For years, one of the most persistent frustrations for Google users has been the inability to alter their primary email address without creating an entirely new account.
Whether you are stuck with an unprofessional handle created in high school or simply want a rebrand, Google has historically treated the @gmail.com username as a permanent fixture. However, a significant policy shift is currently underway.
Google has begun a gradual rollout of a feature that allows users to change their existing Google Account email address to a new one, while retaining all their data, purchases, and history.
How the Change Works
According to updated support documentation, users whose email addresses end in @gmail.com can now replace them with a completely new @gmail.com address. This is a major departure from previous functionality, where changing a username required creating a new account and manually migrating data.
Crucially, this process does not delete the old email address. Instead, the previous address is automatically converted into an alias. This ensures continuity:
- You will receive emails sent to both the new and old addresses in the same inbox.
- Your stored data, including Drive files, Google Photos, and purchase history, remains untouched.
- You can sign in to Google services using either the new or the old email address.
Google has implemented specific guardrails to prevent abuse of this feature. Once a user changes their email address, they cannot create another new @gmail.com address for this account for the next 12 months. However, users retain the ability to revert to their original address at any time.
Furthermore, Google warns that changing the primary identifier may cause friction with third-party services. If you use “Sign in with Google” for external sites, or if you use a Chromebook or Chrome Remote Desktop, you may need to re-authenticate or adjust settings after the switch. Google strongly recommends backing up essential data and checking app settings before initiating the change.
How to Check for a Feature
Because this feature is being released gradually, it may not be available to all users immediately. To check if your account is eligible:
- Navigate to myaccount.google.com/google-account-email on a computer.
- Select Personal Information from the left-hand menu.
- Click on Google Account email under the “Contact info” section.
- Look for a button labeled Change your Google Account email address.
If the option appears, you can proceed by entering a new, available username. If the option is missing, the feature has likely not yet rolled out to your region or account type. Note that accounts managed by schools, workplaces, or organizations generally cannot change their addresses without administrator approval.
This update represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for the Google ecosystem, finally offering users flexibility over their digital identity without the penalty of data loss.
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