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Google is reportedly rolling out a new feature that allows users to change their existing @gmail.com email addresses without needing to create a new account.
According to updated support pages initially spotted in Hindi and reported by multiple tech outlets, the feature is “gradually rolling out” to personal accounts. This allows users to modify their primary email handle while retaining their data and account history.
The Update: Hindi Support Page Reveals Changes
While Google’s English-language support documentation has historically stated that users “usually can’t change” their email addresses if they end in @gmail.com, recent updates to the company’s Hindi support page indicate a policy change.
“The ability to change your Google Account email address is gradually rolling out to all users, so this option may not be available to you right now,” the page states.
Prior to this update, users wishing to change their email handle were required to create an entirely new Google Account and manually migrate data, a process that often resulted in the loss of purchased apps, emails, and file history.
How It Works: Aliases and Data Safety
The new feature modifies the existing account rather than creating a new one.
- Automatic Alias: Upon switching to a new address, the user’s previous email address is automatically converted into an alias. Emails sent to the old address will continue to be delivered to the inbox of the new address.
- Sign-In Continuity: Users can sign in to Google services (such as YouTube, Maps, and Drive) using either the old or the new email address.
- Data Retention: Google’s documentation assures users that “data saved in your account, including photos, messages, and emails sent to your old email address, will not be affected” by the change.
The Rules: Limits and Cooldowns
The functionality reportedly comes with specific restrictions designed to prevent abuse and frequent changes:
- Frequency Limit: Accounts are limited to one address change every 12 months.
- Lifetime Cap: Each account can change its address a maximum of three times in total, allowing for a lifetime maximum of four associated email addresses.
- Creation Restrictions: Once an address is changed, the new email cannot be deleted for 12 months. Additionally, the old email address cannot be used to create a separate, new Google Account during this same 12-month period.
- Reversibility: Users retain the option to switch back to their original email address at any time.
It is important to note that this feature applies only to personal Google accounts; accounts managed by work, school, or other organizations (Google Workspace) are not eligible for this self-service change.
Availability
As of this writing, the feature appears to be in a testing or early rollout phase. Reports indicate the updated guidance has primarily appeared in Hindi-speaking markets, and Google has not yet issued a formal press release or timeline for a global English launch.
Users can check for availability by navigating to My Account > Personal Info > Email in their Google Account settings. If the feature is live for their region, an edit option will appear next to their Gmail address.
Sources: 9To5 Google, The Verge, CNBC
This article is published on BitPinas: Google Reportedly Rolling Out Feature to Change Gmail Addresses
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