How to Change Your Name on Gmail

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to change the name that displays when you send an email from Gmail. You can do this on both the desktop version of Gmail and the Gmail mobile app, though Google only permits you to change your name a maximum of three times every 90 days. You cannot change your email address.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Desktop

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to https://www.gmail.com/ in your computer's web browser. This will open your Gmail inbox if you're logged in.
    • If you aren't logged into Gmail, enter your email address and password when prompted.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the top-right side of the Gmail inbox. A drop-down menu will appear.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the Settings page.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this tab at the top of the page.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's across from the "Send mail as" section of the settings page. A pop-up menu will open.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-6.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the second box from the top.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-7.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the blank text field, type in the name you want to use.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-8.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so saves your name change and closes the window.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Mobile

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-9.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tap the Gmail app icon, which resembles a red "M" on a white background, to do so.
    • If you're not logged into Gmail, you'll need to enter your email address and password when prompted.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-10.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the top-left corner of the screen. A pop-out menu will appear.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-11.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this option near the bottom of the pop-out menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-12.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tap the email address of the account for which you want to change the name.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-13.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the top of the menu.
    • On Android, tap My Account .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-14.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this option near the top of the page.
    • On Android, tap Personal info at the top of the screen.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-15.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the "Name" text box near the top of the page.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-16.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When prompted, type in the password for your email address, then tap NEXT .
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-17.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a pencil-shaped icon to the right of your name. Doing so prompts a pop-up menu to appear.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-18.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type your preferred name into the "First" and/or "Last" text boxes.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-19.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the pop-up window.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-20.jpg\/aid1231075-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-on-Gmail-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will confirm that you both want to change your name and are aware that you can only change your name twice more in the next 90 days.
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I change my email address in gmail?
    Community Answer
    You only can transfer your gmail account to another. It is not possible to change the email address directly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 49
  • Question
    How often can I change my name on Gmail?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to change it whenever you'd like.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 37
  • Question
    How do I change my gmail address on my phone?
    Community Answer
    You can't change the email address on your phone. You can only do so on a desktop at Gmail.com.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 15
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Although using both a first and a last name is required when setting up your Google Account, you don't necessarily have to use a last name when changing your name here.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • It may take a day or so for your name to begin displaying as the one you changed it to.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Make sure that your name is appropriate. Never use profanity or any other vulgar language.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • You cannot change your email address, and you cannot change your name more than three times per 90-day period. [1]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Approved Senders to Gmail
      How to
      Edit, Delete, and Sync Your Gmail Contacts
      How to
      Send an Email Using Gmail
      How to
      Use Gmail's Priority Inbox: Beginner's Guide
      How to
      Add an Animated GIF to a Gmail Email
      How to
      Change Your Font in Your Google Inbox Emails
      How to
      Change Your Email Address on Google
      How to
      Add a Signature to a Gmail Account
      How to
      Change Your Default Language on Gmail
      How to
      Color Code Labels in Gmail
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8158?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to Gmail.com.
      2. Click the gear.
      3. Click Settings .
      4. Click Accounts and Import .
      5. Click edit info .
      6. Enter your new name.
      7. Click ' Save Changes .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,040,439 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement