Google is preparing to launch a highly anticipated feature for its Gmail platform, enabling millions of users to modify their email addresses. This update addresses a long-standing user request, allowing individuals to change their existing @gmail.com addresses without the necessity of creating an entirely new account.
A significant benefit of this new functionality is the preservation of user data. All contacts, photos, and drive files associated with the original account will remain secure and linked to the updated email address. Furthermore, the previous email address will not be completely discontinued; instead, it will function as an “alias.” This means any emails sent to the old address will automatically be redirected and delivered to the new inbox, ensuring no communication is missed.
Account Management and Limitations
Users will have the flexibility to log in using either their old or new email address. To prevent misuse, Google has implemented certain restrictions on this feature. According to support documentation, an individual Gmail account can only change its email address once per year. Additionally, a maximum of three address changes are permitted over the lifetime of a single account, resulting in a total of four linked addresses (one original and three subsequent changes).
The information regarding this new update initially appeared on Google’s Hindi support page. This has led to speculation that India could be among the first regions for testing or a gradual rollout of the feature. While an official global announcement from Google is still pending, the support page indicates a phased implementation.
Impact for Personal and Professional Users
This development is particularly welcomed by users who created email IDs with less professional names during their school or college years and now seek to update their digital identity without the hassle of data migration. The feature is primarily designed for personal Gmail accounts. For users with email addresses provided by an office, school, or group (e.g., name@company.com), changing the address will require contacting their respective administrators. Standard @gmail.com users will be able to manage this change through their ‘My Account’ section.
