Tip Sheet:
Creating a Username and Password for a New Email Address
Click or Tap on a Question to see the Answer
How do I know if I have an Android or Apple Smartphone?
If you have an iPhone, there will be an image of an apple at the back. The apple will look like this
If there is no image of an apple, you most likely have an Android phone.
Where can I begin creating a username?
● A good place to start is your name. This might be a combination of first name, last name, or middle name. Then think about where you can add numbers or special characters.
● If you decide to use numbers in your username, be sure that the numbers do not reflect your birthday or age. Also, be sure that the numbers are not confusing. The numbers should be easy for you to remember. For example, a number combination like ‘5032789’ may be too long for you to remember.
How do I get to the email sign-in page to enter my newly created username?
● To get to the email sign in page, you must download the email app of your choice (EX: Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.). Once you’ve downloaded the app, tap on it to open the app. Then look for the words ‘sign up’ or ‘create account.’
I'm trying to use the username I created but I see a message that says the username is taken. What should I do?
Pause. Think about your username. Can you add a number or special character? In the example shown to the right, I’ve added a period between ‘Ruth’ and ‘D’ and some numbers after ‘D.’
You can also look for suggested usernames on screen. If you see a sugessted username you want to use, tap on it to select it.
How can I create a memorable password?
1. Think of a few lines from your favourite song or book. For example: ‘Mary had a little lamb.’
2. Then write down the first and last letters of each word in that line. For example: Mary had a
little lamb’ becomes myhdalelb.
3. You can now make alternating letters uppercase. For example: MyHdAlElB.
4. Then add some special characters and/or numbers. For example: MyHdAlElB3!
Where can I learn more strategies for creating a memorable password?
How can I test my password strength?
Click on: https://www.security.org/how-secure-is-my-password/
Tap inside the box that says ‘enter password’ then type your password. Tap ‘enter’ on your
keyboard.
What do I do if my password is too weak?
Take some time to pause and reflect. Ask yourself some questions about the password you
created. Is it missing any of the requirements of a strong password?
How do I get to the email sign in page to enter my newly created password?
To get to the email sign in page, you must download the email app of your choice. Once you’ve
downloaded the app, tap on it to open the app. Then look for the words ‘sign up’ or ‘create
account.’
I’m on an iPhone. How do I download an app for email, like Yahoo, Outlook, or Gmail?
Apps are available through an online store. If you are using an iPhone, you will use the App Store to download an app.
To learn more about downloading apps on an iPhone, click here: How to download and install an
app on iPhone 12 from App Store - YouTube
Please note that some iPhones may require your Apple ID to download an app. You most likely
had to set up an Apple ID when you first got your iPhone. If you have forgotten your Apple ID,
click here to learn how to reset it: How to reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone | Apple
Support - YouTube
I’m on an Android smartphone. How do I download an app for email, like Yahoo, or Outlook?
Apps are available through an online store. If you are using an Android phone, you will use the
Google Play Store to download an app.
● To learn more about downloading an app from the Google Play Store, click here: How to
Download an App or Game on ANY Samsung Phone - YouTube
● Please note that on some Android devices, you may be required to sign into your Google
Account in order to access the Google Play Store. If you are already using Gmail, your Google
MTML’s Smartphones and Employment Skills Project Account will be the same as your gmail email address and password. If you have never created a Google Account, click here to learn more: How To Create a Google Account Using an Android Smartphone - YouTube
Tips for Coping when Feeling Nervous or Frustrated
I’m feeling exhausted because I’ve had to make changes to my password so many times. What can I do?
Take a break. As you take a break, give yourself credit for all the hard work you have put into
creating a strong password.
I feel nervous about even trying this new skill. What can I do?
● Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from trying. Smartphones are generally designed
to withstand mistakes you might make, and will not break if you do make a mistake.
● If your screen does freeze while you’re trying to use your smartphone, you can restart your
device. To learn how to restart your iPhone, click here: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support (CA).
To learn how to restart an Android phone, click here: How to Force Restart an Android Phone
When It’s Not Responding (howtogeek.com) and scroll to the section “Perform a Hard
Reset/Reboot.”
● Remember, practicing is the best way to help your brain remember these new skills!
This process is frustrating. How can I handle frustration?
Frustration will make it harder to problem solve. To reduce frustration and increase problem solving,
follow the steps below.
• Step 1: Pause.
• Step 2: Name what you’re feeling without judgement. Be sure to use the phrase “I am
feeling______.”
• Step 3: Take a 5-minute break, or a little longer if needed. You have the option to do something
to help you feel calm, such as doing some gentle stretches, listening to music, or breathing
deeply until you feel calm.
• You can also check out: The Guide to Mindfulness for Better Learning and/or the guide on
Changing Unhelpful Thoughts for Success while Learning. You can access them here: MTML -