Major update for those who chose their Gmail usernames during their teenage years.
By on April 1, 2026
Google is now allowing U.S. users to modify their Gmail username. Here’s how. Credit: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Google introduced Gmail to the public on April 1, 2004. Now, 22 years later, some Gmail users can change their username while keeping the rest of their account intact. The feature was hinted at by Google late last year. Now, as of Tuesday, every Gmail user in the U.S. can change their username — the part before “@gmail.com” — if the new name is available.
The rest of the account remains unchanged. All emails and files linked to the old username will remain accessible under the new username.
What happens to your old Gmail address? Google says it will reserve that username, so emails sent to the old address will still reach the new username’s inbox.
Ready to change the Gmail username you created back in high school? Here’s how.
How to change your Gmail username If you’re in the U.S., you now have the option to change your Gmail username and keep the same account.
To change your username, log into your Google account and go to Settings. Then, navigate to Personal info, followed by Email, and then Google Account email.
Eligible accounts will see a button labeled “Change Google Account email” on this page. Click it and select a new username.
Keep in mind, Gmail users can only change their username once every 12 months. After selecting a new username, you’re committed to it for at least a year. However, this might seem like a short period if you’ve been stuck with the previous Gmail username for 22 years.
Topics: Apps & Software, Google