Google Allows Consumer Gmail Username Changes, Ending Permanent Address Policy

Google is introducing a significant policy update, enabling consumer Gmail users to modify their permanent @gmail.com username for the first time since the service's inception. This change marks a departure from the previous structure, which strictly bound users to their original email handle, a limitation not imposed on Google Workspace accounts managed by organizational IT departments.

The rollout of this feature is proceeding in a phased manner across global regions, with initial support documentation appearing in the Hindi language, suggesting that India or Hindi-speaking territories may be among the first to gain access as of late 2025. Eligible users can find the new option within their Google Account settings under 'Personal Information,' then 'Email,' where the function labeled 'Change email address for your Google Account' will be present.

This process permits users to select a new @gmail.com address, provided it is not already assigned to another Google Account. Crucially, the system preserves continuity: the original @gmail.com address is automatically converted into a permanent alias and is not deleted or made available for public claim. This preservation is essential, as many users link their primary email to numerous external services, making a complete switch logistically difficult.

All associated digital assets remain securely connected to the single Google Account, ensuring data integrity throughout the transition. This includes emails, Google Photos libraries, Drive files, and YouTube data, all of which remain unaffected by the primary address modification. Users can sign in to all Google services using either the legacy or the new address, with correspondence directed to both identifiers converging in the same inbox.

To mitigate potential misuse and ensure identity stability, Google has established strict limitations. Users who change their username face a mandatory 12-month cooling-off period during which the new address cannot be modified or deleted. The original address remains usable during this year-long interval, allowing for a potential reversion. Furthermore, the system imposes a lifetime cap, reportedly allowing each Google Account a maximum of three changes, resulting in four distinct @gmail.com addresses over the account's lifespan. This cautious approach underscores Google's prioritization of system stability and security while enhancing user control over their digital identity.