New option rolls out gradually
Google has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that allows users in the United States to change their Gmail address without creating a new account or losing access to their existing data.
Until now, changing a Gmail address typically required starting over with a new account, which meant migrating emails, contacts and connected services. The new update lets eligible users modify their username directly within their existing Google Account.
How the process works
Users who have access to the feature can navigate to Google Account settings > Personal info > Email > Google Account email and select the “Change Google Account email” option. From there, they can choose a new username and complete the update process.
Google has placed certain limits on the change. Users can modify their Gmail username only once every 12 months. Additionally, the newly selected email address cannot be deleted during that same 12-month period.
Old address remains active
Importantly, existing emails and account data will remain intact. Google said that the previous email address will be retained as an alternate address associated with the account. Users will be able to sign in to Google services using either the old or the new address.
This approach is designed to prevent disruption to linked services, subscriptions and account recovery settings while offering more flexibility in managing a long-standing email identity.
Gradual expansion
The company indicated that the feature is being introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users. Earlier reports noted that similar functionality had begun appearing in certain Hindi-speaking regions before expanding to U.S. users.
Google’s support documentation confirms the staggered rollout, advising users that availability may vary during the initial deployment phase.