Google has initiated a gradual rollout of a highly requested feature that allows users to change their primary Google Account email address from one @gmail.com address to another.
The functionality, which has been available in limited scenarios, is now being rolled out to all Google users. However, availability varies as the rollout progresses.
How the Feature Works
The email change capability permits users with existing @gmail.com addresses to switch to a different @gmail.com address while retaining full access to their Google Account data.
The previous email address is automatically redirected to an alternate address, allowing users to maintain continuity with existing contacts and services.
Users receive emails at both addresses during the transition period, ensuring no critical communications are missed during the changeover.
Significantly, changing your Google Account email does not affect stored data. Photos, messages, contacts, and all emails sent to the previous address remain accessible.
Users can sign into Google services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Maps, and Google Play, using either their old or new email address.
This flexibility eliminates the common concern about losing account access or data following an email change.
Google has established specific restrictions around the feature. Users cannot recreate the new email address as a primary account for 12 months after the change, and the new address cannot be deleted.
However, users can revert to their previous email address at any time, though reverting prevents using that email for a new Google Account for 1 year.
Before making changes, users should review potential compatibility issues with Chromebooks, Sign-in with Google on third-party sites, and Chrome Remote Desktop.
Google recommends backing up data across Android devices, Chrome sync settings, contacts, photos, and Timeline data as precautionary measures. However, the feature has been extensively tested.
Users can initiate the change by visiting myaccount.google.com/google-account-email, navigating to Personal Info, and selecting their email address.
The interface prompts users to enter a new available @gmail.com address and confirms the change through on-screen verification steps.
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