Google Introduces Gmail Address Change Feature for U.S. Users

Google has rolled out a new feature allowing users in the United States to change their Gmail address without losing access to their data or starting over. The update, announced on Tuesday, enables users to modify their Google Account email once every 12 months, with the old address remaining active as an alternate login option.

To utilize the feature, users must navigate to their Google Account settings, select Personal info > Email > Google Account email, and click the "Change Google Account email" button. The company emphasized that all existing emails will be preserved, and the old address will continue forwarding messages to the new one. However, the new email address cannot be deleted for the first year after the change.

Initially observed in Hindi-speaking regions, the feature is now available in the U.S., though Google noted it is being rolled out gradually. Some users may not immediately see the option, as availability depends on account updates.

This change follows Google’s broader efforts to enhance user flexibility, particularly as competition in the email and cloud services market intensifies. The feature aligns with similar options introduced by competitors, such as Microsoft’s Outlook address changes, though Google’s implementation includes stricter limitations on frequency and deletion rules.

Read more: techcrunch.com