Over the last week a large number of Gmail users have been scouring the Internet to find an Inbox invitation. I received my invite on that Friday but have been unable to invite any friends. From what I understand, Google is slowly rolling out invites to users that have access to Google Inbox.
With Google being so slow to offer Inbox invitations it comes as no surprise that some have found a work around to allow their friends to access and use Inbox. Please note that the following methods should only be used with those you trust with your email address and vice versa. You will have to give them access to your email account which is very personal for most. Without further ado, here are the ways in which you can access Google Inbox without receiving an invite:
Add Your Friend's Google Account to Your Device
If you've received an invite to Inbox, make sure that you have the mobile app installed on your device. It's available on both Google Play and iTunes, so go ahead and get it installed, then ensure that you're logged in with your primary account.
Next up, add your friend's Google account info to your device. On Android, this can be done by heading to Settings, then tapping Add Account and selecting Google from the list.From here, select Existing, then let your friend type in their username and password.At the end of the account setup process, you'll get a chance to configure syncing options. If you'd rather not have your friend's data synced to your device, make sure to deselect all sync options for this account.
Log into the Inbox App with Your Friend's Account
From Inbox's main screen, open the side navigation drawer and tap your account name. This will expand a list of all other Google accounts associated with your device, so tap your friend's account at this time.
After a second or two, your friend will be logged in and they should be able to log into the Inbox app on their own device—no invite needed!
Remove Your Friend's Google Account from Your Device
Now that your friend has access Inbox, you no longer need their Google account attached to your device. Under the Accounts subsection of Settings, tap the Google entry, then select your friend's Gmail address.From here, tap the three-dot menu button at the top of the screen and select Remove Account. Confirm your selection, then your friend's account will be removed from your device.
Remember that whoever is sharing their credentials can change their password to a temporary one beforehand and then change it back after. Also, if you do this in person, whoever is signing in can handle the process and can also make sure their account is deleted afterward.
I would imagine that the Gmail team has been made aware of this and will likely adjust the ability to complete the work around. Please feel free to comment below to let me know if this method still works. If it does not work, I would also be open to hearing other ways you have accessed Google Inbox without receiving an invite. If you have received an invite and you are looking to invite others post your contact information below as there are thousands that are looking to get an invite as soon as possible.