Google may be preparing one of the most significant changes to Gmail since its launch, with reports suggesting users will soon be able to change their Gmail addresses without losing access to existing emails, files or Google services.
A Hindi-language version of Gmail’s support page, first spotted by the Google Pixel Hub group on Telegram and later reported by 9to5Google, indicates that Google is “gradually rolling out” the ability to change the primary email address associated with a Google account—including switching to a new address ending in @gmail.com.
According to tech analyst and digital identity consultant Samuel Olatunji, the reported update represents a fundamental rethink of account identity.
“Google has historically tied Gmail addresses deeply into authentication, security and recovery systems,” Olatunji said. “Allowing address changes without breaking those links suggests Google has finally matured its identity infrastructure.”
If fully implemented, the update would allow users to retain their original Gmail address as an alias, ensuring continued delivery of emails sent to the old address. Users would also be able to sign in to Google services using either address. However, Google appears to be imposing a restriction that prevents users from creating another new Gmail address linked to the same account for 12 months after making the change.
For years, Gmail users have been unable to change their addresses, even when the name became outdated, unprofessional or compromised. Unlike enterprise email systems, Gmail has treated the email address itself as a permanent identifier rather than a flexible label.
