Google is launching a major update in late 2025 that lets users change their primary @gmail.com email address without losing their account or data.
Before this, Gmail usernames were fixed forever, so people had to start fresh accounts if they wanted a more professional name. This feature, first seen in Google’s support pages in India, matches what rivals like Outlook and Proton already offer.
Key benefits include keeping all your data safe. Emails, Photos, Google Drive files, YouTube subscriptions, and Play Store purchases stay intact since it’s the same Google account.
How It Works
When you pick a new address:
- The old one turns into a permanent alias.
- Mail to the old address still goes to your inbox.
- You can log in to Google services like Drive or YouTube with either address.
This gives a clean start without hassle.
Usage Limits and Rules
To stop abuse, Google added limits:
- 12-month cooldown after a change—no edits or deletions for a year.
- Lifetime max of 3 changes (total 4 addresses per account).
The feature rolls out slowly, starting in India and Hindi regions via Google Account Settings > Personal info > Email. If you don’t see the edit option, it’s not available yet.
Technical Caveats
- Security: Old address stays reserved for you only—no one else can take it.
- Legacy issues: Old Calendar events might show the original ID temporarily.
- Hardware tip: Chromebook users should back up files; you may need to re-add the account.
- Exclusions: Only for personal @gmail.com—not Workspace or custom domains.
This update brings huge flexibility for users upgrading their email identity while protecting privacy and data.