Google has quietly rolled out a highly anticipated update that could be a welcome relief for millions of Gmail users still tied to outdated or embarrassing email addresses.
CNBC reported that the tech giant is now allowing users to change their existing @gmail.com address without losing access to their data or Google services, marking a major shift in its long-standing policy.
According to an update spotted on Google’s account help pages, users can replace their current Gmail address while retaining emails, photos, messages, and access to services such as Google Drive, Maps, and YouTube. Notably, the revised guidance has so far appeared only on the Hindi-language support page, suggesting that the feature may initially be rolling out in India or other Hindi-speaking markets.
The support documentation indicates that the feature is being introduced gradually, with plans to extend it to all users worldwide. However, the English version of Google’s help page still states that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed,” highlighting that the rollout is still in progress. Google has not yet officially confirmed which regions will receive access first.
Under the new policy, users who update their Gmail address will automatically keep their original address as an alias. This means emails sent to the old address will continue to land in the same inbox, ensuring uninterrupted communication. The original email address will also remain valid for signing in to Google services, reducing the risk of account access issues.
Previously, changing a Gmail address required users to create an entirely new Google account and manually transfer data—a time-consuming and risky process that often caused problems with third-party apps and linked services. The new feature eliminates these complications, offering a smoother and more user-friendly solution.
However, there are some limitations. Once a Gmail address is changed, users cannot create another new Gmail address for 12 months, nor can they delete the newly selected address. Google also notes that users can revert to using their old email address if needed.
Despite the significance of the update, Google has not issued a formal announcement. The change was first identified by users in online forums and tech communities, fueling anticipation as the feature continues its gradual global rollout.