Change Gmail username: Google has now rolled out a new big feature that allows you to change your Google Account username (the part before @gmail.com), which you use to sign in to apps and services like Gmail, Photos, Drive and more.
Google first mentioned this update late last year, and as of Tuesday, it's finally live for everyone in the US You can now swap your old username for a new one, provided no one else has claimed it yet. The best part is that nothing else changes. All your old emails and files stay right where they are, tucked safely into your updated account.
Gmail address update: What happens to old email addresses?
Google will keep your old username linked to your account, so any emails sent to your former address will still show up in your new inbox.
Gmail username: How to change?
You can finally change your Gmail username without having to start a whole new account.
To do this, just sign in and head over to your Google account settings. Look for "Personal info," then click on "Email," and finally "Google Account email."
If your account is eligible, you'll see an option that says "Change Google Account email." Just click that, type in your new name, and you're all set.
Just a heads-up: you can only swap your Gmail username once a year. So, once you pick a new one, you're committed for the next 12 months. That's not too bad though, especially if you've been stuck with an old, embarrassing address for decades.