Google will lets users change their primary Gmail address without making a new account

Google is rolling out a long requested feature that lets users change their primary @gmail.com address without creating a new Google account. Until now, users could add aliases or switch between linked addresses, but the main Gmail username could not be changed.

This only works when both the current and new addresses end in @gmail.com, so it cannot be used to switch to Outlook, Proton, or a custom domain. After the change, the original address stays active as a secondary and recovery address, so emails sent to the old address still arrive. All account data stays intact, including Gmail messages, Drive files, and account history, and users can also keep signing in to Google services like Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Drive with either address.

The rollout appears gradual and may be limited to India first, since the early support documentation surfaced in Hindi. If eligible, the option should appear in Google Account settings under Personal Info. Google also caps changes at three per account and requires a 12 month wait before generating another new @gmail.com address.