Can you finally change your Gmail address? Google quietly rolls out long-awaited feature

Google has quietly introduced what many users have been requesting for years: the ability to change an existing Gmail address without losing data, emails, or access to Google services. For millions still using email addresses created during their teenage years, the update could finally offer a way out of awkward usernames tied to school days and early internet culture.

The feature, which has not yet been officially announced through a press release, was discovered through updates to Google’s account help documentation. Interestingly, the new guidance appears only on the Hindi version of Google’s support page, hinting that the rollout may be starting in India or other Hindi-speaking regions before expanding globally.

According to the updated support information, Gmail users will be able to replace their current @gmail.com address with a new one while keeping the same Google account. This means emails, photos, files, subscriptions, and connected services will remain intact — a significant shift from Google’s long-standing policy.

Until now, Gmail users who wanted a new email address had no choice but to create an entirely new Google account. This process often involved manually transferring emails, contacts, and cloud data, while also re-connecting third-party apps and services. For many users, the inconvenience alone was enough to keep them stuck with outdated email identities.

Under the new system, Google says the original Gmail address will remain active as an alias. Emails sent to the old address will still arrive in the inbox, and users can continue signing into Google services such as Drive, YouTube, Maps, and Photos using either the old or new address. This approach ensures continuity while giving users the flexibility to present a more professional or updated email identity.

Google has also clarified that changing a Gmail address will not affect stored data. Emails, chat histories, images, documents, and account settings will remain unchanged after the update. Users will also be allowed to revert to their original email address if they choose to do so later.

However, the feature does come with limitations. Once a Gmail address is changed, users will not be able to create another new Gmail address for at least 12 months. Additionally, the newly selected email address cannot be deleted, meaning users must choose carefully before confirming the change.

The absence of an official announcement has raised questions about when and where the feature will become available. Google has not responded publicly to inquiries about regional rollout timelines, and the English-language version of the support page still states that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”

The discovery of the update has been credited to tech forums and user communities, where early sightings of the revised support documentation sparked widespread discussion. Many users have welcomed the change as long overdue, while others are waiting cautiously for confirmation that the feature will reach their region.

If rolled out globally, the update would mark one of the most significant changes to Gmail account management since the platform’s launch. For users seeking greater control over their digital identity, Google’s quiet move could prove to be one of its most appreciated updates in years.

FAQ

Can Gmail users now change their email address?

Yes. Google has begun rolling out a feature that allows users to change their @gmail.com address while keeping their existing account and data.

Will emails sent to my old Gmail address still arrive?

Yes. The old address will remain as an alias, meaning emails sent to it will continue to reach your inbox.

Will changing my Gmail address delete my emails or files?

No. Google says all existing emails, photos, messages, and files will remain unchanged.

Where is the Gmail address change feature available?

The feature currently appears on Google’s Hindi support page, suggesting an initial rollout in India or Hindi-speaking regions.

Can I change my Gmail address multiple times?

No. After changing your Gmail address, you must wait 12 months before creating another new Gmail address.