Early signs indicate the rollout may start in India or Hindi-speaking regions, with a wider global release expected in stages.
Google Spotted Testing Gmail Email Address Change Feature
Unlike major Google launches, this update has arrived without an official announcement. Instead, details surfaced on Google’s Hindi-language account help pages, which now explain how users can replace the username part of their Gmail address while keeping the same Google account.
Tech outlets including 9to5Google, CNBC, and Forbes report that English-language help pages still claim Gmail addresses cannot be changed. This mismatch suggests Google is quietly testing the feature in select markets before expanding it globally.
Google has not confirmed rollout dates or regions, and the company has not responded to media questions. However, the documentation clearly states that access will expand in phases, signaling a broader launch ahead.
How Gmail’s New Username Change Works
Once available, users will be able to choose a new @gmail.com address directly from their existing Google account settings—no migration required.
What doesn’t change:
- All existing emails, files, photos, chats, purchases, and subscriptions
- Access to Google services like YouTube, Drive, Maps, Photos, Calendar, and Play Store
- Login credentials and security settings
After the update, the old Gmail address becomes a permanent alias, meaning messages sent to it will still arrive in the inbox.
Important things to know:
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The newly selected email address cannot be removed
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The old email ID cannot be reused to create a new Google account for at least one year
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Some older services, such as calendar events created before the change, may continue showing the original email address temporarily
Who Can and Cannot Use This Feature
The Gmail username change applies only to personal Gmail accounts ending with @gmail.com.
Not eligible:
- Work or school accounts (Google Workspace)
- Accounts using custom domains
- Managed or enterprise Google accounts
Why Google Changing Gmail Usernames Is a Big Deal
For nearly two decades, Gmail users have had no official way to change their email address, even as the service became central to personal identity, job applications, banking, and digital communication.
Many users created Gmail accounts in their teens and have been stuck with unprofessional or outdated usernames ever since. This update finally gives users a way to modernize their email identity without starting over or risking lost data.
The move also reflects Google’s broader push toward greater account flexibility and user control.
When Will Gmail Username Changes Roll Out Worldwide?
Google has not shared a public timeline, but the presence of detailed instructions in official support pages suggests the feature is already in limited rollout or early testing.
If Google follows its usual release pattern, the Gmail username change feature could expand to more regions over the coming months.
Why This Matters Right Now
Google Discover prioritizes fresh, useful, and emotionally relevant content. A feature that impacts millions of Gmail users—especially one that solves a long-standing frustration—is exactly the type of update Discover surfaces aggressively.