Google May Soon Let You Change Your Old Gmail Username Without a New Account

Google is reportedly rolling out a feature that lets people change their existing Gmail address without opening a fresh account. The option applies to Google Account email IDs that already use the @gmail.com domain. It keeps the same account while letting users pick a new username.

The company explains on its support pages that accounts with Gmail addresses can now swap one @gmail.com handle for another. Soon users will be able to "change" their email address (username) on the same Google account. The main Google Account stays unchanged and keeps all linked services.

Gmail address change eligibility

Only accounts whose primary email ends with @gmail.com are covered by this rollout. The replacement address must also finish with @gmail.com, so custom domain users are not included. Google states that every switch happens within the same Google Account profile, not across accounts.

Gmail address change rollout and account behaviour

Google says the feature is rolling out gradually. Users can check availability by opening Google Account settings, then choosing Personal Info, then Email. If the option appears there, the account supports address changes. The English support page had not yet been updated with full details.

Emails sent to both the previous and the new Gmail addresses will still reach the same inbox. The earlier address is automatically stored as a recovery email. Users can continue signing in to Google services using either the old or the updated Gmail ID.

There is a notable limit on frequent Gmail address changes. After switching to a new @gmail.com username, users cannot create another new Gmail address on that account for 12 months. During that period, they still have the option to revert to the original Gmail address if needed.

Via 1