Google has rolled out a long-awaited update that allows users to change their Gmail address, giving more flexibility and control over their email accounts. For years, Gmail users have been stuck with the addresses they initially created, and any desire to update or rebrand required opening an entirely new account.
Now, Google is introducing a feature that makes it possible to modify the first part of your Gmail address while keeping your existing emails, contacts, and settings intact. Google confirmed that all existing data—including emails, messages, and photos—will remain unchanged after an address update. Users can even reuse the old Gmail address at any time, according to a Google translation of the support page in Hindi.
There are a few restrictions, however. Accounts that change their Gmail address won’t be able to create another new Gmail address for the next 12 months, and they cannot delete the newly chosen address. Despite these limitations, this update offers much-needed flexibility for those who want a more professional handle, have changed their name, or simply want to refresh their digital identity without losing years of data.
The update, which is being gradually rolled out, also ensures compatibility with other Google services, including Google Drive, Calendar, and YouTube, making the transition seamless. Google has emphasized that the change is optional, and users can continue using their current email addresses if they prefer.
This move reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and adapt to the evolving needs of its massive user base. For many, it is a welcome relief from the limitations that have long made Gmail addresses permanent and immutable.
Users can expect detailed instructions and a simple step-by-step guide within the Gmail settings once the feature is available in their account. This update marks a significant shift in how Gmail handles identity and user flexibility, finally giving millions of users the power to take control of their digital identities without starting from scratch.
