Google finally lets users update their Gmail addresses

Change Your Google Account Username

It’s about time, right?

On Tuesday, Google announced a new feature allowing U.S. users to change their Google Account username without needing to create a new account or losing access to their existing data.

So, you can finally break free from those cringe-worthy usernames from back in the day, like slackerboy666 or your favorite childhood moniker.

This capability is not entirely new; it seems to have been in the works for a while.

Interestingly, Google noted that the most common Gmail-related question in the U.S. this past year was simply, “Can I change my Gmail address?”

Now that this much-anticipated change is rolling out, patience is key. According to Google, this feature is being implemented gradually, so it might not be immediately available for everyone.

How to Change Your Username

Visit myaccount.google.com/google-account-email.

Click on “Personal Information.”

Select “Email.”

Click on “Change Email Address.” If you don’t see this option, you might not be eligible yet.

Enter a new username—just make sure it’s not already taken or previously used.

Click “Change email address” and confirm.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Once done, your new Google Account email will be set up, and your old account will still be accessible as an alternate email.

Keep in mind you can only change your username once every 12 months and can’t revert to the old one during that period.

Google also assured users that old emails will remain intact, and you’ll be able to access Google services with both your old and new addresses.

Following the announcement, many users expressed their excitement about finally having the opportunity to rebrand themselves.

“I knew keeping my Gmail account would pay off, especially since Gmail started in beta,” said one Reddit user.

Another shared, “I’m not proud of my email from when I was 14, so updating while keeping my data is fantastic.” However, some people proudly defend their original quirky usernames.

“No way; I’m keeping StonerBeast42069 forever!” one user declared with enthusiasm. Another chimed in, “I chose my real name, and I couldn’t be happier!”

Yet it’s not all good news. Experts have raised concerns about cyber attackers exploiting this new feature to compromise accounts. Cybercriminals can send emails from what looks like legitimate Google addresses, claiming users need to click a link for a “security check.” Unfortunately, this technique can lead to stolen credentials and account hacks.

Given the prevalence of such scams, with reports of 3 million fraud cases in 2025 leading to losses of around $15.9 billion, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.

To safeguard your Gmail account, it’s recommended to take the Google Security Assessment. A Google spokesperson advised, “Users can protect themselves by enabling two-step verification and utilizing passkeys, which are a more secure alternative to traditional passwords.”