Did you accidentally enter your wrong mailbox name while setting up your email client? Or maybe you've changed your name and want to reflect this in your mailbox name? Regardless of the reason, we've outlined an easy-to-follow guide on how to change your mailbox name across various major email platforms.
Before diving into the specific steps, remember one universal truth: changing your mailbox name doesn't magically update your name across all your email communications. You'll still need to manually change your display name in the mail composer or settings.
Changing Mailbox Name on Gmail
Gmail users can easily change their mailbox name, often referred to as the 'Username'.
First, sign in to your Gmail account and click on your profile picture. Then, follow these steps:
Via Web Interface
1. Click on 'Manage your Google Account' (You might sometimes see 'My Account').
2. Under the 'Personal info & privacy' section, click on 'Name'.
3. Enter your new 'First name' and 'Last name', then click 'Done'.
Via Google Account on Android
1. Open the Google Account app.
2. Tap on 'Personal info'.
3. Tap on 'Name'.
4. Enter your new name, then tap 'Done'.
Changing Mailbox Name on Yahoo Mail
Yahoo users can change their mailbox name, also known as their username, easily. Here's how:
Via Web Interface
1. Click on the 'Settings' icon (gear-shaped icon) next to your Yahoo ID at the top of any Yahoo page.
2. Click on 'More settings' then scroll down and select 'Account'.
3. Under 'Account Information', click 'Edit' next to 'Account Nickname'.
4. Change your nickname/mailbox name and click 'Save'.
Via Yahoo Account on Mobile
Step-by-step instructions can vary by device. You'll generally need to open the Yahoo app, navigate to your account settings, find the mailbox name/username field, and follow the on-screen prompts to update it.
Changing Mailbox Name on Outlook (Hotmail) on a Computer
Outlook, previously Hotmail, has a similar process to update your mailbox name.
Via Web Interface
1. Click on the gear icon (Settings) at the top right of the Outlook homepage.
2. Click on 'View full settings', then select 'Name and account'.
3. Change your 'Real name' and 'Nickname' (your mailbox name), then click 'Save'.
Remember, these changes update your mailbox name across the Microsoft ecosystem, i.e., your Outlook, Xbox, and Skype profiles.
Changing Mailbox Name on Apple Mail (MacOS)
While Apple Mail doesn't have a direct option to change your mailbox name, you can change your email 'From' name in Mail's preferences.
Via Mail App on Mac
1. Open the Mail app and click on 'Preferences' (or press Command + ,).
2. Click on the 'Compose' button.
3. Change the ' default' entry under 'From' to your new name, then click 'OK', and finally 'Done'.
Now, your sent messages will display this new name. But remember, this doesn't change your mailbox name itself. Other users will still see your original email address.
In the end, remember that changing your mailbox name is only half the task. You'll also need to adjust your display name for outgoing messages to accurately reflect your new identity in your email communications.