Google introduces long-awaited option to modify Gmail usernames

Google said emails, photos and messages stay unchanged, and old Gmail addresses remain reserved

Google has said it is gradually rolling out a long-awaited feature that will allow users to change their “@gmail.com” email addresses, marking a significant shift in its long-standing account policy.

According to an updated Google support page, users will now be able to change their Gmail address to a new one ending in “@gmail.com”, a function that was previously unavailable. Until now, Google only permitted account email changes for users who signed up with third-party email addresses, while Gmail users were generally locked into their original usernames.

Accirding to google 9to5, the update was spotted on a Google support page currently visible only in Hindi, suggesting a phased or limited rollout. The company said the feature would be made available gradually to all users.

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Google explained that users who opt to change their Gmail address will retain full access to their account, with the original email address converted into an alias. This means emails sent to both the old and new addresses will arrive in the same inbox, and users will be able to sign in using either address.

The company said data stored in the account, including emails, photos and messages, will remain unaffected. Users will also continue to be able to send emails from their original address, which will remain reserved and cannot be claimed by another user.

However, restrictions will apply. After changing their Gmail address, users will not be able to modify or delete it for 12 months. They will also be unable to create a new Gmail account using the old address during that period. Each account will be allowed to change its Gmail address up to three times, for a total of four addresses.

Google noted that in some cases, the old address may continue to appear, such as in calendar events created before the change, and updates may not be immediately reflected across all services.

The company has not yet announced when the feature will be available globally or provided further details beyond the support documentation.