Google lets US Gmail users change their username

Insights

• Changing your Gmail username makes your old address an alternate email that will still receive messages.
• You can sign in and receive mail with either the old or new address across Google services.
• Account data like photos, emails and messages are not affected by the change.
• You can switch back anytime, but Google limits creating new @gmail.com addresses to once every 12 months and three times total.
• Your old Gmail address cannot be claimed by someone else and remains linked to your account even if you delete it.
• Google advises backing up contacts, photos, Timeline data and syncing Chrome because some app settings may be reset.