Google is finally giving Gmail users more control over their email identity. Users can now change their primary @gmail.com address without having to create a new account, keeping all emails, files, and account data intact.
Previously, changing a Gmail username meant creating a new Google account or relying on aliases and secondary addresses.
While multiple emails could exist within one Google Account, the original Gmail address always remained the primary identifier.
Now, Google is rolling out a feature that relaxes this restriction for accounts that already use Gmail addresses. Users can access it under Google Account > Personal Info > Email, though the rollout is gradual and region-specific, with early availability reported in India.
How feature works
The new feature only applies to Gmail addresses. Both the old and new email must end in @gmail.com, and switching to a custom domain or another provider is not possible.
All account data—including emails, Google Drive files, Photos, and YouTube history—stays unchanged after the switch. This ensures users can update their address without losing access to important information.
Google automatically keeps the old Gmail address as a secondary email. Emails sent to the previous address are still delivered, and users can sign in using either address. This minimizes the risk of missed messages or login issues with third-party services.
Limits and precautions
Each account can generate a new Gmail address only three times, and users must wait 12 months before creating another new address.
Google warns that changing an address on a Chromebook may wipe the device’s home directory. Users are advised to back up local files before making the switch.
Some apps may reset preferences, and older content—such as calendar events or shared documents—might still display the original email address. Users should be aware of these minor frictions.
This update brings Gmail closer to the flexibility long offered by other email providers. Users now have more control over their primary email identity, making it easier to update personal or professional addresses without the hassle of starting over.
While the feature is limited and should be used cautiously, it represents a significant improvement in account management for Gmail users worldwide.
