For a long time, Gmail users had only one option if they wanted a new email address: create a new Google account and start over. The original @gmail.com address was locked in, even if it no longer reflected who the user was or how they wanted to be seen online.
That’s now changing. Google is rolling out a new option that lets users update their Gmail address without losing their account, data, or history. This update allows people to refresh their email identity while keeping everything else intact.
What’s New for Gmail Users
With this update, users can switch their current @gmail.com address to a new @gmail.com address under the same Google account. Previously, this was not possible without setting up a brand-new account and manually moving data.
The change applies only to Gmail addresses and is being released gradually, so availability may vary by region or account.
What Happens to Your Old Email Address
When a user changes their Gmail address, the old address does not disappear. Instead, it becomes an alias linked to the account. This means emails sent to both the old and new addresses will arrive in the same inbox, and all existing data such as Google Drive files, Photos, subscriptions, and purchase history stays exactly the same.
Users can also sign in using either email address, ensuring there’s no disruption to daily use.
To prevent misuse, Google has added a few limits. After changing a Gmail address, users must wait 12 months before changing it again. However, they can switch back to the original address at any time if needed.
How to See If the Option Is Available
The Gmail address change feature is being released in stages, so it may not show up for everyone yet. You can quickly check if it’s available for your account by visiting your Google Account settings on a computer.
Open your account page, go to Personal information, and look under the Contact details section for your Google Account email. If you see an option to change the email address, your account is eligible and you can choose a new available Gmail name.
If the option does not appear, the feature may not have reached your account or region yet. Accounts managed by companies, schools, or organizations usually cannot change email addresses unless an administrator allows it.
This update gives users more freedom to update their Gmail identity without losing years of emails, files, or account history, making it a practical improvement across the Google ecosystem.
This change gives Gmail users more flexibility and control over their online identity. By allowing email address updates without forcing users to create a new account, Google removes a long-standing limitation and makes account management easier going forward.
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