.png){kind=logo}
Most of us still have that old Gmail address we made in a hurry—names chosen on a whim, sometimes a little embarrassing, and occasionally unintentionally funny.
Google is rolling out a surprising new feature that lets you change your Gmail address, and it’s already getting people excited.
Fun fact: Google has shared this update on a support page that’s currently available only in Hindi, making it a bit of a hidden gem.
Google appears to be fixing something that was not exactly broken, just slightly off. As spotted by users in a Telegram group and not officially announced yet, a new update will allow users to change their Google Account email address ending with @gmail.com.
Much like having an official name and a lovable nickname, emails sent to both your old and new addresses will land in the same inbox. The old email address will be retained as an alias.
Based on the limited information presented on the support page, focused log off or separate sign-in is not required. You can continue to use Google services like Maps, YouTube, Drive or Google Play with your old or new account.
A major concern when this news broke revolved around one critical word: data. What happens to your information if you change your Gmail address? Google’s support documentation makes this clear, your files, calendar events, emails, documents, service settings, subscriptions, and even login credentials for other apps remain completely intact.
Also Read: Cyber Security and Preventing Threats
This update shows how deeply Google understands user identity. Until now, changing an email address felt like packing up your entire life, backing up files, moving data, resetting logins, and signing in again everywhere. It was exhausting, and often not worth the effort.
Google has removed one of the biggest barriers users have been facing by allowing users to alter their Gmail address while keeping credentials, subscriptions, data, files, photos, and connected services untouched. The identity changes, but everything associated with it stays exactly where it belongs.
Data stored in your Gmail cloud, Investment applications, banking applications, and other notable features will not be lost, damaged or at stake. You will just need to add a new name to the already taken Gmail address.
Many people set up their Gmail accounts years ago. Some chose usernames that no longer feel professional anymore; some associate an address with an employer, a relationship, or a place that is no longer relevant.
Google considered Gmail usernames permanent until now. The only workaround was to manually rebuild everything and create a new account, a burden now eliminated by this update.
Your inbox and email history
Google Drive files and folders
Google Photos and backups
Purchase history and subscriptions
To prevent abuse and confusion, Google has set limits. You can create a new Gmail address on the same account for a full year after changing your old one. Additionally, users are always free to return to the original Gmail address.
If you use “Sign in with Google” on third-party websites, you may need to log in again.
Chromebook users may be asked to re-authenticate their account.
Chrome Remote Desktop users might also need to sign in again.
Backing up any important information.
Examining every service and app that is connected to your Google account.
This feature may not yet be available on every account because Google is implementing it gradually. Google may test various layouts, so each account's wording may differ slightly.
To verify your account:
On a computer, go to myaccount.google.com.
From the menu on the left, choose ‘Personal Information’.
Navigate to the ‘Contact information’ section.
Click on your Google Account email
Look for an option to change the Google Account email address
Also Read: How to Check Your Last Gmail Login and Stay Secure: Complete Tutorial
1) Will I lose my emails or files if I change my Gmail address?
No. All your emails, files, photos, calendar events, and Google Drive data remain exactly as they are. Only the email address changes — your data stays intact.
2) What happens to my old Gmail address after the change?
Your old Gmail address becomes an alias. Emails sent to it will still reach your inbox, and you can continue using it to sign in to Google services.
3) Can I use my new Gmail address to sign in everywhere immediately?
Yes. Once the change is complete, the new Gmail address becomes your primary login across Google services like Gmail, Drive, YouTube, Maps, and third-party apps linked to your account.
4) How often can I change my Gmail address?
Google allows you to change your Gmail address once every 12 months, with a limited number of changes over the lifetime of your account.
5) Is this feature available to everyone right now?
No. It is being rolled out gradually. Some users may already see it, while others will need to wait for access in their region or account.
