For millions of users in India and worldwide, a Gmail address has long felt like a permanent, unchangeable part of their online identity. That era is set to end. Google is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking feature that will finally allow users to change their primary Gmail username, a move anticipated to roll out gradually starting in 2026.
A Long-Awaited Shift in Digital Identity
Historically, if you signed up for an account with an @gmail.com address, you were locked into that username forever. The only way to get a new address was to create a whole new account, losing your history and connections. This is changing. According to a Google support page published in Hindi, the tech giant is now testing a new option that permits modifications even for standard @gmail.com accounts.
Previously, this flexibility was reserved only for users who had signed up using a third-party email address. The new system will treat your old Gmail address as an alias. This means you can sign in to all Google services using either your old or new email address. Crucially, all your existing data—including photos, messages, and emails sent to the old address—will remain intact and accessible.
How the New Gmail Change Feature Will Work
The rollout is not instantaneous for everyone. Google has stated the ability to choose a new Gmail address is being "rolled out gradually" and won't be immediately available to all users. Some users have already seen the option appear, suggesting live testing is underway.
Google has also set clear limits to prevent abuse of the new system. Users will be allowed to change their email address a total of three times. Furthermore, after making a change, you cannot create a brand new Google account with the old email address for a period of one year. This ensures old usernames aren't immediately recycled.
Key user benefits include:
- Correcting old or embarrassing usernames chosen years ago.
- Updating an address to reflect a professional name without starting from scratch.
- Continuing to receive emails at both the old and new addresses seamlessly.
What This Means for Indian Users
As the world's largest email service, Gmail's policy shift has significant implications for its vast user base in India. Many early adopters may be stuck with usernames containing outdated references, nicknames, or misspellings. This update grants a much-needed second chance, allowing for a more professional or personal digital identity without the hassle of migrating years of data and contacts.
While the official support page indicates the feature is in motion, it may take time before it appears in every account's settings. Indian users eager for the change should keep an eye on their Google Account settings page in the coming months as 2026 approaches. This move marks a major step by Google in acknowledging that digital identities, much like people, can evolve over time.
