Gmail may let you change an embarrassing email address

Google is rolling out an option that may allow accounts ending in @gmail.com to change their primary Gmail address, and the setting appears under Account → Personal info → Email in some users' account pages.

Google is rolling out a feature that lets some people change their Gmail address. The option appeared on Google's help pages after an earlier hint on a Hindi support page. Previously, changing a Gmail handle required deleting an account and creating a new one. Google says the ability is arriving gradually and may not be available to all accounts yet. Key details: - Accounts that end in @gmail.com may be able to change their primary email from the Google Account 'Personal info' → 'Email' settings. - The process shows a 'Change your Google Account email address' option and asks users to enter and confirm a new @gmail.com handle. - After the change, the old address becomes an alternate email and will continue to receive messages. - Google states users can revert to their previous address, but they cannot create a new @gmail.com account or delete the new address for 12 months after changing. - Google says account data such as photos, messages and emails sent to the previous address will not be affected, and the company recommends backing up data as a precaution. - Google notes the gradual rollout may cause sign-in issues with some third-party apps and provides troubleshooting steps on its help pages. Summary: This change reduces the need to delete and recreate accounts to get a different Gmail handle and could make it easier to update an old or unwanted address. Availability is being expanded gradually and Google has posted guidance about potential issues with third-party app sign-ins. Undetermined at this time.