The fastest way depends on which email service you use
Most email providers let you change the display name — the name that appears when you send messages — without changing your actual email address. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail all have this option built into account settings. The display name is what recipients see in their inbox; your email address itself (the part before the @) usually cannot be changed without creating a new account.
If you need to change your email address entirely — because you got married, divorced, or straightforward want a fresh start — you will need to create a new email account and forward your old messages. Most services let you keep both accounts active during a transition period so contacts can reach you at either address.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name (what people see when you email them) can be changed in account settings within minutes on any major email service.
- Your actual email address — the username@domain part — cannot be changed; you must create a new account if you want a different address.
- Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail all store the display name in different locations, so the exact steps vary by service.
- When switching to a new email address, set up forwarding from your old account so you do not miss messages during the transition.
Changing your display name in Gmail
Open Gmail and click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select "See all settings." Go to the "Accounts and Import" tab. Under "Send mail as," find the address you want to change and click "edit info." In the "Name" field, type your new name exactly as you want it to appear to recipients. Click "Update" and you are done.
The change takes effect when ready on new messages you send. Old messages you already sent will still show your previous name because they are already in recipients' inboxes. If you have multiple email addresses set up in Gmail, you can give each one a different display name.
Changing your display name in Outlook or Hotmail
Sign in to your Outlook account and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "View account" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Click "Your info" on the left side. Under "Name," click "Edit name" and type your new first and last name. Click "Save" when you are finished.
Outlook updates your display name across all Microsoft services that use your account, including OneDrive and Office 365 if you have them. The change appears on new emails within a few minutes. If you use Outlook on your phone or desktop, you may need to sign out and back in to see the updated name.
Changing your display name in Yahoo Mail
Log in to Yahoo Mail and click the account icon (usually your profile picture) in the top right. Select "Account info." Click "Personal info" on the left side. Find the "Name" field and click the pencil icon to edit it. Type your new name and click "Save."
Yahoo displays your new name on outgoing emails within a few minutes. The change does not affect your Yahoo email address itself, only how your name appears to people you email.
Changing your display name in Apple Mail and iCloud
Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click the account icon in the top right and select "Account Settings." Click "Personal Information" on the left. Find the "Name" field, click "Edit," type your new name, and click "Save."
If you use Apple Mail on your Mac or iPhone, the change syncs automatically through iCloud. On your devices, you may need to wait a few minutes or restart the Mail app to see the updated name on outgoing messages.
Creating a new email address if you want to change your username
If you want a completely different email address — not just a different display name — you will need to create a new account with your email provider. Most services let you keep your old account open while you transition to the new one. Set up forwarding so messages sent to your old address automatically go to your new one.
In Gmail, go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Add a forwarding address, then enter your new email. Confirm the forwarding address by clicking the link Gmail sends to it. In Outlook, go to Settings > Mail > Forwarding > Turn on forwarding and enter your new address. Yahoo and Apple have similar forwarding options in their account settings.
Tell your contacts about your new address before you stop checking the old one. Most email providers keep forwarding active for at least 30 days, but some let you extend it longer. After the forwarding period ends, messages to your old address will bounce back to the sender.
What happens to your old emails when you change your address
If you are only changing your display name, your old emails stay exactly where they are. They are tied to your email address, not your name. If you are switching to a brand-new email address entirely, you can read your old messages before you stop using the old account, or you can keep both accounts open indefinitely.
Gmail lets you read all your data through Google Takeout. Outlook has a similar export option in Settings. Yahoo and Apple also offer ways to back up or export your messages. Do this before you close your old account if you want to keep a copy of old conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my email address from gmail.com to something else?
No. Your email address is tied to your email provider, so a Gmail address will always end in @gmail.com. If you want a different provider — like Outlook, Yahoo, or iCloud — you need to create a new account with that service. You can forward your old Gmail to the new address so you do not miss messages.
Will changing my display name affect my passwords or login?
No. Your display name is only what appears in emails you send. Your login credentials — your email address and password — do not change. You will still sign in the same way.
How long does it take for my new name to show up on emails I send?
Usually a few minutes on Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail. If you do not see the change after 10 minutes, try signing out and back in, or restarting the Mail app on your phone or computer.
What if I change my mind and want to change my name back?
You can change your display name as many times as you want. Just go back to your account settings and edit the name field again. There is no limit to how many times you can do this.
Do I need to tell my contacts when I change my display name?
No. Your email address stays the same, so they can still reach you. They will just see your new name on future emails from you. Old emails they have from you will still show your previous name.