Outlook Business Desk
Google is set to introduce a long-awaited Gmail update that lets users change their email address while keeping their account and services intact.
The new feature lets users replace their existing Gmail username while keeping the same Google account, along with all stored data, subscriptions and connected services.
For a long time, Gmail users were locked into the email address they signed up with, even when it stopped reflecting their name or identity.
This Gmail feature is limited to personal accounts ending in @gmail.com. Accounts tied to work, school or custom domains are excluded and cannot use the email change option.
Users will not need to open a new account or transfer information, as their Google profile, Drive, Photos, YouTube and Play Store access remain unchanged.
Eligible users can check availability in Google account settings under Personal info and Email. Once enabled, both old and new addresses will reach the same inbox.
The original Gmail address stays linked as a recovery email, remains owned by the user and cannot be claimed by anyone else, even after the change.
To prevent misuse, users must wait 12 months between changes and can modify their Gmail address only three times over the lifetime of one account.