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New feature lets users replace old Gmail addresses without losing emails, data, or access to Google services, with a gradual global rollout underway

Google has unveiled a long-awaited update that will allow users to change their Gmail addresses without creating a new account or losing their data, marking a major shift from its long-standing policy that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”

According to a recent update on Google’s account help page, users will now be able to replace their existing @gmail.com address with a new one while retaining all emails, files, photos, and access to Google services such as Drive, Maps, and YouTube. The new policy addresses years of user complaints from those stuck with outdated or embarrassing email addresses created in their early internet days.

Interestingly, the updated guidance currently appears only on the Hindi version of Google’s support page, suggesting that the rollout may begin in India or other Hindi-speaking markets. However, Google noted that the feature is being rolled out gradually, indicating that a global launch is expected in the coming months. The English-language support page still reflects the old policy, reinforcing the idea that the update is being introduced in phases.

Under the new system, users who change their Gmail address will automatically retain their original email as an alias. This means emails sent to the old address will still be delivered to the inbox, and the original address will continue to work for logging into Google services. Existing data including emails, photos, documents, and messages will remain completely intact after the change.

Previously, users who wanted a new Gmail address were forced to create an entirely new account and manually transfer data, a process many found complex, time-consuming, and disruptive, especially for third-party app integrations.

Google also clarified that users can reuse their old Gmail address at any time. However, there are limitations: accounts that change their Gmail address will not be allowed to create another new Gmail address for 12 months, and the newly chosen address cannot be deleted once set.

The update represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for Gmail’s billions of users worldwide and signals Google’s willingness to modernize long-standing account restrictions. As the rollout expands beyond initial markets, millions may finally get the chance to upgrade their digital identities without starting from scratch.