Google Now Allows Some Users to Change Gmail Address

Google is quietly rolling out a feature that allows some users to change their Gmail addresses. The update is detailed on Google's Hindi support page. Users can change their Gmail address up to three times without losing their data.

Google account users have long been unable to change their email addresses without creating a whole new account, but Google seems to be quietly rolling out an option to update them. The update on Google's account help page says certain account holders can now change their @gmail.com address without losing access to their data or services.

Google appears to be addressing a long-standing user request by introducing a method to change Gmail addresses. For years, users have been unable to modify their email identifiers without creating an entirely new account, often resulting in the loss of accumulated data and history. However, a new update on the company's account help page suggests this limitation is changing for select users.

The feature was first identified in the Google Pixel Hub Telegram group. A message in the group indicated that the update is being gradually rolled out to users. As of Friday morning, modified instructions regarding the change were available on the Hindi version of Google's support page. This suggests the feature is currently in a testing phase or limited release.

According to the support documentation, the process allows users to update the email or username used to identify their account. This change is significant because it preserves the user's entire ecosystem of data, including emails, contacts, and settings, which would otherwise be lost during a migration to a new account.

The support page suggests this option is currently only available in some regions, specifically including Hindi-speaking areas. The instructions were found on the Hindi version of the support page, while the English version still stated that usernames ending in @gmail.com usually cannot be changed as of Friday morning.

There are specific constraints associated with the new feature:

• The new email address must end in @gmail.com
• Users can change the address up to three times
• The change is irreversible once confirmed
• Old addresses will be used as an alias to receive emails

Additionally, once the change is made, users cannot create a new Gmail address for the next 12 months. However, the old Google account email address can be reused at any time.

According to the message in the Google Pixel Hub Telegram group, the process to initiate the change is straightforward. Users need to navigate to their account settings to access the new feature.

The steps outlined are as follows:

1. Visit your Google Account page
2. Click on "Personal Info"
3. Navigate to the "Email" section

From there, eligible users should see the option to update their address. It is important to note that while the old address will function as an alias for receiving messages, the primary sign-in address will be the new one. Users can sign in to Google services like Gmail, YouTube, Google Play, or Drive with either their old or new email address.

It remains unclear when this feature will be rolled out more widely to users outside of the specified regions. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the timeline for a global release. The quiet nature of the rollout suggests the company is monitoring the feature's performance in test markets before expanding availability.

This update represents a significant shift in how Google manages user identity. By allowing users to update their primary email address without losing their digital history, Google is removing a major friction point for users who may have outgrown their original email addresses created in high school or early professional careers. The ability to retain access to services like Gmail, YouTube, and Drive with a new address ensures continuity of service.