Gmail users can now change their username without losing data, here is how
Follow UsGoogle now lets Gmail users change their username without creating a new account or losing emails, contacts, or data.
The old email ID stays active as an alias, so users can still send, receive, and sign in using both addresses.
Feature is currently limited to the US, with no timeline yet for rollout in India or other countries.
It is not uncommon to hear awkward stories about email addresses which no longer suit a particular individual’s life. From nicknames to high school jokes, many people have found themselves in awkward situations having to explain their unprofessional Gmail email addresses in job applications or other professional situations. This problem, which has been a nuisance for Gmail users, has been a source of frustration for many, especially since changing a Gmail email address required a new email account to be created while moving all the data manually, a situation which was not only cumbersome but also risky, as it would result in loss of data, emails, and contacts. Google has, however, finally solved this problem, which has been a nuisance for many Gmail users, by allowing users to change their username without losing their data and email account history.
SurveyThe announcement was made via Google’s official X account, wherein the company announced that users of Gmail in the US are able to update their @gmail.com username while retaining their data. The feature applies across key Google services, including Gmail, Photos, Drive, and more, making it a unified identity update rather than a limited change.
You asked, we delivered. If you’re a U.S. Google user, you can now change your account username for tools like Gmail, Photos, Drive and more — while keeping your emails, data and account history. Here’s what to know:
— Google (@Google) March 31, 2026
1️⃣ You can choose any available @gmail.com username.
2️⃣… pic.twitter.com/eF2lgbJaFg
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One thing to note is that you will not lose your old email address. Instead, you will be able to use it as an alias. This means you will still be able to sign in to your account with your old username and will be able to send or receive emails to or from both of your email addresses.
Google has also put some restrictions in place so that users do not misuse these facilities. A user can change their username once a year; however, a user can make a total of three username changes. Moreover, the new username should be available and should follow standard Gmail naming conventions. There is also an option available for users to go back to their old username if required.
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Currently, the feature is only supported by users in the United States. In addition to this, Google also hasn’t disclosed when it will be made available to other countries such as India in the near future.
How to edit your username in Google
Follow the easy steps below to update your Gmail username:
1. Go to your Google Account settings.
2. Navigate to the personal info section.
3. Find the username or email option.
4. Choose a new available @gmail.com username.
5. Confirm the change and save settings.
Once updated, your new username will be active across all supported Google services while your old one continues to work as an alias.
