What’s the Difference Between Gmail Name and Username

Before proceeding to the tutorial, you should understand the difference between your Gmail name and username. Your Gmail name acts as an identifier for you, the person sending the email, and appears next to the messages sent from your Gmail account. The recipient sees that name on the emails they receive from you. On the other hand, your Gmail username is actually your Gmail email address. Gmail usernames, aka email addresses, are unique, but that’s not the case with Gmail names. Changing the name in Gmail will only change the Gmail’s display or sender name and will not affect its username. For instance, if I change the Gmail name for m@gmail.com account, only the display name will change as shown below: m@gmail.com changes to m@gmail.com Now that you know the difference between Gmail names and Gmail usernames, let’s check out the methods to change your Gmail name.

1. Change Gmail Name From Web

This method allows you to change your Gmail name from a computer. Once you change the name on the Web, it will reflect in the Gmail mobile apps as well. Changing the Gmail name as shown below will not affect other Google services. Note: to revert to the Google account name, repeat the above steps and select the original name in step #5.

2. Change Gmail Name via Apple Mail App on iPhone

If you’re logged in with Gmail in the Apple Mail app on your iPhone or iPad, you have to change the Gmail name via the Mail app settings. Note: the name change applies only to emails sent via the Apple Mail app. Similarly, you have to check and change the name in other third-party email apps you use.

3. Change Gmail Name by Changing Google Account Name

If you want to change your name across all Google services like Gmail, Google Meet and Play Store, you have to change the name in your Google account profile. It’s possible to do so from PC, Android, or iPhone as shown below.

PC

Tip: to check your Google name, hover your mouse over the Google account picture in Gmail at the top right. Your name and email ID should pop up.

Android

If you have only one Google account added to your Android phone, go to “Settings -> Google -> Manage your Google account -> Personal info -> Name” to change the name.

iPhone

On an iPhone, you can change the Google account name via the Gmail app only. All screenshots by Mehvish Mushtaq