How can I set up my Google account without syncing Gmail? I got a Nexus 7 tablet. Is it possible to use my Google account just to download apps and for backup purpose?

I'd rather not see my emails, chats and contacts on the device as it's not with me all the time and shared with kids, and basically anyone in the house has access to it.

I couldn't find any options to do this. Without logging in with my Google account, the device is kind of useless. I tried turning off sync for everything after I logged in, but the emails are still syncing. Plus it's only a couple of clicks away to turn back on if anyone wished. I can't add password just for these apps either.

Please don't ask me to create another Gmail account just for this. Are rooting and installing custom ROM the only option? Any other suggestions?
Here's a working solution to add a Google account and prevent it from syncing everything.


Before adding the Google account, disable Sync (from system settings
or from your pull-down menu).
With sync disabled, add the Google account.
Enable Airplane mode to prevent all data transfer.
Enable Sync. You must do this to modify the specific sync settings next. 
Go into sync settings for the Google account, and uncheck all services you don't want synced. For your case, you only want Sync App Data enabled.
Disable airplane mode.


You now have the google account on your phone, and it hasn't synced anything except the services you chose to let it sync. 

I follow this procedure to prevent emails and contacts from syncing. Contacts in particular are very annoying, since disabling sync doesn't delete the synced contacts from the phone, so you must prevent them from getting on your phone in the first place with this solution.