Tech Tip: How to Change Your Gmail Address
When many people created their personal Gmail addresses 20+ years ago (or when they were much younger), they chose names they may now regret. Maybe it references an old nickname, a past hobby, or includes a birthday or graduation year you’d rather keep private. Or maybe you’re simply ready for a fresh start.
As of this month, Google is beginning to allow users to change their Gmail address.
In the past, there were workarounds for this, but they often required technical know-how or extra time to preserve access to existing emails, documents, and photos.
A few important gotchas to know first:
Not every account has access to this feature yet. Google is rolling it out gradually, and the exact timeline is unclear. If these steps don’t work for you and changing your Gmail address is important, try again later or contact Pegasus for help with workaround options.
Once you select a new Gmail username, it cannot be changed again for one year—so be sure you’re happy with your choice before finalizing it.
How to change your Gmail address
Open Gmail
Click Google Account (your avatar in the top-right)
Select Manage your Google Account
Click Personal info on the left
Select Email
Choose a new email address
Note: That final option is not available for everyone yet. Also keep in mind that many Gmail usernames are already taken, so you may need to get creative to find an available option you like.
Other easy alternatives you can change anytime
determinants:
Even if this feature isn’t available to you yet—or if you can’t find a new address you like—you can still update how you appear to others when you send email.
To change your avatar:
Open Gmail
Click the gear icon in the top-right
Select See all settings
Choose My Picture
To change your display name:
Open Gmail
Click the gear icon in the top-right
Select See all settings
Go to Accounts and Import
Under Send mail as, click Edit info
Your display name is what recipients see first—and changing it can make a big difference without changing your email address at all.
Have a tech tip you’d like to see covered, or one you’d like to share? Contact Pegasus and let us know. Your idea may appear in a future newsletter.
