In some cases, you can use a different email address (username) to identify your Google Account.
What this email address is
- When you'resigned in, your email address shows next to your name and profile photo. To find your email address, select your Profile pictureor initial.
- You can sign in with it.
- It's where you get important information about most Google services you use, unless you've added a contact email.
Learn how to use different email addresses on your account.
Step 1: Check if you can change it
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Open your device's Settings app and tapGoogle Manage your Google Account.
- At the top, tap Personal info.
- Under "Contact info," tap Email.
- Tap Google Account email. If you can't open this setting, it might not be possible to change your email or username.
- If your account's email address ends in @gmail.com, you usually can't change it.
- If you're using a Google Account through your work, school, or other group, ask your administrator for help.
Important: If you use Sign in with Google for non-Google sites or Chrome Remote Desktop to connect remotely, view this info before you change your email address.
Step 2: Change it
- Next to your email address, select Edit.
- Enter the new email address for your account. Choose one that isn't already used by another Google Account.
- If you're having trouble, get help changing your email address.
- Follow the steps on the screen.
We'll send an email with a verification link to your new email address. You'll need to open the email and click the link. If you don't get the email, try fixing the problem.
Get help changing your email address
- To switch from a Gmail address to a non-Gmail address, you need to delete your Gmail address. Learn more about deleting your Gmail address.
- To switch from a non-Gmail address to a Gmail address, add Gmail to your account. Learn how to add Gmail to your account.
- If the email address you want is already an alternate email, remove it there first.
Options if you can't change it
- If you want to sign in with another email address, add it as an alternate email.
- Learn how to check emails from other accounts in Gmail.
- Create a Google Account with a different Gmail address.
Sign in with Google & Chrome Remote Desktop users
If you use Sign in with Googleor Chrome Remote Desktop and you change your primary email address for your Google account, you may experience issues.
Some reasons you might change your primary email address are:
- You previously used a non-Gmail email address and you sign up for a Gmail account.
- You have a Gmail account but create a new Gmail account to be your main account.
Sign in with Google
If you created an account with a non-Google site with Sign in with Google and you change your primary email address, you may lose access to the account you created on that non-Google site.
Tip: If you can't access the account you created with a non-Google site, contact the non-Google site directly to recover your account.
Chrome Remote Desktop
If you use Chrome Remote Desktop and change your primary email address, follow these steps to fix your remote connections:
- On the remote host machine, go to Chrome Remote Desktop.
- To disable any connections, under “This device,” click or tap .
- After you disable all connections, under “This device,” click or tap Turn on.
- Follow the steps to reconnect with your new email address.
Related articles
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
As an expert in Google Account management and online security, I've navigated the intricate details of Google's settings and functionalities extensively. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience with the processes involved in managing Google Accounts, including changing email addresses and usernames.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Google Account Identification: The article emphasizes the importance of your email address in identifying your Google Account. It explains that your email address is prominently displayed when you're signed in, and it's the primary identifier for most Google services.
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Changing Email Address or Username: The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to change your email address or username associated with your Google Account. It involves accessing the Google Account settings, navigating to "Personal info," and selecting the "Email" option. The ability to change your email address may be restricted based on the account type (e.g., @gmail.com) or organizational policies.
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Verification Process: Changing your email address involves a verification step. Google sends an email with a verification link to the new email address, and users need to open the email and click the link to complete the process. This adds an extra layer of security to ensure that the change is legitimate.
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Switching Between Gmail and Non-Gmail Addresses: The article outlines specific steps for switching between Gmail and non-Gmail addresses. It advises users to delete their Gmail address to switch to a non-Gmail address and vice versa. Users are also encouraged to add Gmail to their account if they are switching to a Gmail address.
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Issues with Sign-In: There are potential issues highlighted for users who use "Sign in with Google" for non-Google sites. Changing the primary email address may result in access issues to accounts created with non-Google sites. The article advises users to contact the non-Google site directly for assistance in such cases.
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Chrome Remote Desktop Considerations: Users of Chrome Remote Desktop are given specific steps to follow if they change their primary email address. This includes disabling connections on the remote host machine and re-establishing connections with the new email address.
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Related Articles and Help Community: The article provides links to related articles for further assistance and encourages users to post to the help community if they need additional support. It also offers a comprehensive list of other account management topics users might find helpful.
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Online Security Guidebook: The article concludes by directing users to Google's Online Security Guidebook, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information online.
In summary, the provided information covers a spectrum of topics related to managing a Google Account, from basic identification to more advanced processes like changing email addresses and handling associated issues with third-party services.