New Feature Allows Email Address Changes While Keeping Data Intact
A new tool is being introduced that will finally allow email users to swap their current email address for a new one without losing any of their existing data or services. This change is something that users have been asking for a while now.
Interestingly, the new instructions for changing an email address were first noticed on the Hindi version of the support page. This suggests that the feature may initially be introduced to India or places where Hindi is widely spoken.
The Global Rollout: A Gradual Process
The feature isn't available to all users just yet. It's being gradually introduced, which means it might take some time before everyone can access it. The English version of the support page still contains the old instructions, which state that email addresses "usually cannot be changed."
Unfortunately, there has been no direct response to inquiries about which regions of the world will first get access to this feature.
Keeping Your Old Address: The New Policy
With the introduction of this new feature, users who decide to change their email address will still keep their original address. This retained address will now act as an alias. So, if someone sends an email to your old address, it will still land in your inbox. Additionally, the original address can still be used to sign in to various online services.
In the past, if someone wanted a new email address, they had to go through the process of creating a new account and manually transferring all their data. This complex and risky process could also potentially interfere with third-party app integrations.
Maintaining Existing Data and Reusing Old Email Addresses
One of the best parts of this new feature is that all existing data, including photos, messages, and emails, will stay the same after an address update. Plus, users will have the option to reuse their old email address at any time.
However, there are a couple of restrictions. Once you change your email address, you won't be able to create another new one for the next 12 months. Also, you can't delete the new address you've chosen.
No Official Announcement Yet
Despite the excitement around this new feature, there hasn't been a formal press release or official announcement. The news about this change was actually first spotted by users in online forums and tech communities.