Google Finally Lets You Change Your Gmail Address—But There’s a Catch
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A long-awaited feature is rolling out to Gmail users, allowing them to update their email address, but access remains limited and a 12-month restriction applies.
For years, Gmail users have requested the ability to change their email addresses without abandoning their accounts. Google has finally begun to deliver on that promise, offering a pathway to update your Gmail address. However, the rollout is currently restricted to a limited number of users and specific geographic locations, and a significant limitation exists: once changed, the new address cannot be altered or deleted for a full year.
How to Change Your Gmail Address
The process, when available, is straightforward and initiated through your Google Account settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Navigate to myaccount.google.com and log in if prompted.
- From the left-hand menu, select “Personal information.”
- Click on the “Email” option.
If the “Google Account Email” section is inaccessible, it indicates the feature hasn’t been enabled for your account yet. If you do see the option, proceed as follows:
- Press the edit icon (✎).
- Enter your desired new email address, ensuring it hasn’t been previously used.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the change.
Important Considerations Before You Switch
Before committing to a new email address, careful consideration is crucial. According to information released by Google, the change is not reversible for 12 months. This means users should thoroughly evaluate their choice before making it permanent.
What happens to your original address? It remains linked to your account. You will continue to receive messages sent to the old address and can still use it to access Google services like YouTube, Drive, and Maps. This ensures a seamless transition and prevents disruption to existing services tied to the original email.
Why Change Your Gmail Address?
The primary motivation for many users is simply to shed outdated or embarrassing email addresses. As one observer noted, “Who wants to continue being identified as [email protected] in adulthood?” The ability to update an email address offers a chance to present a more professional or current identity online.
