from this guide. The procedure should also be similar then.