How to Change Gmail Name: Guide with Screenshots

Change Gmail Name Step-by-Step

Before we tell you exactly what you need to do to change Gmail name, we need to clarify the difference between the name and the username so that your expectations of what can be done are realistic:

• Gmail name: often referred to as the display or sender name, is how you're identified when you send an email to someone. This is customizable and can be altered to mirror your professional evolution (you can add your academic degree, for example) or personal preferences (you can switch from HipHopLover94 to MetalHead94).

• Gmail username: this is essentially your email address itself—the unique identifier before "@gmail.com". Many have wondered if they can change Gmail address, and the answer is always the same: no. Your only option is to create a brand new address and essentially start from scratch.

Given that the Gmail name (display name) is the only component you can easily customize unless you want to create a new Gmail account, this article will only explain how to change your Gmail name. Let's get started!

How to Change Gmail Display Name on Desktop

Navigating the desktop version of Gmail is straightforward, but when it comes to modifying settings, a little guidance can help. If you're wondering how to change your email name on the desktop version, here's a concise guide to help you:

Step 1. Open your inbox in your favorite web browser.

Step 2. Click the settings gear icon located in the top-right corner and select the See all settings option.

Step 3. Navigate to the Accounts and Import tab.

Step 4. Click the edit info button in the Send mail as row.

Step 5. Click the checkbox next to the empty field to enable it and enter the desired display name.

Step 6. Click Save Changes once you've customized your Gmail account name.

How to Change Gmail Name on iPhone

If the Gmail app for iOS is the primary way how you interact with your inbox, then we have good news for you: you can customize Gmail account and change your name right on your mobile device. This is how:

1. Launch the Gmail app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Scroll down, choose the Settings option and select your account at the top.
4. Go to the Your info, privacy and security category.
5. Navigate to the Personal info tab.
6. Tap on NAME.
7. Tap the pencil icon next to your current name.
8. Pick a new name for your mail account and tap Save.

How to Change Gmail Name on Android

Of course, you can also change the name associated with your email address on Android. The steps you need to go through are slightly different compared with changing the name on iPhone, but the overall process is similarly straightforward:

1. Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the Google settings category.
3. Tap the Manage your Google Account button.
4. Go to the Personal info tab.
5. Tap on your name.
6. Tap the pencil icon next to your current name.
7. Pick a new name for your mail account and tap Save.

How to Change Name in Google Account

If you've read our instructions for desktop, iOS, and Android, you might have noticed that while the desktop guide focuses exclusively on how to change email name, the mobile instructions change the name for your entire Google Account.

That's because on mobile devices, changing your Gmail name essentially requires you to modify the name associated with your entire Google Account. But what if you wish to make this overarching change on your desktop too?

For those looking to customize their account display name and wondering how to change name on Gmail via their Google account on desktop, we have you covered:

Step 1. Go to the Google Account page in your preferred browser.

Step 2. Navigate to the Personal info tab in the left sidebar.

Step 3. Click on your current name.

Step 4. Click on the pencil icon next to your current name.

Step 5. Enter a new name and click Save.

That's how to change display name on Gmail on desktop. Keep in mind that if you add another email address to Gmail, it operates as an alias and not a replacement, so you need to be mindful of the name associated with this new address.

Limitations and Common Issues in Changing Gmail Name

While the steps to change your name on emails you send are relatively straightforward, there are some limitations and challenges you might face. Being aware of these potential roadblocks will help you manage your expectations and find workarounds:

• Immutable username: As mentioned earlier, while you can change your Gmail name, your username (the part before "@gmail.com") remains fixed. If you're keen on a completely new email address, you'll need to create a new account.
• Consistency across Google services: When you change your name in Gmail using mobile instructions, remember it reflects across all Google services like Google Drive, YouTube, and Google Calendar. The same, however, doesn't happen when you change display name on Gmail using the desktop instructions provided at the start of the previous section.
• Confusion for contacts: If you often change your display name, it might confuse your contacts. They might wonder if they're interacting with the right person or if your account has been compromised.
• Rapid change restrictions: Google restricts name changes to no more than 3 times within a single minute for accounts older than 2 weeks. This is to prevent potential misuse and to maintain the platform's integrity. So, if you're experimenting with various display names, ensure you pace out your changes.

By keeping these limitations and issues in mind, you'll be better prepared to navigate the process of updating your Gmail display name.

And if you're wondering how to organize Gmail or make the most of its features, there are tools like Clean Email that can assist you in keeping a tidy and efficient inbox.

How to Change a Gmail Username

Google does not permit changing the Gmail username as it serves as a permanent and unique identifier for your account. While you cannot directly change your existing Gmail username (the part before "@gmail.com"), you can opt for practical alternatives to achieve a similar result.

Alternatives to Changing Your Username

1. Use an Alias: You can create and use aliases with your mail account, which function as additional email addresses linked to your main account.

In Gmail settings, under Accounts and Import, select Add another email address to set up your alias.

2. Forward Emails to a New Account: If you create a new account to change your username, you can forward all incoming emails from your old account to the new one.

Enable this in the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section of Gmail settings by adding your new email address.

3. Inform Your Contacts: Make sure to notify your contacts about your new email address to ensure uninterrupted communication.

Wrap-Up

Understanding how to tweak your Gmail name allows you to put your best foot forward, whether in professional correspondences or personal interactions.

You can change your display name on desktop through Gmail's Accounts and Import settings, or on iPhone and Android through your Google Account, though your username, the part before @gmail.com, can't be changed. Keep Google's limits in mind too, since name changes are capped at three per minute and mobile changes apply across all Google services.