Google Now Lets You Change Your Gmail Username: Is The Feature Available In The UAE?

2026-04-01 02:33:05

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Google has finally rolled out one of its most requested features: the ability to change your Gmail username without creating a new account.

For years, users stuck with outdated or embarrassing email IDs - whether it's teenage nicknames, random number strings, or long-forgotten hobbies - have had no choice but to start from scratch. I can't be the only person to use 'xx' before and after my intended username. Well, that changes now.

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The update allows users to modify the username portion of their email address, everything before“@gmail”, while keeping the same underlying Google Account.

This means you can switch to a cleaner, more professional email ID, your existing data stays intact, and you don't need to migrate to a new account.

Is the feature available in the UAE?

For now, Google has confirmed that the feature is rolling out to users in the US first.

There's no official timeline yet for a UAE rollout, but based on how Google typically deploys features, it's likely to expand globally in phases. That means users in the UAE may need to wait a little longer, though some early access could appear gradually.

What happens to your data?

One of the biggest concerns with changing an email address is losing access to existing data. Fortunately, that's not the case here.

With the new feature, all emails, files, and photos remain unchanged, data stored in Google Drive stays intact, and access to services like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Play continues seamlessly.

Even better, your old Gmail address doesn't disappear. It becomes an alternate email, meaning you'll still receive messages sent to it.

While the feature is largely smooth, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. According to CNET, apps and services that use your Google account may still recognise your old email initially, and devices linked to your Gmail may require additional steps to sync properly.

For UAE users, the feature isn't widely available just yet, but you can expect it soon. And when it does, you won't be stuck with an email address you created years ago and wish you could forget.