You can finally change the goofy Gmail address you chose years ago

Ars Technica • March 31, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Gmail, celebrating its 22nd anniversary, is now allowing US users to change their email usernames without creating new accounts, a feature that began rolling out widely today.
Users can change the portion before "@gmail" once every 12 months, with Google retaining the old username as an alternate and allowing users to switch back if desired.
All existing emails and data remain intact, and users can receive mail sent to both old and new addresses, although some Google and third-party services may still display the original email.
Changing the username may require users on devices like Chromebooks to log out and back in, and some services like Chrome Remote Desktop will need reconfiguration.
This update aims to help users update outdated or overly personal email handles without abandoning their accounts, though Google has not clarified all details regarding multiple alternate addresses or switching frequency.

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