Google now allows Gmail users to change their address while retaining the old one as an alias — here’s how!
Many of us created our first Gmail accounts over ten years ago, and since then, we’ve outgrown them. You approach a hotel counter, shop at a retailer, or register anywhere, and when asked for your email address, you find yourself spelling out a childish address from years past.
Fortunately, Google has introduced the feature that permits changing your Gmail username — the part before “@gmail.com” — without resetting or losing your account data. The feature simply modifies your username, allowing you to use both the old and new addresses as usual.
How to change your Gmail username without losing any data:
1. If you’re on an Android device, open any Google app on your phone, such as Gmail, Drive, or Maps, tap the profile icon at the top right, and select Manage your Google Account. If using an iPhone or desktop, navigate to myaccount.google.com.
2. On the account settings page, tap Personal info.
3. Select Email, then tap Google Account email.
4. Here you’ll notice a new option titled Change your Google Account email. Tap it.
5. You’ll be directed to a page where you can select a new username. Enter your desired username and check its availability. If it’s unavailable, Google will propose alternatives.
6. Once satisfied with your new username, tap Change email at the bottom right.
7. Google will display a confirmation dialog asking if you wish to modify your primary email address. Tap Yes, change email to confirm.
That’s all. You’ve successfully altered your primary Gmail username. The new email address will appear across all Google apps and services, while all your existing data will remain intact. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before proceeding with the switch.
What you need to know prior to changing your Gmail address:
Google has simplified changing your Gmail username, but there are some important points to consider. Firstly, the feature is currently accessible only in India and the U.S., and it isn’t available for all accounts yet.
Some of my relatives in India still cannot find it in their settings, while many of my colleagues in the U.S. already have access. So, it’s possible you might not see it yet, but once it’s available, you can follow the same steps outlined above.
Google also warns that a few issues might arise after changing your Gmail username. For instance, if you’re using a Chromebook, you’ll need to remove your Google account from the device before proceeding with the change — otherwise, it could lead to complications.
Similarly, altering your Gmail address may impact some applications and services where you utilize the Sign in with Google feature. You might find yourself logged out of certain apps on your phone, requiring you to sign back in with your new email.
Regarding signing in, you’ll be able to access your Google account using both your old and new email addresses. Your old email will not vanish; it will serve as an alias, so any emails sent to your old address will still be received at your new email. All your data, including emails, Google Photos, and Drive content, will remain intact after the switch.
Furthermore, you can revert to your old email if desired. Additionally, it’s important to note that you can only change your Gmail address three times after the initial one, totaling four usernames per account. Also, this change can only be made once every twelve months.
This is a feature that feels long overdue, but I’m pleased it has finally arrived.
Despite all these caveats, I am genuinely happy that Google has introduced the option to change your Gmail username. I recall years ago having to switch my primary account due to an embarrassing username I had selected in school. I attempted to create a new Google account from scratch, but I never fully transitioned since my main email was already connected to many services.
Now, thankfully, you can transition to a new Gmail username without resetting everything, which is a tremendous relief. I only hope Google expands this option to everyone soon and does not restrict it to specific regions.