Google Introduces New Feature: Now You Can Change Your Old Gmail Username Without Creating a New Account

Google has introduced a new feature that allows users to change their primary Gmail username. Users will no longer need to create a new account to do this. Currently, this feature is rolling out in the United States. Read on for full details.

If your Gmail ID feels outdated, awkward, or unprofessional, you can now easily change it. This is because Google has introduced a feature that allows you to modify your primary Gmail username without having to create a brand-new account. This update comes as a major relief for the millions of users who have been using the same email address for years. Most notably, this change is not limited to Gmail alone; it applies to your entire Google Account—including Google Drive, Photos, Calendar, and other services. The feature is currently rolling out in the U.S., with an expected launch in India coming soon.

What Changes After This Update?

With the help of this new feature, users can select a new @gmail.com username while ensuring their old email address remains functional.

• You will continue to receive emails sent to your old address.
• You can continue to log in and send emails using your old address.
• All your data, emails, and history will remain secure.
• You can change your email address once per year.
• A total of up to three changes are permitted.
• If necessary, you can also revert to your old email address.

What Happens to the Old Email Address?

When you set a new username, your old email address becomes an "alias" (an alternate address). This means that all your contacts, files, photos, and subscriptions will remain intact. Furthermore, your Gmail, YouTube, Drive, and Maps accounts will remain unaffected.

Who Benefits from This Feature?

This feature is particularly useful for users who wish to replace an old or unprofessional email username with a new, more suitable one. Until now, the only options available in Gmail were creating a new account or adding an alias; there was no provision to change the primary email address itself.

How to Change Your Gmail Address?

Follow these steps on your Android or iPhone:

• Go to myaccount.google.com/google-account-email.
• Sign in to your account.
• Tap on "Personal info" at the top.
• Under "Email," select "Google Account email."
• Tap on "Change Google Account email."
• Enter a new username (one that is available).
• Click on "Change email" and select "Yes."
• Complete the subsequent steps.

After this, your new Gmail address will become the primary address, while the old address will remain as an alternate.

Points to Note

Google has also indicated that you may encounter minor issues with certain services after setting a new email username—specifically with Chromebook, Remote Desktop, and some login services. In such cases, you may need to follow additional steps to resolve the issue.