What is the story about?
For years, changing a Gmail address meant starting from scratch. Now, Google is finally offering users a way to update their email usernames, a long-awaited feature for those stuck with outdated or embarrassing IDs.
The company confirmed that it has begun rolling out the option to modify the Google Account username, which forms the first part of a Gmail address before “@gmail.com”. The update allows users to retain their existing accounts while switching to a new email identity, without losing access to core services.
The feature began rolling out last year and is now available to all Google Account users in the United States, marking a significant shift in how Gmail identities can be managed.
Users who want to update their Gmail address can do so through their Google Account settings. The process involves navigating to the account management page and editing personal information linked to the email.
To begin, users need to visit their account settings, head to the “Personal info” section, and select the email option tied to their Google Account. If eligible, they will see an option to change their email address.
From there, users can enter a new username, provided it is not already in use or previously deleted by another account. Once confirmed, the system updates the primary email while retaining the old one as an alternate address.
Google notes that all existing data, including emails, photos and files stored across services like Gmail, Maps, Drive and YouTube, will remain intact after the switch. Messages sent to the old address will continue to be delivered, ensuring continuity.
The company also advises users to back up important data and review connected services, especially if they use features like Chromebook sign-ins or third-party logins linked to their Google credentials.
Despite the flexibility, there are a few limitations. For now, the feature is only available to users in the United States, with no clear timeline for a global rollout.
Additionally, users can only create a new Gmail address once every 12 months. This means that after making a change, they will need to wait a year before switching again or creating another Gmail-based username.
There are also restrictions on deleting the newly created address, and not all users may see the option to change their email, depending on their account configuration.
The company confirmed that it has begun rolling out the option to modify the Google Account username, which forms the first part of a Gmail address before “@gmail.com”. The update allows users to retain their existing accounts while switching to a new email identity, without losing access to core services.
The feature began rolling out last year and is now available to all Google Account users in the United States, marking a significant shift in how Gmail identities can be managed.
How to change email address
Users who want to update their Gmail address can do so through their Google Account settings. The process involves navigating to the account management page and editing personal information linked to the email.
To begin, users need to visit their account settings, head to the “Personal info” section, and select the email option tied to their Google Account. If eligible, they will see an option to change their email address.
From there, users can enter a new username, provided it is not already in use or previously deleted by another account. Once confirmed, the system updates the primary email while retaining the old one as an alternate address.
Google notes that all existing data, including emails, photos and files stored across services like Gmail, Maps, Drive and YouTube, will remain intact after the switch. Messages sent to the old address will continue to be delivered, ensuring continuity.
The company also advises users to back up important data and review connected services, especially if they use features like Chromebook sign-ins or third-party logins linked to their Google credentials.
But, here's the catch
Despite the flexibility, there are a few limitations. For now, the feature is only available to users in the United States, with no clear timeline for a global rollout.
Additionally, users can only create a new Gmail address once every 12 months. This means that after making a change, they will need to wait a year before switching again or creating another Gmail-based username.
There are also restrictions on deleting the newly created address, and not all users may see the option to change their email, depending on their account configuration.
