Many users created their Gmail accounts years ago without realizing how central those email IDs would become to their digital identity over time.
Now, Google has introduced a major update for Gmail users in the United States, allowing them to change their email address—referred to by the company as an “account username.”
Google Enables Gmail Address Changes, Giving Users More Control Over Digital Identity
The update offers a long-awaited solution for users who want to replace outdated or unprofessional email IDs with something more suitable.
The process is relatively simple, requiring users to log into their account, navigate to the settings page, access the Personal info section, and select the option under Email and Google Account email.
On mobile devices, users can follow a similar path by going to Settings, selecting their account, tapping Manage Your Google Account, and then proceeding with the same steps.
The feature is currently rolling out in the US, making it available for users who want to update their email identity.
However, the change comes with a limitation, as users are only allowed to update their email address once per year.
The feature is expected to benefit a wide range of users, including those seeking a more professional email for work, individuals wanting to remove personal details like birth years, and transgender users who prefer not to use a previous name.
Gmail Address Change Won’t Disrupt Incoming Emails, Old Messages Still Delivered
Importantly, switching to a new email address does not affect incoming messages, as emails sent to the old address will still be delivered to the same inbox.
Additionally, users do not lose any existing data or emails during the transition, ensuring continuity.
Compared to competitors, Google’s approach is more flexible, as platforms like Microsoft Outlook primarily offer alias options rather than allowing users to fully change their main email address, with similar limitations seen in Yahoo Mail.
For users considering alternatives, services like Proton AG’s Proton Mail provide a privacy-focused option and allow users to import their data from Google.
