I get it, your Gmail username from 10 years ago probably seemed fine at the time. Back then, everything about the internet was different, and picking a quirky, silly, or random email ID didn’t seem like a big deal. But now, handing that old username to someone can be awkward. When they ask why you still use it, your answer might come with a cringe or a hint of regret.
The good news is you don’t have to live with it anymore. Gmail now lets you change your old username and pick something fresh, something that actually fits the professional, grown-up, or just plain cooler version of yourself you have become.
To start, open the Gmail app on your smartphone or the desktop version on your computer. Next, click or tap your profile icon and select Manage your Google Account from the drop-down menu. From there, go to the Personal Info section.
Once you’re there, tap your current email ID, then select the Google Account Email box. From this point, simply follow the on-screen instructions to change your old Gmail username to a new one. It’s straightforward and guided, so you won’t get lost along the way.
A quick note: this feature is currently available only to users in the US. Google hasn’t confirmed when it will roll out to other regions, so for now, it appears to be limited to that region alone.
Thank you, Google, for finally bringing this feature. I’m sure they understand the struggle of holding onto an old username that no longer fits who you are, or worse, one that sparks instant regret when you share it. It does make a big difference, and honestly, it only gets better from here.
The only hiccup is that this handy update is currently limited to users in the US. Fingers crossed it reaches other regions soon because, truth be told, I can’t wait to give my Gmail ID the glow-up it deserves.
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