Google now allows users to change their primary Gmail address (username) for personal @gmail.com accounts without creating a new one or losing data. Rolled out gradually starting late 2025 and more widely in 2026, this feature keeps all emails, Drive files, photos, YouTube history, purchases, and settings intact. The old address becomes an alternate email (alias), and you can still receive mail there and sign in with either.
Key limitations:
– Only for personal @gmail.com accounts (not Workspace or custom domains).
– Availability is rolling out progressively; it may not show yet for everyone.
– Limited changes (often up to 3 times total).
– After changing, you can’t create a new @gmail.com account with the old username for 12 months.
– You can revert anytime.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Gmail Address
- Check availability
Visit [myaccount.google.com/google-account-email](https://myaccount.google.com/google-account-email) in a browser and sign in.
Go to Personal info > Email > Google Account email.
If you see the “Change Google Account” email (or a similar one), proceed. If not, wait, the rollout is ongoing.
- Initiate the change
Click Change Google Account email.
Google displays what happens: data migrates, old address becomes an alias, etc.
- Select a new username
Enter your desired new @gmail.com username.
Google checks availability instantly—try variations if taken.
- Confirm and finalize
Review the summary.
Click Change email or Yes, change email.
Complete verification (password, 2FA if enabled).
- Post-change actions
Sign out/in with the new address (old one still works).
Update any linked apps/services if they show the old address.
To revert: Return to the same page and select the switch-back option.