For years, Gmail users have been stuck with email addresses created in haste and regretted later. That may finally change, as Google appears to be rolling out a long-awaited feature allowing users to change their Gmail address without losing their account or data.

Google has confirmed that it is gradually rolling out a new tool that allows users to change their Gmail address ending in @gmail.com. The update was first hinted at in December through a change spotted on Google’s Hindi-language support page.

Now, the company’s updated English support documentation confirms that eligible users may soon see the option to switch their primary Gmail address to a new one.

Long-standing limitation removed

Until now, Gmail users could not change their email address without deleting their Google account and creating a new one. This limitation often meant losing access to saved emails, subscriptions, and linked services.

The new feature removes that hurdle, allowing users to update their email handle while keeping their existing Google account intact.

How gmail address change works

To change a Gmail address, users need to visit their Google Account on mobile or desktop. From there, they must navigate to Personal info, select the Email card, and choose Change your Google Account email address.

After entering and confirming a new Gmail address, the change takes effect immediately, according to Google’s support page.

What happens to your old gmail address

Once the update is complete, the old Gmail address will remain active as an alternate email. Users will continue receiving emails sent to both the old and new addresses.

Google says users can revert to their original Gmail address at any time. However, they will not be able to create another new Gmail address or delete the newly created one for 12 months.

Data will remain unaffected

Google has assured users that all account data, including emails, photos, and messages, will remain unchanged after the update. Emails sent to the previous address will still be accessible.

Despite this assurance, the company recommends backing up account data as a precaution.

The company has reiterated that the feature is part of a gradual rollout, meaning it may not be available to all users immediately. Google also acknowledged that some users may experience issues when signing into third-party apps using their Google account.

Solutions for such issues have been outlined in Google’s help documentation.