Google is finally updating a long-standing policy that prevented users with “@gmail.com” addresses from changing their account email, marking a major shift in how Google Accounts are managed.
Previously, Google allowed users with third-party email addresses linked to their accounts to make changes, but clearly stated that a Gmail address “usually can’t be changed.” That restriction is now being lifted.
Details of the update have appeared on Google’s official support pages, confirming that the new feature is gradually rolling out to users worldwide.
How the New Feature Works
Google will now allow users to change the @gmail.com email address associated with their Google Account to a new @gmail.com address with a modified username.
This address is used for sign-in and account identification across Google services. While Google has not disclosed every technical detail, it confirmed that the feature will eventually be available to all eligible users.
Importantly:
- Your original Gmail address will remain active as an alias
- Emails sent to both the old and new addresses will arrive in the same inbox
- Account credentials, passwords, and data will not change
Key Rules and Restrictions
When switching from one Gmail address to another:
- The old Gmail address becomes a permanent alias
- You will continue receiving emails sent to both addresses
- All existing data—including Gmail messages, photos, Drive files, and YouTube history—remains unaffected
- You may reuse your old Gmail address, but:
- You cannot create a new Gmail account using that address for 12 months
- You cannot delete your new Gmail address during that same period
- You can sign in to Google services such as Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Drive, and Google Play using either email address
Usage Limits
- Each Google Account can change its Gmail address up to three times, allowing a total of four Gmail addresses per account
- Google notes that the old address may still appear temporarily in some services—such as Calendar events created before the change
- The original Gmail address remains permanently reserved for the user and cannot be claimed by anyone else
What This Means for Users
This update offers long-awaited flexibility for users who want to:
- Correct an old or unprofessional username
- Improve privacy
- Rebrand their digital identity without losing data or access
As the feature rolls out gradually, availability may vary by account and region.
