Google Hints at Letting Users Change Gmail Addresses Without Losing Data

Google appears to be quietly rolling out one of the most requested Gmail features ever: the ability to change your Gmail address without losing emails, files, or account data. The update surfaced on a newly published Google support page, first spotted in Hindi, suggesting an early or regional rollout that could soon expand globally.

For millions of users still stuck with email addresses created in their teenage years, the development could be a major relief.

What the new Gmail address change feature does

According to the Google Account help page, users will soon be able to replace their existing @gmail.com address with a new one, while keeping all their data intact. Emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive, effectively making the original Gmail address an alias.

Most importantly, users will still be able to access:

• Old emails and attachments

• Google Drive files

• Google Photos

• YouTube, Maps, Play Store, and other Google services

This marks a significant shift from Google’s long-standing policy, which previously stated that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”

No data loss — but with some restrictions

Google notes a few important caveats. After changing a Gmail address:

• Users cannot delete the new address for 12 months

• Users cannot create another new Gmail address during that period

• The original Gmail address will still work for sign-ins and email delivery

This ensures account stability and prevents abuse, while still offering flexibility long denied to users.

How to check if the feature is available to you

If Google has enabled the feature on your account, you can find it by following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Account

2. Click Personal Information

3. Go to the Email section

4. Select Google Account Email

5. Tap Change Google Account Email Address

If you don’t see the option, the feature likely hasn’t rolled out to your region yet. Google notes that availability may vary depending on location, device, and how the account is used — especially for Chromebook users or accounts linked to third-party services.

Why the rollout is raising eyebrows

So far, the instructions are only visible in Hindi, strongly hinting that India or Hindi-speaking markets may be among the first to receive the update. Neither Google nor Gmail has issued a formal announcement or press release, and the English-language support page still reflects the old policy.

With over 1.8 billion Gmail users worldwide, even a gradual rollout would have massive implications.

Why this matters

Until now, changing a Gmail address meant creating a new account and painstakingly migrating data — a risky process that often broke app integrations and login credentials. This update removes that friction entirely.

If fully launched, the feature would modernize Gmail and give users long-overdue control over their digital identities.

For now, users will have to keep checking their account settings — but the era of being stuck with an embarrassing Gmail address may finally be ending.