Google is launching a new feature that allows Gmail users to change their email address without losing the old one.
Do you still have an embarrassing Google account address from the past that you would like to change without affecting the old account? Google is now making this possible thanks to a new feature. Last month, a support document already appeared showing that users can change their Gmail address. At that time, the option was only available in Hindi. Now, Google announces in a new support document that the feature is gradually being rolled out to all users.
The feature is not yet available to the undersigned. Is this possible for you? Then follow the steps below to change your Gmail address.
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Feature available?
“The ability to change your Google Account email is gradually being rolled out to all users and this option may not be available yet,” Google said in the announcement. To check whether the feature is already available to you, navigate to your Google account via this link. Google will first ask you to log in. Afterwards you will end up in your account center. Click on Personal information > Email on the left.
In the example above, the option is not yet available. If this does apply to you, follow the steps below.
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Change email address
If you can already change the email address of your Google account, follow the steps that Google goes through. You will have to enter the new username you want to use. It is important that this is not yet used by another Google account. Then click on Change email.
Once that is complete, you have a new email address for your existing Google account and your old one is displayed as an alternative email address. You can switch back to your old email address at any time. All emails sent to the old address are retained. New emails also reach both addresses.
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Limitations
Google notes that changing your original Google Account has limitations. “Problems may arise with Google services and features if you change your Google Account email address that ends in @gmail.com to a new address that ends in @gmail.com,” the company said.
Therefore, first check whether the following applies to you before changing your Google Account email address:
- You are using a Chromebook.
- You use a Sign in with Google for non-Google sites.
- You connect remotely to Chrome Remote Desktop.
In addition, you can “only create a new Google Account email address ending in @gmail.com once every 12 months and a total of three times.” Are you still nervous about changing your Google Account email address? As a precaution, back up your data so that you are not faced with any surprises.