Google, a US technology company that operates Gmail, has introduced a feature that allows users to change their Gmail address without creating a new account, according to recent reports.
The update enables users to modify the username portion of their email address, which appears before “@gmail.com.” Previously, Gmail addresses were permanent once created, and users who wanted a different address were required to open a new account and manually transfer data. The new feature changes that limitation by allowing updates within an existing account.
According to reports, the feature is being rolled out gradually and is currently available to a limited group of users. Those who have access can change their address through their Google Account settings. The option appears under the personal information section, where the email field becomes editable if the feature is enabled for that account.
Once a Gmail address is changed, the original address remains associated with the account as an alternate. Emails sent to either the old or new address are delivered to the same inbox, and account data such as messages, contacts, and files remain unchanged. The update does not require users to migrate content or set up a new account.
The reports state that there are restrictions on how often the address can be modified. Users are allowed to change their Gmail username once within a defined period, reported to be 12 months. Previously used usernames are not made available for reuse by other accounts.
Google has not provided a full timeline for the broader availability of the feature. Reports indicate that earlier versions of the functionality appeared in limited or regional rollouts before expanding to a wider audience.
The introduction of this option changes how Gmail accounts can be managed, as it removes the need to create a separate account to update an email address while retaining existing data and settings.