Google has released the possibility of changing the main address of Gmail accounts. The new feature arrived first for users on Estados Unidos and is not yet available on Brasil. Quem makes the change and keeps the old address as a permanent alternative, without losing messages, files or access to services.
The change represents a milestone after more than 20 years of Gmail. Antes, anyone who wanted a new address needed to create another account and migrate data manually. Agora, the process is straightforward and preserves everything that already exists in the account.
Rolagem gradual functionality
The feature began testing in late 2025 and gained traction in March 2026 on Estados Unidos. Eligible Usuárioss see the option directly in their Google account settings. The company indicates that the release is gradual, which means that not all American users have immediate access.
- The exchange is only valid for addresses ending in @gmail.com.
- The new username must be available.
- Após changes, the old address becomes an automatic alias.
- Emails sent to the old one continue to arrive normally.
- The user can return to the previous address at any time.
Essa list summarizes the main points of the update. Google reinforces that the functionality is not yet available in all countries.
Como works address switching
The process takes place within the account settings page. The user accesses the personal information section, locates the main email and chooses the change option. Then enter the desired new username and confirm.
The system checks availability and provides guidance on possible impacts. Depois confirmation, the account will use the new address as its main address. The old one remains active for receiving messages. Assinaturas and integrations with other services continue to work without interruption in most cases.
What changes in practice for the user
Muitos stores addresses created years ago with names that no longer represent their current identity. The ability to update your username without losing your history solves an old problem. Profissionais that use Gmail for work, for example, can adopt addresses that are more suitable for the market.
The old address continues to appear in some places for a while, such as in old Google Calendar events. Isso avoids confusion during transition. Google recommends backing up important data before the move, even if the migration is internal.
Limites and new tool rules
Google has imposed some restrictions to prevent abuse. Depois of the exchange, the user cannot create another new @gmail.com address for 12 months. The total number of changes throughout the life of the account is limited to three. The new option also cannot be deleted.
Essas rules protect the system against excessive account creation or frequent switching. Quem uses Chromebook, Sign in with Google in external sites or Chrome Remote Desktop should check specific guidelines before proceeding.
Impacto on privacy and security
The update does not change Google’s privacy policies. Todos data remains protected by the same mechanisms as always. The old alias helps maintain compatibility with services that have not yet been updated with the new address.
Especialistas in technology see the change as positive for the user experience. Ela reduces the need for multiple accounts and simplifies digital management. No Brasil, the expectation is that the feature will arrive in the coming months, following the global rollout pattern of Google.
Ficha technical feature
- Current Disponibilidade: Estados Unidos (wide rollout since March 2026)
- Países pending: Inclui Brasil and other markets
- Annual Limite: One change every 12 months
- Limite for life: Até three exchanges per account
- Preservação: Todos the emails, Drive, Photos and history maintained
- Alias: Old Endereço becomes permanent alternative
The tool is integrated into the Google ecosystem and affects services such as Gmail, Drive, Photos, YouTube and Google Play.
Google guides users to directly access their account settings to check eligibility. Quem still does not see the option must wait for the gradual expansion of the feature. The new feature meets an old demand from the community and should make life easier for millions of people who had addresses created at another stage in their lives.
