Google is working on a new Gmail feature that could finally solve a long-standing user problem, being stuck with an old email address. The company is expected to allow users to change their Gmail username without deleting their account or starting from scratch.
At present, Gmail users cannot modify the “@gmail.com” address once it is created. Anyone unhappy with their username must open a new account and manually transfer data. Google’s upcoming update aims to remove this inconvenience.
With the new feature, users will be able to choose a new Gmail ID while keeping the same Google account. This ensures that emails, Google Drive files, photos, calendars, contacts, and subscriptions remain intact. Services like YouTube, Maps, and Google Pay will continue to work without interruption.
To avoid confusion, Google will keep the old Gmail address as an email alias. Messages sent to either the old or new address will reach the same inbox. Users can also log in using both addresses, making the transition smoother.
There will be usage restrictions to prevent misuse. Reports suggest Gmail users can change their address only once per year, with a lifetime limit of three changes. The previous email ID will remain linked to the account and will not be reassigned to another user.
This update is particularly helpful for users who created Gmail accounts in their teens or early internet days and now want a cleaner, more professional email address. It also benefits those who have changed names or want better branding for work and business use.
Google has updated its support documentation to reflect the upcoming change, indicating the feature is in active development. However, the company has not confirmed when it will be available to everyone. The rollout is expected to be phased, reaching users gradually over the coming months.
Once this feature is available, it is likely to appear under Google Account settings. Until then, users will need to wait for official access as Google continues testing the update.
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