A Long-Awaited Feature Might Finally Be Here
To access many Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, and the Play Store, users must sign in with their email address—usually a Gmail account ending in @gmail.com. For years, Google has not provided the option to change the username of a Gmail address, leaving users stuck with their initial choice. However, that could soon change.
A recently discovered Google Support page, found by the Telegram group Google Pixel Hub, reveals that Google may soon offer the ability to change your Gmail email address to a new one that still ends with @gmail.com. Currently, this support page is only available in Hindi and the feature is being rolled out gradually, so it might take some time before it appears for all users.
Importantly, Google states that emails sent to your previous address will still be received after the change, with the old address acting as an alias. Users will be able to sign in using either the old or new email, and there will be no loss of data or access to previously registered services connected to your Google email.
However, changing your Gmail address will be limited: you can only update it once every 12 months and up to a total of three times. Some users have already reported seeing this option on their accounts, indicating the feature is gradually becoming accessible.
Current Limitations and Challenges
At present, Google only allows email address changes for accounts not ending in @gmail.com—such as those using domains like @yahoo.com. For example, if you want to change kraman19999@gmail.com to heyamanhere@gmail.com, that is currently not possible. The only workaround is to create a new Gmail account and set up email forwarding, which is inconvenient for many.
This restriction exists for several reasons. Your Gmail address acts as a unique identifier across Google's ecosystem, linking to purchases, subscriptions, invites, and more. Changing it could disrupt these associations, and it also presents security risks—if a malicious user gains access, they could impersonate someone else by altering the email address.
Google’s forthcoming feature will have to carefully address these challenges to balance usability, security, and data integrity.
User Reactions and Poll
Many users have dealt with embarrassing or outdated Gmail addresses by either ditching them, using email forwarding, or simply continuing to use them. Our recent poll shows:
- Ditching the old address: 75%
- Using email forwarding: 25%
- Continuing to use the embarrassing email: 0%
Votes: 4
Why This Matters
The ability to rename your Gmail email address has been one of the most requested features for years. Many users created their accounts during their younger years with addresses that no longer fit a professional or mature image. For example, the author admits creating iluvjustinbeiber@gmail.com back in 2012—something they'd reconsider today.
Having the option to update Gmail addresses without losing data or access would be a huge upgrade, allowing users to present themselves more professionally while maintaining continuity across Google services.
