After speculations, Google seems to finally be working on the much-anticipated feature, which would allow users to change their @gmail.com email address without creating a new account. Till now, the move was considered to be impossible, but now fresh evidence has emerged after an updated Google support page in English confirmed that users will soon be able to switch from one Gmail address to another while keeping the same Google account.
This comes after the discovery follows an earlier update spotted on a Hindi-language support page, which many initially dismissed as a documentation error. With the same information now live in English, it appears the feature is very much intentional.
According to the support page, users will be able to replace their current @gmail.com address with a new one while maintaining all Google services. Soon after the change, the old Gmail address will continue to function as an alternate email, allowing users to receive messages sent to both addresses. Importantly, Google states that no account data will be lost during the process, including emails, photos, messages, and files stored across Drive and Photos.
According to the company, the feature will be rolled out gradually, which means that not all users will have access to it. Those who gain access will have the option of reverting to their original email address if necessary. But there are some limitations. Users will be unable to create a new Gmail address for 12 months after switching, and the newly chosen address will not be deleted during that time.
The tech giant also confirmed that the users will be able to sign up using either their old or new Gmail address across services such as Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Google Play and Drive.
If and when the option becomes available, users will be able to initiate the change by visiting their Google Account settings, navigating to Personal Info, and selecting the option to change their Google Account email.