Google has announced the gradual rollout of a feature that allows users to change their email address ending in @gmail.com. This news comes from an updated support page on the company’s website.
Previously, users could only change their email address if it was linked to a third-party email service, and this option was not available for @gmail.com accounts. Now, Google is lifting those restrictions, stating that the new procedure is "gradually becoming available to all users.".
According to the new guidelines, users will be able to change their current @gmail.com address to a new one with a different username while keeping the same domain. The original address will not disappear; it will serve as an alias and will still function for logging into the account and receiving emails in the same inbox.
Google emphasizes that during the address change, all account data, including emails, files, photos, and service history, will remain unchanged. Users can log into Google services such as Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Google Play, or Drive using either the old or new address.
However, there are some limitations. After changing the address, users will not be able to alter or delete it for 12 months. An account can change its @gmail.com address a maximum of three times. The old address cannot be used to create a new account for a year and will not be available to other users.
The company also warns that, in some cases, the old address may still appear for a while, particularly in Google Calendar events created prior to the change. Sending emails from the old address will still be possible.
Once fully launched, this feature is expected to be accessible through the "My Account" section in Google settings. The company has not yet provided exact timelines for the global rollout.
