Gmail Gets Long-Awaited Address Change Feature, Keeps Old Emails Intact

In a move that many users have long been waiting for, Google has introduced a new feature that allows people to change their Gmail address without losing access to their existing emails, contacts, and account data. The announcement marks a significant shift from Gmail’s earlier limitation, where users were forced to create an entirely new account if they wanted a different email ID.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed the update through a post on X, adding a touch of humor to the announcement. He wrote, “2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesn't need to be stuck in it.” The remark reflects a common frustration among users who have been tied to outdated or awkward email IDs created years ago.

How to change your Gmail address

With the new feature, users can update their email address directly through their Google Account settings. By navigating to the settings page in Gmail, they can select a new address, provided it is available. This allows users to retain their existing account while adopting a more relevant or professional email identity.

Pichai further explained the process, stating, “To say goodbye to [email protected] or [email protected] (or whatever you were into at the time), go to your Google Account settings and choose any name available.”

Currently, the feature is being rolled out gradually and is available only to select users, with a wider release expected in the coming months.

What happens to the old email address?

Importantly, Google has ensured a smooth transition for users adopting the new feature. Once an email address is changed, the old address remains permanently linked to the same account. This means no other user can claim it in the future.

Emails sent to both the old and new addresses will continue to arrive in the same inbox. This ensures that users do not miss important communications, even if some contacts continue using the previous email ID.

AI-powered inbox enhancements

Alongside the new address update feature, Google is also introducing advanced AI capabilities within Gmail. The company has unveiled an “AI Inbox” powered by its Gemini technology, aimed at helping users better manage their emails.

The AI Inbox is designed to reduce clutter by prioritising important messages. It introduces features such as “suggested to-dos,” which highlight urgent emails like bill payments and deadlines in bold, making them easier to spot.

Another addition is the “topics to catch up on” section, which groups updates related to travel bookings, reservations, and other activities into a single, easy-to-view space.

At present, the AI Inbox feature is available only to select users in the United States. However, Gmail’s existing AI tools, including email summarisation powered by Gemini, are already accessible to a broader audience.

With these updates, Google is not only modernising Gmail’s core functionality but also making it more adaptable to users’ evolving digital identities and communication needs.