After more than two decades, US users can now change their Gmail username without losing a single email.
For years, anyone stuck with a Gmail address born from teenage whimsy or a regrettable phase had only one option: start fresh and abandon the old account entirely. Luckily, Google announced Tuesday that it is rolling out the ability for all US users to change their Google Account username without losing access to their data, old messages, or digital history.
“Your digital identity just got an upgrade,” Google wrote in a blog post. “You can now change your Google Account username (i.e., the part before @gmail.com), which you use to sign in to apps and services like Gmail, Photos, Drive and more. We started rolling this out last year to help your account grow with you.”
The feature, which Google says is now available for all Google Account users in the US, allows people to refresh their email address while keeping their entire Google ecosystem intact.
How it works
Users can navigate to their Google Account settings by tapping their profile picture and selecting “Manage your Google account.” From there, they head to Personal info, then Email, then Google Account email. If the option is available, a “Change Google Account email” button will appear.
Google’s support page notes that the ability is “gradually rolling out to all users,” meaning some may not see the option immediately. When a user changes their username, the old email address does not disappear. Instead, it becomes an alternative email address associated with the same account.
“You’ll receive emails to both your old and new addresses,” Google’s support documentation states. “The data saved in your account won’t be affected. This includes things like photos, messages and emails sent to your previous email address.”
Users can also sign in to Google services using either their old or new address.
Important limitations to know
There are a few important limitations to keep in mind before you rush to rebrand:
- Once every 12 months: You can only create a new address once per year. If you switch and later want to go back to your old one as the primary, you can, but you won’t be able to generate another new address for 30 days after reverting, and no new address at all for 12 months from your last change.
- Three strikes total. According to Google, users can create up to three new email addresses per Google Account, giving you four addresses in total over the lifetime of your account.
- Third-party apps may get confused: Because your Gmail address doubles as your Google Account username, some apps and websites that use Sign in with Google may not immediately recognize your new address or connect it to your existing account. Google has published a separate support page to help users navigate those conflicts.
- Chromebook users, back up first: Google specifically advises Chromebook owners to back up their local data before switching, and to remove and re-add their account on the device afterward using the new address.
While Google has confirmed the feature is available to “all” users in the US, the company has not provided details on a wider global rollout. However, the feature was initially spotted in Hindi-speaking regions late last year, TechRepublic previously reported.
For more on Google’s latest milestones, check out how Google Messages just crossed 10 billion downloads worldwide.
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