Google is quietly rolling out a highly anticipated feature that allows users to change their primary @gmail.com email address without creating a new account or losing access to data, emails, or connected services. The update, first spotted on December 25-26, 2025, appears in the Hindi-language version of Google's account help page, indicating an initial rollout focused on India or Hindi-speaking users before broader global availability.
The change addresses a longstanding user frustration: Gmail addresses created years ago—often embarrassing or outdated usernames from teenage years—have been permanent, forcing users to either stick with them or migrate to entirely new accounts with manual data transfers. Previously, Google's English support page stated that "@gmail.com addresses usually cannot be changed," with only non-Gmail primary addresses eligible for swaps.
According to translated details from the Hindi support page, eligible users can replace their existing @gmail.com address with a new one (also ending in @gmail.com). Key aspects include:
- The original address becomes an alias, continuing to receive emails and allowing sign-ins to Google services like Drive, Photos, YouTube, Maps, and Play Store.
- All existing data—emails, messages, photos, contacts, and subscriptions—remains intact and unaffected.
- Users can revert to or reuse the old address at any time.
- Limitations: Changes are capped at three times per account, with a 12-month cooldown after each switch. The new address cannot be deleted.
To access the feature (when available), users navigate to myaccount.google.com > Personal info > Email > Google Account email. The page notes the option is "gradually rolling out to all users," so availability varies. As of late December 2025, it remains absent from English and most other language versions, supporting speculation of a phased, region-specific launch starting in India—Google's large user base for testing scalability.
Google has not issued an official announcement or responded to media inquiries about timeline or regions. The premature appearance in Hindi suggests documentation surfaced ahead of full deployment.
This evolution brings Gmail closer to competitors like Microsoft Outlook and Proton Mail, which offer greater flexibility with primary addresses and aliases. For millions stuck with cringeworthy handles (e.g., from early 2000s sign-ups), the feature promises a digital "fresh start" without disruption.
As rollout progresses, users are advised to check account settings periodically and ensure strong security, as address changes could affect linked third-party services.
