The change was first noticed in Google’s Hindi-language account help pages, where the company explains how users can replace the username portion of their @gmail.com address while keeping the same Google account intact. Reports from 9to5Google, CNBC and Forbes highlight that the English-language support pages still state Gmail addresses generally cannot be changed, indicating the feature is being introduced gradually.
Google has not issued an official press release confirming timelines or regions, and the company did not respond to media queries about the initial rollout markets. However, the support documentation notes that availability will expand in phases, suggesting wider access is expected over time.
How the new Gmail feature works
Under the updated policy, users can choose a new @gmail.com address within their existing account. All data tied to the account—including emails, photos, messages, purchases and subscriptions—remains unchanged. Access to Google services such as Drive, Maps, YouTube, Photos and the Play Store also continues without interruption.
Once the change is made, the original Gmail address does not disappear. Instead, it becomes an alias permanently linked to the account. Emails sent to both the old and new addresses will land in the same inbox, and users can sign in using either address. Google also notes that the original address cannot be claimed by another user.
Limits and restrictions users should know
Google has placed several restrictions on how often the change can be made. Accounts are limited to one Gmail address change every 12 months, with a lifetime cap of three changes. This means a single Google account can be associated with up to four Gmail addresses over time.
After switching addresses, users cannot delete the newly chosen email or create a new Google account using the old address for at least a year. Some legacy services, such as calendar events created before the change, may continue showing the original email address for a while.The feature applies only to accounts whose primary email ends with @gmail.com. Work, school and custom domain accounts are not eligible.
Why the update matters to long-time users
For years, Gmail users who wanted a more professional or updated address had little choice but to create an entirely new account. That process often involved manually transferring data and risked breaking links with third-party apps and services. The new approach removes that friction by allowing users to update their email identity without starting over.
Social media discussions and forum posts referenced by Forbes show strong interest in the feature, especially from users who signed up for Gmail in its early days and are now tied to usernames they no longer want. At the same time, some experts have raised concerns about potential misuse, warning that scammers could attempt social engineering attacks during the transition period.
Despite those concerns, the update marks a significant shift in Google’s long-standing Gmail policy. While a global rollout may still be months away, the change signals that Google is finally addressing one of its most frequently requested account features.
