Google may soon allow users to change their Gmail address without losing emails or account data, according to newly updated support documents published by the company.
The change, which appears in Google’s Hindi-language help pages, suggests that users could be able to select a new Gmail address while keeping their existing account intact. The feature is expected to roll out gradually and may become available in 2026, though Google has not officially confirmed a launch date.
A Major Shift in Gmail Policy
At present, Gmail users cannot directly change their email address. The only option is to create a new account and manually transfer or forward emails, a process many users find inconvenient.
Under the proposed update:
- Users would be able to choose a new Gmail address
- The old address would remain as an alias
- Emails, settings, and account data would stay unchanged
- Users could sign in using either address
Google says no messages or data linked to the original address would be lost.
Important Limits Apply
The new option would come with strict restrictions:
- A Gmail address can only be changed once every 12 months
- Each account would be allowed a maximum of three changes in total
These limits mean users would need to consider carefully before making a change.
Gradual Rollout Expected
Google notes that the feature will not be available to everyone at once. The company plans a phased rollout, and it is still unclear whether the option will be offered globally or limited to certain regions.
Technology news site Android Authority reports that Google has been contacted for clarification on international availability but has not yet responded.
What It Means for Users
If confirmed, the update would mark one of the biggest changes to Gmail since its launch, offering long-time users a chance to update old or unwanted email addresses without starting over.
For now, users will have to wait for official confirmation, but the changes suggest that updating a Gmail identity may soon be possible for the first time.
