If you've created a Gmail address a while ago, you may soon be able to do something about it without losing access to the email and files associated with your previous Gmail account.
Google's clarification page recently surfaced, saying that users will be able to make the changes soon, although there's a big caveat, at least for now: it's a Hindi-language page, and it doesn't give a timeline for when the feature might become available more widely.
“The function of changing your Google account email address is gradually being rolled out to all users. Therefore, this option may not be available to you right now,” the message says. support page states (translated using Safari).
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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How to check if you can change your Gmail name
Google's support page has a ton of information about how this feature will work after the transition. You will be able to receive emails at both your old address and the new address, and the new address will not affect the data saved in the account associated with the original address.
This way, you'll be able to access all your data using any address, and you'll be able to use your new address to sign in to Google services like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Play. You will not be able to delete your new address for 12 months after creation.
To check if you can use this new feature, login to your Google account. Click “Personal Information” in the top left corner. Then, in the email section, click on Google Account Email. Finally, click on “Change Google Account Email Address”. If you don't see this option, the feature may not yet be available where you live.
For people using Chromebooks, additional steps may be required. The same goes for those who use their Google account to log into third-party websites, as well as those who use Chrome Remote Desktop.
The support page also provides instructions for Android, iPhone and iPad users. But again, all this is now written in Hindi.
According to various websites that track Google user statistics, Gmail has between 1.5 and 2 billion users. Statesman estimates this figure at 1.8 billion. Gmail is by far the largest email service provider in the world.
