There was no way changing of primary e-mail address of Google could be done for @gmail.com accounts previously, but January 2026 saw the official issuance of a native feature by Google for users to change their handles.

For such a long time, your Gmail address was like a life sentence. For instance, if you had signed up with a silly email like coolkid2005@gmail.com, you had no choice but to carry it unless you created a new account. That is now finally over.

What’s New?

Google has started rolling out a new feature that allows users to choose a new @gmail.com username while keeping all their existing data intact. This change updates the primary account identifier — not just the display name, but the actual Gmail address used across Google services.

Key Benefits

• ● Keep Your Data: All your files in Google Drive, albums in Google Photos, YouTube subscriptions, and Android app purchases remain exactly where they are.
• ● Zero Missed Emails: Your old email address becomes an alias, so emails sent to the previous address will still arrive in your inbox.
• ● Dual Login: You can sign in using either your old or new Gmail address.

How to Change Your Gmail Address (Step-by-Step)

1. 1. Open Google Account Settings. My Google Account
2. 2. Click on Personal info from the left sidebar.
3. 3. Scroll to Contact info and select Email.
4. 4. Click on Google Account email.
5. 5. If eligible, you will see a Pencil icon or an Edit / Change email address option.
6. 6. If not yet eligible, you’ll see: "You can't change this address." (Google is rolling this out gradually, so keep checking.)
7. 7. Verify your identity and choose your new Gmail username.

⚠️ Important Limitations

• ● 12-Month Lock: Once you change your Gmail address, you must wait 12 months before you can change it again.