Gmail Users in US Can Now Change Email Addresses
Google has officially introduced a long-awaited feature for users in the United States, allowing them to modify their Gmail addresses without the need to create a new account or sacrifice existing data. This update marks a significant shift in account management, as users previously had to migrate their information to a new inbox to change their username.
How to update your Gmail username
For those who have received access to the tool, the process is handled directly through the Google Account settings. Users should navigate to the Personal info tab, select Email, and then locate the Google Account email option. By clicking the “Change Google Account email” button, the transition can be initiated.
However, the company has implemented specific guardrails for this functionality:
- Frequency limit: Users are permitted to change their username only once every 12 months.
- Retention policy: Once the change is made, the new email address cannot be deleted during that same 12-month window.
Data preservation and login access
One of the primary concerns for users switching emails is the potential loss of historical communication. According to the company, all previous emails remain intact. Furthermore, the former email address is automatically converted into an alternate address for the account.
This dual-address system ensures that users can continue to sign in to their Google services using either their original or their newly created address, maintaining continuity across the ecosystem.
Rollout and regional availability
The feature is currently being released in stages, meaning not all US users will see the option immediately. The official support page confirms this gradual rollout. Prior to this US expansion, reports from 9to5Google indicated that the company had been testing similar functionality in specific Hindi-speaking territories.
For more details on account management, users can view the company’s official guidance on the update.