Overview
- Help pages first spotted in Hindi describe a feature that lets users replace an @gmail.com address while keeping the same Google account.
- Account data remains intact after a change, including emails, contacts, Drive files, Photos, settings and linked services such as YouTube.
- The previous address is retained as a permanent alias for receiving mail and for sign-in, with restrictions to prevent third-party reuse.
- Limits apply: users can change their Gmail username up to three times with a 12‑month wait between changes, and the prior address cannot be reused to create a new account for 12 months.
- Google is rolling out the capability gradually starting in India, has not announced a global timeline, and guidance reported by outlets urges making a backup before changing.