Google To Let Users Change Gmail Address

Many people created their Google accounts years ago—often during school—and some have since outgrown their original, slightly embarrassing email addresses. Google now appears to be offering a solution.

The company has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that allows users to change their @gmail.com email address without creating an entirely new account. With this update, users can select a new Gmail username while keeping their existing account, data, and services intact.

When a new address is created, the old one does not disappear. Instead, it becomes an alias that continues to receive emails. Messages sent to either address will still be delivered, and all existing data—such as emails, photos, documents, and messages—remains unchanged. Google services including Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Google Drive, and Google Play can be accessed using either the old or new address.

At present, official guidance on the feature has appeared only on Google’s Hindi-language support page. According to the page, the rollout is gradual and will eventually be available to users worldwide. Once an address is changed, users will not be able to create another new Gmail address for 12 months, and the newly chosen address cannot be deleted.

Online reaction has been largely positive. Many users say the feature finally lets them replace email addresses they have been stuck with for years. Previously, changing a Gmail address meant opening a brand-new account and manually transferring data—a process that often caused problems with apps and linked services.

However, some users have raised concerns about potential misuse. Security experts warn that cybercriminals could try to exploit the change by tricking people into sharing login details through fake messages or phishing attempts.

So far, Google has not issued a formal press release. The update was first noticed by users in online forums and tech communities, suggesting the company is quietly testing the feature before a wider announcement.