Google enables users to discard embarrassing Gmail IDs while retaining all their data.

Google has introduced a highly anticipated feature that enables users to modify their Gmail address without needing to create a new account or losing access to years’ worth of emails, files, or subscriptions. The original Gmail address is kept as an alias, ensuring that all incoming emails still reach the account after the update.

This feature is being rolled out gradually, so it might not be accessible to all users immediately.

What remains unchanged
The update does not alter access to any core services. Users will keep their Gmail messages, Google Drive files, Photos, YouTube subscriptions, Maps data, Play Store purchases, contacts, account history, and paid subscriptions.

How to update your Gmail address: A step-by-step guide

If this feature is available for your account, follow these steps to change your Gmail ID:

Step 1: Log into your Google Account
Visit myaccount.google.com and sign in.

Step 2: Navigate to Personal info
Select the “Personal info” tab from the menu.

Step 3: Access email settings
Scroll down to the “Contact info” section and click on “Email.”

Step 4: Confirm eligibility
Look for an option labelled “Google Account email.”
If it’s greyed out or unavailable, the feature might not yet be accessible to your account, or your account type (like work or school accounts) could have limitations.

Step 5: Update your Gmail address
If eligible, click the edit option and input your new Gmail ID.

Step 6: Confirm the change
Google may require further verification via phone number or backup email before finalizing the update.

Rules and limitations

Several restrictions are associated with this new feature.

• You can modify your Gmail ID a maximum of three times, allowing for a total of four addresses.
• You are limited to changing it once every 12 months.
• The previous email address cannot be removed and will still receive messages as an alias.

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After you change your Gmail ID

While Google will automatically manage the data transfer, users should update their email address on any third-party apps and websites where it is used for login. Additionally, they should revise their Gmail signature to reflect the new ID and inform key contacts, such as colleagues, banks, and service providers, about the change.

You can log into your account using both the old ID and the new one.