One Tech Tip: Got an awkward or embarrassing Gmail address? Google is now letting users change it
WTOP • • technology
Key Points:
- Google is now allowing users to change their Gmail addresses, a feature first rolled out quietly in India and recently made available to all U.S. Google Account users, with no timeline given for other countries.
- The process involves going to the Google Account settings to select a new email address, which cannot be identical to existing or previously deleted addresses; users can only change their address up to three times, with a 12-month wait between changes.
- The old Gmail address remains active as an alternate, allowing users to receive emails sent to either address and switch back if desired, but switching back and forth frequently is limited.
- Users should be aware that some third-party apps and services might not recognize the new Gmail address immediately, and Chromebook users may experience temporary issues that might require reverting to the old address if problems persist.
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the update as a way for users to move past outdated or embarrassing email handles created years ago, emphasizing the simplicity and flexibility of the new policy.
