Google has announced a significant update for Gmail users, allowing them to change their existing @gmail.com address while retaining all their data and services. This change aims to help users who might still be using outdated email addresses from their school days.
According to an update on Google's account help page, the new feature is gradually rolling out to users. However, the updated guidance on changing email addresses currently appears only in the Hindi version of the support page.
This suggests that the rollout may begin in India or Hindi-speaking markets.
Under the new policy, users who change their Gmail address will keep their original email address as an alias.
This means that any emails sent to the old address will still arrive in the user's inbox. Additionally, users will still be able to sign in to various Google services—such as Drive, Maps, and YouTube—using their original address.
It's important to note that accounts that change their Gmail address will not be able to create another new Gmail address for the next 12 months.
Furthermore, users cannot delete the new email address they choose. This limitation is designed to prevent frequent changes and ensure stability in account management.
Before this update, users wanting a new Gmail address had to go through a complicated process. They needed to create a new account and manually transfer their data, which often posed challenges, especially when it came to third-party app integrations.
With the new feature, Google aims to simplify this process and enhance user experience.
While Google has not issued a formal press release about this new feature, it has been discussed in user forums and tech communities, indicating growing interest.
As the rollout continues, users are encouraged to keep an eye on their Gmail settings for updates regarding this new option.
