For over two decades, Gmail users have been stuck with whatever username they picked when they first signed up. That awkward handle from your teenage years? Locked in. A professional rebrand that left your email looking embarrassingly outdated? Too bad. Until now.
On March 31, 2026, Google announced it is rolling out the ability for U.S. users to change their Gmail username for the first time in the platform's 22-year history.
Google has not made this a free-for-all. Users are permitted to change their username only once every 12 months. There is a total lifetime limit of three new addresses per account, allowing for four unique handles in total including the original. If you choose to revert to a previous username, you must wait 30 days before you are eligible to create another new one.
Think carefully before making the change. There are no unlimited do-overs.
How to Do It
Go to any Google website or app like Gmail, tap the profile photo in the top-right corner, then tap Manage your Google Account. From there, select Personal Info, then Email, then Google Account email, then Change Google Account email. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity and pick your new handle.
The new username must be unique and not already taken by another Google account.
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The Rules
Google has not made this a free-for-all. Users are permitted to change their username only once every 12 months. There is a total lifetime limit of three new addresses per account, allowing for four unique handles in total including the original. If you choose to revert to a previous username, you must wait 30 days before you are eligible to create another new one.
Think carefully before making the change. There are no unlimited do-overs.
How to Do It
Go to any Google website or app like Gmail, tap the profile photo in the top-right corner, then tap Manage your Google Account. From there, select Personal Info, then Email, then Google Account email, then Change Google Account email. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity and pick your new handle.
The new username must be unique and not already taken by another Google account.