Google has started rolling out a major Gmail update that many users have awaited for years.
The new feature allows people to change their Gmail address without deleting their account.
This change helps users who created email names they later regretted.
For a long time, Gmail users had no way to edit their email address.
The only option was to close the account and create a new one.
This often meant losing emails, subscriptions, and connected services.
Google has now confirmed that this restriction is being removed.
The company says the feature is rolling out gradually.
Some users may already see the option in their account settings.
The Gmail update was first noticed in December.
It appeared on Google’s Hindi-language support page.
Now, updated English support documents confirm the feature.
Eligible users will soon be able to change their primary Gmail address.
The address will still end with “@gmail.com”.
The rest of the Google account will remain unchanged.
To use the feature, users must open their Google Account.
They can do this on mobile or desktop.
Next, they should go to the “Personal info” section.
From there, they must select the Email option.
A new choice called “Change your Google Account email address” will appear.
After entering a new Gmail address, the change takes effect instantly.
Google says users will not lose any data.
Emails, photos, files, and messages will stay safe.
The old Gmail address will not disappear.
It will remain active as an alternate email.
Messages sent to the old address will still be delivered.
Google also allows users to switch back to the old address.
However, there are some limits.
Users cannot create another new Gmail address for 12 months.
They also cannot delete the new address during this period.
Google advises users to back up their data.
This is a safety step before making changes.
The company notes that the Gmail update is still expanding.
Not all users will get access at the same time.
Some may face issues with third-party app sign-ins.
Google has shared fixes for these problems in its help pages.
In other news read more about Gmail hacked? Google issues a major clarification for users
This update marks a major shift in Gmail’s long-standing policy.
It offers more flexibility while keeping user data secure.
