Google is rolling out an update that lets many people change their @gmail.com username (for example, oldname@gmail.com → newname@gmail.com) without creating a new Google Account. Your Gmail mail, Google Drive files, Photos, YouTube, purchases, and other account data typically stay on the same account.
Table of Contents
Is This Feature Available for You?
This is a gradual rollout, so the option may not show up for everyone yet.
It’s most commonly available for:
- Personal @gmail.com accounts
- Accounts that are not Google Workspace (company/school-managed)
- Accounts without certain restrictions or security limitations
Key Limits & Rules (Important)
- How often: usually limited (commonly around once every 12 months)
- Lifetime cap: may be limited (often around 3 total changes per account)
- Username rules: must be available; commonly 6–30 characters, using letters/numbers/dots
- Your data stays: emails, Drive files, and purchases generally remain intact
- Old address protection: your previous address is often kept reserved to prevent others from taking it
How to Change Your Gmail Username on Desktop (Recommended)
Desktop/web is often where the option appears first.
- Open myaccount.google.com
- Go to Personal info
- Scroll to Contact info and select Email
- Look for an Edit option next to your @gmail.com address
- Enter the new username (availability is checked as you type)
- Confirm your identity (password/passkey or verification)
- Select Save
Typical time: about 2–5 minutes.
How to Change Your Gmail Username on Mobile
- Open the Gmail app
- Tap your profile picture (top-right)
- Tap Manage your Google Account
- Go to Personal info → Email
- Tap Google Account email
- If you see Edit, enter the new username, verify, and tap Save
Tip: If the option doesn’t appear on mobile, try the desktop steps first.
If You Don’t See the “Edit” Option
- Wait and check again (rollouts can take time)
- Try a different browser or Incognito/Private mode
- Clear cache/cookies or try another device
- Update the Gmail app (if you’re using mobile)
- If it’s a Workspace/school/work account, the admin may control changes
See also:
What Happens After You Change It
- Sending: your new Gmail address becomes the main/default one
- Receiving: your old address may keep receiving/forwarding for some time (varies)
- Update logins: banking, shopping, subscriptions, and 2FA recovery settings
- Tell contacts: send a quick announcement email or use an auto-reply temporarily
FAQ
- Will I lose my emails or Drive files?
- No—your data typically remains on the same Google Account.
- What if the username I want is taken?
- Try variations like adding a middle initial, numbers, or a dot.
- Does this work for Google Workspace accounts?
- Usually not—those are typically admin-managed.
- Mobile doesn’t show the option—what should I do?
- Use the desktop/web method first, then check again later on mobile.