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Gmail Now Allows Users to Change their Email Address
Table of Contents
What’s Changing with Gmail Addresses?
Gmail is introducing a long-awaited feature: the ability to change your email address. This is especially useful for those who registered with a less-than-ideal address in the past, or for individuals who have legally changed their name (after marriage, for example). The feature initially appeared in Google’s help documentation in Hindi,indicating a phased rollout,starting in a region with high demand for email addresses.
How to change Your Gmail Address
The process is designed to be straightforward. Once the feature is available to you, you’ll be able to access it through your Google Account settings at myaccount.google.com. Navigate to “Personal info” and then select “Email.” Within the Email section, you should see an edit icon (a pen) next to your current address, allowing you to modify it.
How the New System works: Aliases and Continuity
Importantly, changing your Gmail address doesn’t eliminate your old address. Instead, it functions as an alias. All emails sent to your original address will continue to arrive in your inbox as usual. You can still use your old email to log in to your Google account, and you have the option to revert back to it as your primary address.
limitations and Restrictions
Google has implemented some limitations to prevent abuse and maintain system stability:
- Frequency: Users can onyl change their address once every 12 months.
- Alias Limit: A maximum of three aliases can be created.
Comparison with Outlook.com
This feature brings Gmail more in line with competitors like Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail), which has allowed users to freely manage aliases for many years. Outlook.com users can have up to ten aliases together, offering greater flexibility.
Timeline of Gmail Features
| Year | Feature |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Gmail Launched |
| 2023/2024 | Email Address Change Feature Introduced (Phased rollout) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will changing my address affect my existing data? No, all your existing emails, contacts, and settings will remain intact.
- Can I revert to my old address? Yes, you can switch back to your original address at any time.
- What if I reach the alias limit? You will need to remove an existing alias before creating a new one.
- Is this feature available to all Gmail users yet? No, it’s currently being rolled out gradually. Check your account settings to see if it’s available to you.
