Google has introduced a long-awaited feature allowing users to change their account username. The feature is expected to help the users who have been stuck with the same username for years, which does not reflect their current digital identity.
"You can change your Google account username without losing access to your emails or account history. That way, you don't have to make a new account to avoid using your Gmail address from years ago," Google shared in an update on Tuesday.
In this new feature, the change applies to the portion of a Gmail address before “@gmail.com.” This is used to access services such as Gmail, Photos and Drive. Initially rolled out last year, the feature is designed to give users more flexibility over their Gmail addresses.
PSA: You can change your Google account username without losing access to your emails or account history. That way, you don't have to make a new account to avoid using your Gmail address from years ago.
— Google (@Google) March 31, 2026
Here's how ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vJQfnWnY2b
At present, the option is now fully available to all Google Account holders in the United States. Google has also shared a step-by-step tutorial for users to easily switch their usernames.
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How To Change Gmail Address:
- Go to Google account settings and tap personal info.
- Click on the email option and go to ‘Google account email'.
- If you see the ‘change Google account email address' option, click it.
- Type your new and unique username.
The email address associated with a Google Account is used to sign in to Google products and services. With this feature, users don't need to worry about losing the contents of their original email address. Their original email address will still remain active as an alternate option. Any emails sent to the users on their earlier address will still reach them.
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Google has also clarified that users will be able to create only one new email address every 12 months. The feature is expected to expand to other countries in phases. It is particularly helpful as many users created accounts in their teenage years and their outdated usernames may no longer suit their professional identity. With this feature, they can now maintain a more appropriate digital presence.
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