Gmail users around the world may soon gain the ability to change their Gmail address — a long-requested update that Google appears to be rolling out gradually. The new feature, spotted in updated support documentation, allows users with personal accounts ending in @gmail.com to replace their existing email address with a new one while retaining all their data and services. Spokesman-Review
For years, Gmail users have been locked into the original username they chose — often years earlier — and were forced to create a new account or use workarounds if they wanted a new address. The upcoming update marks one of the most significant changes to Gmail’s account system since its launch, giving users greater control over their digital identity without data loss.
How the New Gmail Address Feature Works
According to Google’s support documentation — currently visible only in some regional versions such as Hindi — users with @gmail.com accounts will soon see an option to “change your Google Account email address” under their Personal Info settings. If eligible, users can:
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Choose a new @gmail.com address to replace their existing email
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Keep all existing emails, messages, files, and linked Google services intact
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Continue receiving mail to their old address, which becomes an alias that still delivers to the same inbox
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Use either the new or old address to sign in to Google services including Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Drive, and more
This update eliminates the need to create a brand-new account and manually transfer emails, settings, and linked services — a cumbersome process that many users have long complained about.
Limitations and Rollout Details
While the feature is highly anticipated, there are some limits users should be aware of:
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You may be able to change your Gmail address only once every 12 months.
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Each account can support up to three address changes total — resulting in a maximum of four Gmail addresses over the lifetime of the account.
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After changing your address, you cannot use the old one to create a new, separate Google account until the 12-month period ends.
At launch, the option appears to be rolling out in select markets, particularly India or Hindi-language regions, before expanding globally. Google has not yet issued an official global announcement or detailed timeline.
Why This Matters to Gmail Users
The ability to change your Gmail address is a long-awaited improvement for many users who signed up years ago with usernames tied to old hobbies, nicknames, or outdated personal brands.
Previously, changing an email address often meant losing access to years of accumulated data such as:
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Email history
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Google Drive files and photos
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YouTube and Google Play purchases
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Linked services and subscriptions
Now, with the new feature, Gmail users can modernize their email identity without the hassle of starting over or disrupting linked accounts.
Broader Impacts and Reactions
Tech communities have largely praised Google for addressing one of Gmail’s most longstanding limitations. Users on tech forums and Reddit discussions have expressed excitement about finally being able to retire outdated or unprofessional email addresses — especially for people who created accounts in adolescence.
However, cybersecurity experts caution users to stay vigilant about spoofed phishing attempts that might try to exploit interest in the new feature by sending fake “change your Gmail” emails. Google itself will not send unsolicited links requesting changes to your Gmail address.
Looking Ahead
With the Gmail address change feature beginning its gradual rollout, it’s likely only a matter of time before the option appears in more regions and languages. Once fully deployed, Google’s long-awaited update could significantly improve how users manage their accounts and online identities across Google’s suite of services.
For now, users are encouraged to check their Gmail Account Settings > Personal Info > Email section to see if the “Change your Gmail address” option has appeared in their account.
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