Google may be preparing to introduce a change that users have been asking for years. We all have some email addresses that seemed fine and cool at the time of creation; however, with time, they have turned into an embarrassment. Soon, people may finally be able to change their Gmail address instead of creating an entirely new account. The Information first appeared in the 'Google Pixel Hub' Telegram channel.
According to information shared in the channel, Google might start gradually rolling out a feature that allows users to change their email addresses, also known as the username, that too without creating a new Google account. If this starts rolling out, it will be the most anticipated update. Google previously allowed third-party email users to change their email addresses.
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However, this option is limited to accounts ending with @gmail.com, and the new address must also be a Gmail address, as per the information. The Silicon Valley search giant has not released any public statement yet. The information was found in a Hindi 'support document.'
How to change your e-mail address?
Users can check if the feature is available to them by going to Google Account > Personal Info > Email. The rollout is said to be gradual, and at the time of writing, Google’s English support page has not yet been updated to reflect this change.
Once the email address is changed, the original Gmail address will not disappear. It will stay as an alias. According to the source, the old address will be converted into a recovery email. Emails sent to both the old and new addresses will continue to reach the same inbox. Importantly, all data stored in the account, including Drive files, photos, and settings, will remain intact.
There's a catch
There are, however, some conditions. After creating a new Gmail address, users will not be able to create another one for the next 12 months. During this period, they will still have the option to revert to the old email address. Sign-in will also continue to work using both the old and new addresses.
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The feature comes with limitations. According to Google Pixel Hub, a single Google account will allow up to three new email addresses to be created in total, and this action cannot be reversed. ChromeOS users are advised to back up their data before making the change. After updating the email address, the account should be removed and re-added, or the home directory may appear empty on sign-in.
Some application settings may reset after the change. In addition, the old email address may still appear on calendar events and content created before the update. It's a matter of waiting before the tech giant starts rolling out the update to all its users.
