Gmail is the go-to email client for many because of its seamless integration with other Google apps, simplicity, and rich features. You can use it on most devices, including Android phones,tablets, iPhones, laptops, and desktop PCs.
You might not like your email address if you have an old Gmail account. Creating a new account can be a hassle if you use the old one to receive emails from your bank, insurance, school, work, or subscriptions. Google usually doesn’t let you change your address, but there are ways to work around this restriction. This guide shows how to check if you may modify your Gmail address without making a new one. It also lists a few workarounds.
What’s the difference between a Google account username and a display name?
Your Google account username is the part of your Gmail address before @gmail.com. You can verify your email username and display name by hovering your mouse over the profile icon in the upper-right corner. Your display name is at the top, and the email address is at the bottom. You can view all emails linked to your username in theEmail sectionof your Google Account.
How to select a new Gmail address
You might feel nostalgic about your old Gmail address, but iluvpuppies1999@gmail.com isn’t suitable for work. Avoid including nicknames in your username since it looks unprofessional. Adding your job title isn’t a good idea, as it will change over the years. Also, don’t add long strings of numbers to your email address. They could cause spam filters to send your email to the recipient’s junk folder.
How to create a Gmail account on your phone or PC
Making a brand-new Google account is pretty simple
How to change the address from your Google account
Google states that you could change your username in some instances. However, the chances that it will let you do so are low. According to Google, the following method might work for accounts that don’t end in @gmail.com. We list the steps to verify if you can change your email address from your Google account. Follow the rest of the instructions if you have this option.
Changing your Gmail address from the desktop
1. Log in to yourGoogle Account.
2. SelectPersonal infofrom the left navigation panel.
3. Scroll to theContact Infosection.
4. Select your email address.
- ClickGoogle Account email. If you can’t open this setting, Google won’t let you change your email address.
6. Click theedit iconnext to your email address.
Enter your new email address and follow the instructions on the screen.
You’ll get an email with a verification link to confirm the new address.
Contact your admin for help if you use a Google account through your work or school.
Changing your Gmail address from the Android or iOS mobile apps
The following steps work on Android and iOS. We use an Android phone for our tutorial, but iPhone users can follow along.
1. Launch theGmailapp.
2. Tap yourprofile iconin the upper-right corner.
3. TapGoogle Account.
4.SelectPersonal info.
5. SelectEmailunderContact info.
TapGoogle Account email. If it doesn’t open, you can’t change your email address.
Tap theedit iconbeside your email address and add a new address.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions.
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How to make minor changes to your Gmail address
If Google won’t let you change your address, you can tweak your username to mix things up.
Add or remove dots in your Gmail address
Google doesn’t recognize dots in your username, meaning you’re able to add or remove dots to your email address. For instance, ab.cde@gmail.com is the same as abc.d.e@gmail.com.
However, dots matter if you use Gmail through school or work. You can’t add dots after the @ sign.
Add a plus sign at the end of your username
The following methods don’t work on the Gmail Android and iOS apps. You need a desktop browser to make the changes.
How to add an existing email as an alias
You can set up a secondary Gmail address as an alias. Switch between either address while sending emails.
1. Log in to your primary Gmail account.
2. Click thegear iconand selectSee all settings.
- Go to theAccounts and Importtab and clickAdd another email address.
4. Enter your secondary email address.
Select theTreat as aliasoption and clickNext step.
You’ll get a verification email on your secondary account. Sign in to the account and click the confirmation link.
- When you send an email, click the drop-down menu in theFromfield and select the address you want the receiver to view.
Do more with Gmail
Not everyone has the option to edit their Gmail addresses. However, this tutorial helps you create an alias and tweak your address. If your messy inbox is overwhelming, check out these third-party apps and tools totame your Gmail inbox. Make the most out of the Gmail Android app with thesetips and tricks.
