Google has finally made it possible to change usernames on Google Accounts. It will mean changing an email address, though the old one will continue working.

The policy affects what is officially called the "account username" but is better known as the part before the "@gmail.com" in an email address. As well as email, it's used for identification on many Google services such as photos and YouTube.

Until now there was no way to change this short of creating a new account entirely, which would require setting up mail forwarding to continue accessing old messages without having to switch back and forth. That was a problem for people who wanted to change the account name for all manner of reasons, ranging from a change of name in the real world to being embarrassed about a username chosen in one's youth.

Phased US Rollout

The new policy is taking effect in the US at first and will almost certainly roll out worldwide unless there's a major hitch. Different US users will get access to change feature at different times, likely to spread out demand and iron out any problems.

Users simply need to visit their account settings. On a desktop computer or laptop that means going to Gmail while logged in and then opening the settings section. On the mobile Gmail app, it's under Settings, then the relevant email account, then "Manage Your Google Account."

Once in the relevant account settings, users need to go to the "Personal info section", then select "Email" and finally "Google Account email". (Source: wired.com)

Limits and Security

Users can change their account once per year. Any email messages sent to the old username will continue to come through to the new email address. Google hasn't detailed whether there's any limit on this forwarding if the user makes multiple account name changes over time.

The new address will work as a login for Google services, with all other settings and data unaffected. However, users may initially need to use the old address for logging into a Chromebook. (Source: google.com)

One big hitch, which is also a benefit depending on your viewpoint, is that users can't choose a name which has ever been used for a Google account, even if it's no longer used. That's Google's crude way of making it harder to pose as somebody by taking over their old account name.

What's Your Opinion?

Have you ever wanted to change your Gmail address but felt stuck with your old one? Do you think the one-year limit on changes is a fair restriction? Is Google right to permanently retire old usernames to prevent impersonation?