Google Begins Limited Gmail Username Change Rollout

Google has begun a limited rollout of a long-requested feature allowing users to change the username portion of their Gmail addresses, according to details in an updated support document. The change, which applies only to addresses ending in @gmail.com, is initially available in India and will gradually expand to other regions, though the company has not provided a timeline for global availability.

The feature enables users to modify the part of their email address before the "@gmail.com" domain through their Google Account settings. Previously, Google permitted changes only for accounts using third-party email domains, such as those from Yahoo or Outlook, while Gmail addresses remained fixed. Under the new system, users can select a new username, and the original address will function as an alias. Emails sent to either address will arrive in the same inbox, and both can be used to sign in to Google services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Maps, and the Play Store. All existing data, such as emails, photos, files, and subscriptions, will remain intact, with no loss of access to linked accounts.

Google's support page, currently visible only in Hindi, outlines the process...