Google is this close to letting you change your Gmail email address

You’re typically out of luck in the event you’d like to alter your Gmail deal with (ending in @gmail.com), forcing you to create a brand-new Google account as a substitute. Nevertheless, we not too long ago noticed proof that Google may lastly implement this performance, and it appears like we’re ever nearer to this chance.

Google not too long ago up to date its English-language assist web page (h/t: Android Police) with directions on tips on how to change your Gmail deal with. This comes a couple of weeks after the corporate up to date its Hindi-support web page with these particulars.

“In case your Google Account e-mail ends in gmail.com, you might be able to change it to a different deal with that ends in @gmail.com,” the corporate explains.  This differs from the earlier model of the assist web page, which notes that you just “normally can’t change” @gmail.com e-mail addresses.

Need to change your Gmail.com e-mail deal with? Google says it is advisable to go to myaccount.google.com/google-account-email. It is best to then see the choice to Change Google Account e-mail. Don’t see this selection? Then it’s not accessible for you simply but.

“The power to alter your Google Account e-mail is steadily rolling out to all customers and this selection will not be accessible to you but,” Google added on its assist web page, though the corporate beforehand famous this on the Hindi-language assist web page. For what it’s price, the choice isn’t accessible to me, whereas a number of colleagues report that it isn’t accessible for them, both.

When you’ve made the change, Google says your earlier e-mail deal with is retained as an alternate deal with. The corporate provides that knowledge saved in your account (e.g., images, messages, emails) received’t be affected, you’ll obtain emails to each addresses, and you’ll register to different Google providers with both deal with. It cautions that it is best to nonetheless again up your knowledge simply to be secure. This contains Timeline knowledge, contacts, images/movies, and Android gadget knowledge.

There are some restrictions price realizing, although. You possibly can swap again to your previous e-mail deal with at any time, however you possibly can’t create a brand new @gmail.com e-mail deal with for the next 12 months, nor are you able to delete your new e-mail deal with. Google additionally clarifies that there could be some teething points with Chromebooks and with apps that allow you to register together with your Google account.