January 2, 2026, 2:45 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
At the end of 2025, Google announced a feature that many users have been waiting for for years. It is finally possible to change your Gmail address—something that was previously not allowed. Some user accounts are already enabled for the new feature.
New Gmail Address with a Different Name–No Account Change
Anyone who created a Gmail address since its launch in 2004 has been stuck with it until now. That was the rule until the end of 2025, as also noted on Google’s support page: “If your account’s email address ends in @gmail.com, you generally cannot change it.” A new Gmail address was only available with a new Google account—a major adjustment for most.
For those who had too much imagination back then but now rely on their Gmail address for personal or work life, there is now a glimmer of hope. In some countries—including Germany—Google now allows changing the Gmail name: “If your Google account’s email address ends in gmail.com, you may be able to change it to another @gmail.com address.”
Gmail Change Affects Millions! Two Features to Be Discontinued
If You Don’t Respond, You May Soon Be Unable to Access Emails on Gmail
Name Change Available for First Users
According to Google support, the feature is currently being gradually rolled out to all Gmail address owners. However, the company explicitly notes that it is not yet available to all users.
Also interesting: If You Don’t Respond, You May Soon Be Unable to Retrieve Emails on Gmail
The option can be accessed in the Google account after logging in on a computer at the link myaccount.google.com/google-account-email. There, under “Personal Info” > “Email,” you’ll find the entry “Email Address of Your Google Account.” By clicking, you can access the option “Change Email Address for Google Account.” Before making the change, you should check if there might be issues with signing in with the Google account. Then enter a new username that does not appear in another Gmail address. Afterward, confirm by clicking “Change Email Address” > “Yes, Change Email Address” and follow the further instructions.
In a brief self-test, I tried to change the name of my personal Gmail address. However, I only received the following message: “This setting cannot be changed for your account.”
These Are the Effects of Changing the Gmail Name
The company points out that switching back to the original Gmail name is possible at any time—the new address, however, remains. Additionally, another change is only possible after a waiting period of 12 months.
All existing emails are automatically forwarded to the new Gmail address. Login data, content, and settings of the Google account remain unchanged. Technically, it is not a new account but a renaming of the address.
This significantly lowers the barriers to switching. There are many reasons for this, such as an outdated or inappropriate address, a name change, or the desire for a more professional appearance.