Google is preparing to roll out a long-awaited update that could allow users to change their Gmail addresses without losing their existing account data, according to an update spotted in the company’s Hindi-language support documentation. The change, first reported by Forbes and referenced by Mint, marks a significant shift from Google’s long-standing policy that treated Gmail usernames as permanent.
Under the proposed system, users will be able to modify the “gmail.com” portion of their email address, subject to specific limits. The feature will allow only one change every 12 months, with a lifetime cap of three address changes per account. Importantly, the original Gmail address will continue to function as an alias, meaning emails sent to the old address will still be delivered.
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Google said all existing account content — including emails, photos, files, and messages- will remain intact after the switch. “If you wish, you can change the email address of your Google Account, the last part of which is gmail.com. It can be replaced with a new email address that finalises gmail.com,” the company stated.
Until now, such changes were only possible for users who registered with non-Gmail email IDs. The update is being rolled out gradually and may take time to reach all users.
Also Read: Google Can Lock Your Gmail Without Warning – Inactivity Timeline Explained
