Google: Gmail username can soon be exchanged

For the first time, Google is allowing users in the USA to change their Gmail username. This refers to the part of the address before “@gmail.com”: Until now, there was no way to change this username. Only the person's name linked to the account could be changed, but not the email address itself.

At least in the USA, that is now changing. Users can change their email name via account settings. Google promises that this option will be available to all users internationally in the future but does not provide a timeframe.

Old email address remains

According to a Google support entry, the name change is quite straightforward: the previous email address will remain as an alternative, so existing distribution lists and linked accounts will continue to function. In existing accounts, users usually need to log in with the previous email address. However, Google's own services, like YouTube, should also accept the new email address.

If desired, users can even switch back to the old email address if they change their mind. This address cannot be completely deleted. The only way to get rid of a Gmail address completely is to delete the entire account.

Up to four email addresses

Google limits how often new email addresses can be created in Gmail. In total, you can only set up three alternative names for the email address, and only one per year. So, if you patiently push this to the limit, you can have a total of four different email addresses with one Google account. Google also points out the option to link external email accounts to the Google account.

Chromebook owners need to prepare for some additional steps if they want to change their email address. Google recommends removing the old account and adding the new one manually; otherwise, the Chromebook will not update. For this, it is advisable to back up local data beforehand.

(dahe)