This wikiHow teaches you how to change the name that appears when sending email via Gmail. You can make name changes in both the desktop version of Gmail and the mobile app. However, Google only allows you to change your name up to three times in 90 days. Also, you can't change your email address.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Via Desktop Site
Step 1. Open Gmail
Visit https://www.gmail.com/ via your computer's web browser. The Gmail inbox page will appear if you're already signed in to your account.
If not, enter your email address and password when prompted
Step 2. Click the gear icon
It's in the upper-right corner of your Gmail inbox. After that, a drop-down menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Click Settings
This option is in the drop-down menu. Once clicked, the settings page (“Settings”) will be opened.
Step 4. Click Accounts and Import
This tab is at the top of the page.
Step 5. Click edit info
This option is opposite the "Send mail as" section of the settings page. Once clicked, a pop-up menu will appear.
Step 6. Check the box next to the blank text field
This column is the second column from the top.
Step 7. Type in the desired name
In the empty text field, type the name you want to use.
Step 8. Click Save Changes
It's at the bottom of the window. After that, the name change will be saved and the window will close.
Method 2 of 2: Via Mobile App
Step 1. Open Gmail
Tap the Gmail app icon, which looks like a red "M" on a white background.
If you're not logged into your account, type in your email address and password when prompted
Step 2. Touch
It's in the top-left corner of the screen. Once touched, a pop-out menu will appear.
Step 3. Swipe the screen and touch Settings
It's at the bottom of the pop-out menu.
Step 4. Select an account
Touch the email address for the account with the name you want to change.
Step 5. Touch Manage your Google Account
It's at the top of the menu.
On the Android device, touch “ My Account ”.
Step 6. Touch Personal info & privacy
It's at the top of the page.
On the Android device, touch “ Personal info ” at the top of the screen.
Step 7. Touch the currently used name
The name is displayed in the " Name " text field at the top of the page.
Step 8. Enter the Google account password
When prompted, type in the password for the email address, then tap the “ NEXT ”.
Step 9. Touch "Edit" icon
It's a pencil icon to the right of the name. After that, a pop-up menu will be displayed.
Step 10. Enter a new name
Type the desired name into the " First " and/or " Last " fields.
Step 11. Tap DONE
It's at the bottom of the pop-up window.
Step 12. Touch CONFIRM when prompted
This option ensures that you do want to change your name and understand that you can only change the name again twice in the next 90 days.
Tips
- While using a first and last name is required when creating a Google account, you don't need to add a last name when renaming a Gmail account.
- The new name selected to replace the old name may take about a day to appear.
