Google Introduces Feature to Change Gmail Addresses Without Losing Data

In a highly anticipated update, Google has rolled out a new feature that allows Gmail users to change their email addresses without losing their data. This change addresses a common frustration for users who have held onto outdated or embarrassing email addresses for years.

According to Google’s account help page, this feature is being gradually made available. At present, detailed guidance on how to implement the change is only available in Hindi, suggesting the initial rollout may be focused on India or other Hindi-speaking regions, with plans for a global expansion soon.

Under this new feature, users who update their Gmail address will retain their old address as an alias. Emails sent to the old address will still be delivered to the new inbox, and users can continue to sign into Google services, such as Google Drive, Maps, and YouTube, using their old email address.

Previously, changing a Gmail address required users to create a completely new account and manually transfer data, often causing disruptions with third-party apps. With this update, all user data—including emails, messages, and photos—will remain intact even after an address change.

However, the update comes with a few limitations: users who change their Gmail address will be unable to change their address again for 12 months, and the new address cannot be deleted.

Although Google has yet to make a formal announcement about this update, it was first discovered in online tech forums and user communities. The feature’s gradual rollout suggests it will soon be available to a wider audience.