Google is testing a new Gmail feature that allows users to change their @gmail.com email address without losing data. Check how the feature works, supported services, and key restrictions.
Search engine giant Google is rolling out a highly useful update for Gmail users that could change how people manage their email identity. According to the company, users will soon be able to change their existing @gmail.com email address, something that was not allowed earlier. Until now, Google only permitted changes to third-party email addresses linked to an account, such as Yahoo or Outlook, while Gmail addresses were treated as permanent.
Reports suggest that this policy update has appeared on Google’s official support page. Interestingly, the updated information is currently visible only in Hindi, while the English version still reflects the old rules. Google says the feature is being rolled out gradually, indicating that it may take some time before all users see the option.
How the new feature will work
With this new option, users will be able to change their current @gmail.com username to a new one, while keeping the same @gmail.com domain. In simple terms, the email name can be updated without affecting the account itself. Google explains that the email address used for signing in across its services can now be modified.
Importantly, users won’t lose any of their existing data after making the change. Google states that the old Gmail address will be converted into an alias. This means emails sent to both the old and new addresses will arrive in the same inbox. Data such as Google Photos, Drive files, Messages, and existing emails will remain intact.
Users will also be able to sign in to services like Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Google Play, and Google Drive using either email address. Additionally, sending emails from the old Gmail address will still be possible.
Changes with some limitations
Despite the flexibility, the feature comes with certain restrictions. Once a Gmail address is changed, users won’t be able to modify or delete the new address for 12 months. Also, the old Gmail address cannot be used to create a new Google account during this period.
Google has clarified that a Gmail username can be changed only three times per account. This means a maximum of four Gmail addresses can be linked to a single account. Some older data, such as previously created Calendar events, may also take time to reflect the updated address.
