Google may allow users soon to change Gmail usernames

ISLAMABAD: Google is preparing to roll out, for the first time, a feature that will allow consumer users to change their @gmail username. The update was revealed through a recently updated FAQ, first reported by 9to5Google.

Under the new feature, users who change their Gmail address will continue to receive emails sent to their old address. All data linked to the Google account, including photos, messages, and previously sent or received emails, will remain unchanged. Users will also be able to sign in to Google services such as Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Google Play, and Drive using either their old or new email address.

In addition, users will still be able to send emails from their old username. The previous email address will remain permanently tied to the account and cannot be claimed by another user. While Google Workspace administrators have long had the ability to change managed users’ email addresses without losing data, this marks the first time the option will be available to free Gmail account holders.

However, the feature comes with limitations. According to the FAQ, users will not be allowed to change their email address again or delete the new address within 12 months of making the change. Google has not yet announced an official rollout timeline or specified which regions will receive access first. Notably, the related support page currently appears only in Hindi, suggesting that India may be among the first countries to get the feature.

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Users interested in changing their Gmail address can check their Google Account settings on mobile or desktop. By navigating to Personal Information and then Email, they may see an option labeled “Change email address for your Google Account,” if the feature is available in their region.

The development follows Google’s recent efforts to remove long-inactive Gmail accounts, citing cybersecurity concerns such as preventing two-factor authentication fraud. It remains unclear whether deleted Gmail addresses will ever be made available for reuse.