Google prepares to allow Gmail address updates

Google is reportedly preparing to allow users to change the email address associated with their Google account, a feature that has historically been unavailable to Gmail users. According to the Hindi version of the Gmail support website, the technology company is “gradually rolling out to all users” the ability to update the email address tied to their Google account. This update will allow users to change their current Gmail address to a new email address ending in @gmail.com, rather than requiring them to sign up for a new address and transfer their data. The policy shift was first spotted by the Google Pixel Hub Telegram group and subsequently reported by tech publication 9to5Google.

If a user chooses to change their address, the old Gmail address should continue to work as an alias. In this context, an alias functions as a secondary email address that automatically forwards messages to the primary account. This ensures that users do not lose access to their existing emails and files, and they will still be able to sign into Google services using either their new or old address. However, Google is implementing a strict restriction as a trade-off for this new functionality: users will be unable to create any additional Gmail addresses tied to their account for 12 months after making the switch.

The discrepancy between regional support pages highlights that the feature is not yet universally active. As of Sunday afternoon, the English-language version of the support website still maintained the old policy, stating, “If your account’s email address ends in @gmail.com, you usually can’t change it.” For users wishing to update their email identity, the English-language documentation currently suggests alternative workarounds, such as changing only the display name associated with the address, or signing up for an entirely new address and manually transferring emails and contacts over.

Why it matters

This change addresses a long-standing limitation for Gmail users, potentially simplifying account management by allowing address updates without losing access to historical data or existing email aliases.