Google to let users change Gmail address, old one stays active

Google is reportedly allowing users to change their Gmail address for the first time, with the old address remaining active as an alias, according to a new support page update seen by tech outlet The Verge.

Since its launch, Gmail has tied each account to a permanent email address used for logging into YouTube, Google Drive, Google Photos and other services. While users could change their display name, the actual @gmail.com address could not be altered.

This has caused issues for some who created accounts years ago with unprofessional or embarrassing addresses. Changing the address will let users adopt a more suitable one for work or formal communications.

The old address will become an alternate email, still receiving messages. Users can change their address up to three times, once per year, allowing a maximum of four addresses per account, including the original.

The feature is being rolled out gradually. If users don't see the "Change" option under their profile's email settings, it is not yet available to them. Google has not formally announced the feature.