Embarrassing old Gmail ID? Google finally offers long-awaited update to change email names

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday announced that Google is rolling out a feature allowing users to change their Gmail addresses.

In a post on X, Pichai said users would no longer have to remain tied to older or outdated email usernames created years ago.

“2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesn’t need to be stuck in it,” he wrote, adding that users can now choose a new email name through their Google Account settings while retaining access to their existing accounts.

“You'll keep your old username and you can sign in with both,” Pichai said.

The feature, which is being gradually rolled out, will enable users with ‘@gmail.com’ addresses to switch to a new ‘@gmail.com’ username, subject to availability.

Google said users will be able to keep their old email address as an alternate identifier, allowing them to sign in using either the old or the new email ID.

Emails sent to the previous address will continue to be delivered.

“The data saved in your account won’t be affected. This includes things like photos, messages and emails sent to your previous email address,” the company said in a support update.

Google said that the option may not yet be available to all users and will be introduced in phases.

The company also flagged potential issues for users who rely on certain services, such as Chromebooks, third-party logins using “Sign in with Google”, or Chrome Remote Desktop, advising users to review possible impacts before making the switch.

To change their email address, users can visit their Google Account settings under the “Personal info” section and select the option to modify their Google Account email, if available.

Once changed, users can revert to their previous email address if needed, though Google said a new Gmail address cannot be created again for 12 months after such a change.