Google Now Allows Gmail Address Changes for Select Users
▼ Summary
– Google is allowing some users to add a new Gmail address to their existing account, though it functions more as an alias than a full replacement.
– Email sent to the old address will still arrive in the inbox, and the old address remains usable for sign-in and is set as an alias for the new one.
– There are restrictions: users can only change their address once per year and create a maximum of three new addresses in total.
– The feature is particularly useful for people who want to update an outdated or embarrassing email address from their youth or after a name change.
– The option is gradually rolling out, currently visible on a Hindi support page but not yet available to all users, including Verge staff.
For many long-time Gmail users, the email address created in their youth can become a source of embarrassment or simply no longer fit their professional life. Google is now offering a solution by allowing select users to change their Gmail address, a feature that has begun a gradual rollout according to a recently updated support page. This development provides a way to update an outdated or undesirable username without losing access to the account’s history and data.
The process functions more like adding a secondary address to your existing Google Account rather than a complete replacement. When you create a new @gmail.com address, your original email is automatically set as an alias. This means all incoming messages sent to the old address will continue to arrive in your primary inbox, and you can still use it to sign into associated services. Your entire account history, including emails, photos, and files, remains intact and accessible.
There are, however, important restrictions to understand. Users can only perform this change once per calendar year and are limited to creating a total of three new addresses over the lifetime of the account. If you change your mind, reverting to a previous email alias is possible at any time. Google advises caution, noting that some users on ChromeOS might encounter issues with settings and file transfers; performing a full computer backup before switching is recommended.
This update is particularly valuable for individuals who registered their accounts as teenagers or those who have changed their names and wish their primary email to reflect that. While the official support documentation detailing the change has so far appeared primarily in Hindi, the feature is expected to expand to all users. The option has not yet appeared for all accounts, indicating a phased release is underway.
(Source: The Verge)
