Google Quietly Tests Gmail Address Change Feature

Google Quietly Tests Gmail Address Change Feature

Google is quietly testing a long-requested feature that could let users change their Gmail address without creating a new account. If rolled out widely, this update could solve a problem millions of users have faced for years—being stuck with an old or unprofessional email name.

According to newly spotted information on Google’s support pages, users may soon be able to replace their existing @gmail.com address while keeping all their data intact.

Feature Spotted on Google Support Pages

The update was first noticed on Google’s Urdu/hindi-language support page, where details about changing a Gmail address are already visible. Interestingly, the English version of the same page still states that Gmail addresses usually cannot be changed.

This suggests Google may be testing or rolling out the feature in India or other Hindi-speaking regions first, before expanding it globally.

How Changing a Gmail Address Would Work

If the feature becomes available, users will be able to:

Choose a new Gmail address

Keep all emails, files, photos, and messages

Retain access to Google services like Drive, Maps, and YouTube

Avoid creating a new Google account

Most importantly, no data transfer will be required, and nothing will be deleted during the process.

Your Old Gmail Address Won’t Stop Working

Google isn’t removing the old email address. Instead, it will continue to function as an alias. That means:

Emails sent to the old address will still arrive

Users can still sign in using the original address

All services remain linked to one account

This makes the transition far easier than previous workarounds.

Why This Is a Big Deal

Until now, changing a Gmail address meant:

Creating a brand-new account

Manually moving data

Reconnecting third-party apps

Risking lost access to services

The new system removes most of these risks and simplifies account management significantly.

Important Limitations to Know

Google is adding some restrictions to prevent abuse:

Gmail addresses can only be changed once every 12 months

The new address cannot be deleted after selection

These limits help maintain security and account stability.

No Official Announcement Yet

Google has not made a public announcement or shared a rollout timeline. The feature was discovered by users and tech communities, not through an official press release.

If released globally, this could become one of the most useful Gmail updates in years, giving users more flexibility without sacrificing security.