Google has begun quietly rolling out a long-anticipated feature that allows users to change their Gmail address without losing emails, files, or access to linked services, according to updated guidance appearing on the company’s support pages.
The change marks a significant shift from Google’s long-standing policy, under which most Gmail addresses were permanent and could not be modified once created. For years, users seeking a new address were required to open a separate account and manually migrate their data, a process often described as time-consuming and disruptive.
The updated instructions currently appear only on Google’s Hindi-language support page, suggesting that the initial rollout may be targeted at India or other Hindi-speaking markets. The English-language support documentation continues to state that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed,” indicating that the feature is still in a limited testing phase.
According to the Hindi support page, the option to change a Gmail address is being introduced gradually and will expand to more users over time. Google has not issued a formal press release or public announcement outlining the rollout timeline or regional availability, and the company did not immediately respond to media inquiries regarding the update.
Under the new system, users who change their Gmail address will retain their original address as an alias. Emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive in the same inbox, and the original address will remain valid for signing in to Google services, including Drive, Maps and YouTube.
Google says that existing data, such as emails, photos, messages and stored files, will remain unchanged following the update. The support page also notes that users can revert to using their old email address at any time, according to a translated version of the Hindi guidance.
However, the feature comes with restrictions. Users who change their Gmail address will not be able to create another new Gmail address for 12 months, and the newly selected address cannot be deleted once chosen. These limits appear designed to prevent frequent changes that could complicate account security or identity verification.
The update has drawn attention within online forums and tech communities, where users have long requested a way to move away from outdated or unprofessional email addresses created years earlier. Until now, the lack of a seamless address-change option has been a frequent source of frustration for Gmail users.
While the scope and timing of the rollout remain unclear, the appearance of official documentation suggests Google is testing the feature ahead of a broader release. If expanded globally, the change would represent one of the most meaningful updates to Gmail account management in years, offering users greater flexibility while preserving continuity across Google’s ecosystem.
