It seems millions of us will soon be able to change our Gmail email address to something totally new. Yes, if you set up an account years ago and no longer like the name or your circumstances have changed, the option to switch things up is about to become available. Google had already hinted at this update earlier this month, but a new support page has just gone live, confirming that this handy upgrade is on its way.

“If your Google Account email ends in gmail.com, you may be able to change it to another address that ends in @gmail.com,” Google explained. The update works by running the accounts side-by-side, so any emails sent to the old address will be instantly forwarded to the new one.

Google also says that the data saved in your account won’t be affected. This includes things like photos, messages and emails sent to your previous email address.

It’s a nice change from the tech giant, but not everyone can get it right now.

Google has added an ‘important’ message to its support page stating, “The ability to change your Google Account email is gradually rolling out to all users, and this option may not be available to you yet.”

If you fancy getting a new Gmail account without losing emails, here’s how to check if this option is available for you.

• On your computer, visit myaccount.google.com/google-account-email. You may be asked to sign in.

• At the top left, click “Personal info”

• Click Email and then Google Account email

• Under “Google Account email”, click Change Google Account email. If you don’t have this option, it might not be possible to change your Google Account email.

• Enter the new username that you want to use. You’ll need to choose one that isn’t being used by another Google Account or that was used by someone in the past and then deleted.

• Click Change email and then Yes, change email.

• Follow the steps on the screen.

• When complete, you’ll have a new Google Account email and your old one will show as an alternate email.