---

title: Change Primary Email Address in Google Workspace: Rename User Email Guide description: Change a user's primary email address in Google Workspace Admin Console. Step-by-step guide to update, rename, or transfer email addresses with data continuity and alias management. difficulty: intermediate estimatedReadTime: 6 lastUpdated: January 2025 featured: false faqItems:

• question: >- What steps should I take if the new primary email address is already in use? answer: >- If the new primary email address you wish to assign is already associated with another user, you must first remove or reassign that email address. Navigate to the existing user's account in the Google Admin Console, and either delete it as an alias or change it to a different email. After freeing up the email, proceed to update the primary email address for the original user. Be cautious, as any existing ownership or sharing permissions tied to the old email will need to be reassessed.
• question: How can I ensure data continuity during the email address change? answer: >- To maintain data continuity, inform the user before changing their primary email address. Advise them to update their email address in all connected services and devices post-change. Utilize the alias feature temporarily; this allows email continuity as both the old and new addresses will receive messages. Also, remind users to verify their email filters or forwarding rules, as these may need adjustment to ensure no disruptions occur in their communication flow.
• question: >- What should I do if a user encounters sign-in issues after the email change? answer: >- If a user experiences sign-in issues post-email change, first confirm they are using the new primary email address and their existing password. If Single Sign-On (SSO) is in use, ensure the identity provider reflects the new email. For users with saved credentials, instruct them to clear their cache or re-enter their credentials. Additionally, check Google Admin Console logs for any errors during the change. In some cases, re-enrollment in mobile device management may also be necessary. heroImage: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1605733160314-4fc7dac4bb17?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop"

---

Changing a user’s primary email address in Google Workspace may be necessary due to name changes, departmental shifts, or rebranding efforts. This guide will walk you through the process of updating a user’s primary email address in the Google Admin Console, ensuring minimal disruption to the user’s access and services.

Requirements:

• You must have admin access to the Google Admin Console.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Log into the Google Admin Console

• Navigate to https://admin.google.com.
• Sign in with your administrator credentials.

Step 2: Access the Users Section

• From the Admin Console home page, select Users to open the list of user accounts.

Step 3: Find the User Account

• Locate the user whose primary email address you want to change. You can use the search function at the top of the Users page to find the user quickly.

Step 4: Edit the User’s Account

• Click on the user’s name to open their account details.
• Near the user’s current primary email address, click on the pen icon or Edit to modify the email settings.

Step 5: Change the Primary Email Address

• In the edit email settings area, enter the new primary email address in the provided field. Ensure that the new email address conforms to your organization’s email naming policies and is not already in use.
• You may need to add the new address as an alias first if it hasn’t been created yet. After adding and verifying the alias, you can set it as the primary address.

Step 6: Confirm the Changes

• After entering the new email address, save the changes by clicking Save or Update at the bottom of the page.
• A confirmation dialog might appear, asking you to verify the changes. Confirm to proceed.

Step 7: Notify the User

• Inform the user about the change to their primary email address. Provide them with any new login credentials if necessary.
• Advise them to update their email address in any connected services or devices to ensure continuous access and functionality.

Step 8: Test the New Email Address

• Send a test email to the new primary email address to ensure it is functioning correctly.
• Check that the user can access Google Workspace services with the new email address.