What you can and cannot change about your email address
You cannot change the part of your email address that comes before the @ symbol — that is your username, and it is permanent. Once you create an account with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider, that username stays the same for the life of that account. If you want a different email address entirely, you need to create a new account with a new username.
What you can change is your display name — the name that appears when you send an email. This is the text that shows up in the "From:" line when someone receives your message. Changing your display name takes a few minutes and does not affect your actual email address or any of your messages.
If you have been using a nickname, your full name, or something you now want to change, updating your display name is straightforward. The steps differ slightly depending on which email provider you use.
Key Takeaways
- Your email username (the part before @) cannot be changed, but your display name (what appears in the "From:" line) can be changed in a few minutes.
- Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo each have different locations for changing your display name, usually found in account settings or personal information.
- After you change your display name, it may take a few minutes to appear in new emails you send.
- Changing your display name does not affect your password, inbox, contacts, or any existing emails.
- If you need a completely different email address, you must create a new account with a new username.
How to change your display name in Gmail
Open Gmail and click the gear icon in the top right corner of the page. Select "See all settings" from the dropdown menu. Click the "Accounts and Import" tab at the top.
Under the section labeled "Send mail as," you will see your current email address. Click "Edit info" next to it. A box will open where you can type your new display name. Type what you want to appear in the "From:" line — this might be your full name, first name only, or any text you choose. Click "Save changes" when you are done.
Gmail will send a confirmation email to your address. Open that email and click the confirmation link. Your new display name will appear on emails you send from that point forward.
How to change your display name in Outlook
Sign in to your Outlook account and click your profile picture or initials in the top right corner. Select "View account" or "Manage your Microsoft account" depending on your version.
Click "Your info" or "Personal info" in the left menu. Look for a section called "Name" or "Edit name." Click the edit button (usually a pencil icon) next to your current name. Type your new display name and click "Save." The change usually takes effect when ready on new emails you send.
If you use Outlook through a work or school account, the steps may be different — your organization may restrict name changes or require you to update your name through their directory instead.
How to change your display name in Yahoo Mail
Sign in to Yahoo Mail and click the account icon in the top right. Select "Account info." Click "Personal info" in the left sidebar.
Find the "Name" field and click "Edit." Type your new display name and click "Save." Yahoo will update your display name on new emails you send. The change is usually when ready, though it may take a few minutes to appear in all outgoing messages.
What happens after you change your display name
Your actual email address does not change. People still reach you at the same username and domain — changing your display name only changes what name appears when you send them a message. Your inbox, all your stored emails, your contacts, and your password all stay exactly the same.
Emails you sent before the change will still show your old display name, because those messages are already in people's inboxes and cannot be edited. Only new emails you send after the change will show your new display name.
If you have set up email forwarding or linked your email to other accounts or services, those connections are not affected by changing your display name.
When you need a completely new email address instead
If you want a different username entirely — not just a different display name — you must create a new email account. This is necessary if your current username no longer fits your needs, if you want to separate work and personal email, or if you are concerned about privacy.
Create a new account with your email provider using the username you want. You can then forward emails from your old address to your new one, or gradually tell your contacts about the new address. Keep in mind that creating a new account means a new inbox, new password, and a fresh start — your old emails do not automatically move to the new account.
If you have been using your current email address for accounts, subscriptions, or services, you will need to update those separately with your new email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my email address username?
No. Your username — the part before the @ symbol — is permanent and cannot be changed. If you need a different email address, you must create a new account with a new username.
Will changing my display name affect my password or login?
No. Your password and login information stay the same. Changing your display name only changes what name appears when you send emails.
How long does it take for my new display name to show up?
Usually a few minutes to an hour. Gmail requires you to confirm the change through an email link, which may take slightly longer. Outlook and Yahoo typically update when ready.
Can I have multiple display names for the same email account?
Gmail allows you to set up multiple "Send mail as" addresses, each with its own display name, so you can choose which name appears depending on who you are emailing. Outlook and Yahoo do not offer this feature — you can only have one display name per account.
What if I forgot how to access my email settings?
Go to your email provider's website, sign in with your username and password, and look for a settings or account menu, usually represented by a gear icon or your profile picture. If you cannot sign in, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page.