Google Lets U.S. Users Change Gmail Usernames
U.S. users can change the part before @gmail.com, keep the old address as an alternate, and are limited to one change every 12 months, Google said.
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Overview
Google said in a March 31 announcement that all Google Account users in the United States now have the ability to change their account username, the part of the address before @gmail.com.
The feature responds to longstanding user needs for a fresh email identity since Gmail debuted 22 years ago on April 1.
Google said saved data including photos, messages and emails will not be affected, the previous address will become an alternate that still receives messages, and users can sign in with either address.
Google began gradually rolling out the option last year, initially in late December, and is now rolling it out widely in the United States.
Users will be able to change their username only once every 12 months, Google said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this Gmail username-change rollout in a neutral, informational way, emphasizing facts like the US rollout, the ability to change only once per 12 months, and how to access the feature, with minimal evaluative language and only cautious speculation about spam prevention.