In one of the most significant updates in the platform’s 21-year history, Google is rolling out a feature that allows users to change their primary “@gmail.com” address while keeping their entire digital life emails, photos, and files completely intact.
Google has finally addressed a complaint users have had for decades by introducing a way to change a primary Gmail address without having to start a new account. First spotted in Hindi-language support documentation on Friday (December 26, 2025), the “India-first” rollout suggests the tech giant is using the Indian market as a key testing ground for the feature. Previously, users stuck with a “cringe worthy” or outdated username had to choose between living with it or going through the painful process of migrating years of data to a fresh account.
The new system is designed as a seamless transition rather than a hard reset. When a user picks a new Gmail handle, the change spreads across the entire Google ecosystem, including YouTube, Drive, and Photos.
Key technical aspects of the update include:
- Alias Integration: The old Gmail address doesn’t get deleted. Instead, it automatically becomes an alias. This means any emails sent to the old ID still get delivered to the same inbox.
- Dual Sign-In: Users can reportedly keep logging into their Google account using either their old or new email address.
- Zero Data Loss: Google explicitly guarantees that all stored data contacts, chat history, and subscriptions stays safe and unaffected by the address swap.
The Limitations
To prevent identity spoofing and service abuse, Google has put in place strict rules:
- The 12-Month Rule: Once an address is changed, the user has to wait a full year before they can modify or delete the new address again.
- Lifetime Cap: Each account is limited to a total of three changes (allowing for four different usernames over the account’s entire lifespan).
- Eligibility: The feature is currently rolling out for personal “@gmail.com” accounts. It’s not available for school, work (Google Workspace), or custom domain accounts.
“Google is finally addressing one of its biggest user complaints… allowing people to change their primary Gmail address without opening a new account,” tech analysts noted, pointing out the move ends the era of permanent, locked-in email identities.
“The support page’s early appearance in Hindi suggests it may have gone live ahead of schedule… marking a clear departure from Google’s long-standing stance that Gmail addresses cannot be altered,” The Hans India reported.
While the feature is currently in a “gradual rollout” phase, users should check their “Personal Info” tab under Google Account settings to see if they have access. Experts warn, though, that while Google services update automatically, users still need to manually update their email for third-party services like banks and social media to make sure they don’t lose access to those accounts.
Also Read / Google launches affordable ‘AI Plus’ plan in India at ₹199.
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