Changing your email address is a big deal, whether it's for security reasons, new features, or a fresh start. Here's how to do it the right way and make the transition seamless.
This guide will walk you through updating contacts, informing friends, and redirecting key emails. From Gmail to Apple, Outlook to Yahoo Mail, we’ve got you covered — no lost messages or missed connections.
Let's dive in and make the switch smoothly.
Why change your email address?
There are many good reasons to change your email address.
Security concerns top the list. A new email address offers a clean slate, away from spam, attackers, and potential breaches.
Clutter is another reason some people switch. Your old email inbox might be filled with so many subscriptions you feel like you'll never keep up. (But at Superhuman we prefer a nifty inbox tidy up tool, Get me to Zero!)
Features also matter. Different providers offer unique tools that better suit your needs. Some email providers like Superhuman allow you to take your existing email address with you, but many services don't.
Lastly, some people simply want a new start with an address that reflects their up-to-date professional or personal image — think a married person taking a new name, or someone who wants to include “Dr.” in their address.
In short, changing your email address isn't just a new ID. It can be an update to your digital life, ensuring you're secure, efficient, and aligned with your current goals.
How to change your email address
Changing your email address involves a few critical steps across various platforms.
Each service has its unique process, be it Gmail, Apple, Microsoft Outlook, or Yahoo Mail.
Whether you aim to boost your security, streamline your inbox, or align your email with your current lifestyle, the right approach will ensure a smooth transition.
On Gmail
To create a new Gmail account:
- Go to Gmail: Visit the Gmail website and click "Create account."
- Fill out the form by entering your first and last name: Choose your new email address by typing your preferred username under "Username." Gmail will check if it's available.
- Select a password: Create and confirm a strong password for your new account. This is crucial for security.
- Verify your phone number: Google may ask for your phone number to verify your identity. Enter your number and receive a text message with a verification code. Enter this code when prompted.
- Personal details: Provide personal information, including a recovery email address (optional but recommended), birthdate, and gender. These help recover your account if you forget your password.
- Agree to the terms: Read and agree to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy by clicking "I agree."
Once completed, Google will direct you to your new Gmail inbox, which is ready to use.
Now that you have created a new Gmail account, update your contact information. Go to your Google Account settings. Under "Personal info," click on "Email." Here, you will add your new Gmail address as an alternate email.
Send an email from your new Gmail account to your contacts, informing them of your change. Consider setting up an automatic forward or out-of-office message on your old account to direct people to your new address.
Use Gmail's import tool to transfer emails and contacts from your old account to your new one. This will ensure that you don't lose any important information.
Don't forget to update your email address on all online accounts, subscriptions, and services you use.
Following these steps will help you transition smoothly to your new Gmail address, ensuring you stay connected and preserve your important emails.
On Apple
To create a new Apple ID (which includes an iCloud email address):
- Go to the Apple ID page: Visit the Apple ID account page and click "Create Your Apple ID."
- Fill out the form: Enter your full name and preferred iCloud email address. Apple will check if it's available.
- Select a password: Create and confirm a strong password for your new account. Remember, Apple requires a password with at least eight characters, including a number, uppercase, and lowercase letter.
- Security questions: Choose and answer your security questions. These are essential for recovering your account if you forget your password.
- Verify your phone number: Apple will ask for your phone number to verify your identity and enhance account security. You'll receive a verification code via text or call. Enter this code to proceed.
- Agree to the terms: Read and accept Apple's Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
After completing these steps, you'll have a new Apple ID and an associated iCloud email address.
Now that you have created a new Apple ID sign-in on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac:
- On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings, tap on your name, then "Sign in to your [device]," and enter your new Apple ID and password.
- On Mac: Go to System Preferences, click "Sign In," and enter your new Apple ID and password.
Inform your contacts about your new email address. Set up email forwarding from your old address to your new iCloud email to ensure you don't miss any important messages.
Lastly, update your email address for any online accounts, subscriptions, and services you use to continue receiving notifications and updates.
On Microsoft Outlook
To create a new Microsoft Outlook account:
- Go to Outlook: Visit the Outlook website and click "Create a free account."
- Fill out the form: Enter your preferred email address under "New email" and select your domain (@outlook.com). Outlook will check if it's available.
- Select a password: Create and confirm a strong password. Remember, a secure password is essential to protect your account.
- Enter your contact info details: Provide your first and last name, country/region, and birthdate.
- Security verification: Outlook will ask you to enter characters from a CAPTCHA image to prove you're not a robot.
- Agree to the terms: Read and agree to the Microsoft Services Agreement and privacy statement by clicking "Next."
Once completed, you'll be taken to your new Outlook inbox, where you will start using your new email address.
Now that you have a new Outlook account, it's time to update your contact information. Go to your account settings by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner, then "My Microsoft Account." Navigate to "Your info" and add your new Outlook email under "Account aliases."
Send an email from your new account to let your contacts know about your new primary email address. Consider automatically forwarding emails from your old account to redirect to your new Outlook address.
Use Outlook's import feature to transfer emails and contacts from your old account. This ensures you keep all crucial information.
Remember to update your email address with notifications on all online accounts, subscriptions, and services.
On Yahoo Mail
To create a new Yahoo Mail account:
- Go to Yahoo Mail: Visit the Yahoo Mail website and click "Sign up."
- Fill out the form: Provide your first and last name, and choose your new email address by typing your preferred username in the "Email address" field. Yahoo will check if it's available.
- Select a password: Create and confirm a strong password to ensure your account's security.
- Enter contact information: Input your phone number for verification purposes. Yahoo uses this to recover your account and verify your identity.
- Additional details: Complete the form by adding your birthdate and selecting your gender (optional).
- Agree to the terms: Click "Continue" to agree to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy.
After completing these steps, you'll need to verify your phone number. Yahoo will send you a verification code via text or call. Enter this code to activate your new Yahoo Mail account.
Now that you have a new Yahoo Mail account, you must update your contact information in all relevant places by emailing your contacts from your new Yahoo address. Let them know about the change.
Use Yahoo's import tools to transfer essential emails and contacts from your old account.
Finally, update your email address on all online accounts to ensure you receive important communications.
Bottom line
Changing your email address, whether on Gmail, Apple, Microsoft Outlook, or Yahoo Mail, streamlines your digital presence and enhances security.
It's one way to manage your online identity and communications more effectively.
Many people prefer to update their email experience and keep the same email address. This approach has the huge benefit of not needing to worry about letting every single organization, social media platform, friend group, and so on, know about the address change.
Superhuman is the fastest email experience ever made, and it works seamlessly with your existing Outlook and Gmail accounts. It's possible to keep your email address and update to a more focused, more secure, faster inbox.
Ready to see how? Try Superhuman today.
