Google is set to roll out a long-awaited feature that will allow users to change their @gmail.com email addresses, signaling a major shift from its earlier policy. According to details shared on a Google support page, the company is gradually introducing a new process that enables users to update their Gmail username while continuing to use the same Google account.

Until now, Gmail users were largely unable to modify their email addresses, unlike users who had linked third-party email IDs to their Google accounts. With this update, users will be able to switch to a new Gmail address with a different username. Once the change is made, the old email address will automatically function as an alias. This means emails sent to both the old and new addresses will arrive in the same inbox, and users can log in to Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Maps, and Google Play using either address.

Google has clarified that changing a Gmail address will not impact account data. Emails, photos, files, messages, and subscriptions will remain unchanged. Importantly, the old Gmail address will continue to belong to the user and cannot be claimed or reused by anyone else.

However, the feature comes with specific limitations. After changing their Gmail address, users will not be able to modify or delete the new address for a period of 12 months. Additionally, each Google account will be allowed to change its Gmail address only three times, meaning a total of four Gmail addresses can be associated with one account. Some older services, such as calendar events created before the change, may still display the original email address.

The feature is being introduced in phases and is not yet available to all users. Once enabled, eligible users will be able to update their Gmail address through the My Account settings page.