Google is now introducing a feature that has been in high demand for a long time. With the help of this feature, users will be able to change their primary Gmail address. Here, we outline the simple steps to change your Gmail address. Check them out and give it a try!
Gmail boasts over 1.8 billion (that is, 180 crore) monthly active users worldwide. Google has unveiled a new treat for its millions of Gmail users. Users will now be able to change their Gmail addresses without losing any of their old data. If you, too, wish to change your awkward-looking Gmail ID, then this news is for you. Google CEO Sundar Pichai himself shared the details regarding this new feature. In fact, Google is introducing a feature that has been in high demand for a long time. With the help of this feature, users will be able to change their primary Gmail address. This marks a significant departure from Google’s previous policy, under which a @gmail.com ID was permanently fixed for life. Pichai also outlined the steps users need to take to change their ID.
Pichai Himself Announces the New Feature
Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared details about this feature on X (formerly Twitter). In his post on X, he wrote: “2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesn’t have to be stuck in it. To say goodbye to v0t3f0rp3dr02004@gmail.com or mrbrightside416@gmail.com (or whatever you used back then), head to your Google Account settings and choose any available name. Your old username will remain active, and you can sign in using either one.”
How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address
What Makes This New Feature Special?
With the help of this new feature, users will be able to switch to a new Gmail address without losing any of their existing data. Emails, Drive files, photos, and other linked services will remain completely intact. The old email ID will remain linked to the account as an alternative address; this means users will still be able to receive emails sent to that address and can continue to use it to sign in.
Feature to Roll Out Gradually to All Users
Google has stated that this feature will be made available to all users gradually; therefore, it may not become available to every user immediately. Users who gain access to this feature will be able to make this change via the “Google Account email” section within their settings.
This change may result in minor interruptions to services such as “Sign in with Google” and Chrome sync. As a precautionary measure, the company has advised users to back up their essential data.
Although users can revert to their previous email ID, that specific address cannot be used to create a new Gmail account for a period of 12 months.
For years, Gmail users had no option to change their primary email ID without creating an entirely new account. This update addresses that shortcoming, giving users greater freedom to move on from old or less professional usernames without losing their data.
Here are the simple steps to change your Gmail address:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Visit http://myaccount.google.com/google-account-email.
- Tap on Personal Info -> Email -> Google Account Email.
- If the “Change Google Account Email” option appears, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Back Up Your Data
- As a precaution, back up your photos, contacts, and Android data.
- If you use a Chromebook or “Sign in with Google,” verify those services first.
Step 3: Change Your Email
- Enter your new username (this must be a username that has not been used by any other Google account).
- Tap on “Change email,” then tap on “Yes, change email.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
What Happens Next
The old email address becomes an alternate email address, and you will continue to receive emails at both the old and new addresses. All account data (photos, messages) remains secure. You can sign in using either the old or the new email address.
