Google is rolling out a new feature that finally lets some Gmail users change their email address without losing their data or creating a new account. This is big news for anyone stuck with an old or unprofessional email ID they no longer want to use.
What’s Changing
Previously, Gmail users could not change their @gmail.com address. If you wanted a new email, you had to make a fresh account and manually migrate emails, contacts, and settings. Now, Google is updating this with a smoother process. Your existing account stays the same, and all your data remains intact.
How It Works
Once the feature appears in your account settings, you can pick a new email name that still ends in @gmail.com. After you confirm the change:
- Your old Gmail address becomes an alias. Emails sent to either the old or new address arrive in the same inbox.
- You can sign in to Gmail and other Google services like YouTube, Drive, Maps, and Play using either address.
- All your existing emails, photos, files, and contacts are preserved. Nothing gets deleted.
Important Rules
There are some rules to keep in mind:
- You can only change your Gmail address once every 12 months.
- Each account can do this up to three times in total, giving you four email identities over time.
- Changing your Gmail address doesn’t affect other linked accounts or services, but some apps might still show the old email until you update them manually.
How to Check If You Have It
Go to your Google Account > Personal Info > Email section. If you see the option to edit your Gmail address, the feature has reached your account.
This change makes Gmail more flexible and user-friendly, especially for people who want a professional or updated email without losing years of data.
