Can you keep your e mail address if you move providers

In most cases, yes, you can keep your email address even if you move to a different email provider. Here's why:

  1. Domain ownership: When you sign up for an email account, you typically register for a domain name (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.). As long as you own the domain, you can usually keep the email address associated with it.
  2. Email forwarding: Many email providers offer email forwarding, which allows you to forward emails from your old account to your new account. This way, you can keep your old email address and still receive emails at your new account.
  3. Portability: Some email providers, like Google (Gmail), Microsoft (Outlook), and Yahoo, offer portable email addresses. This means you can take your email address with you if you switch providers, as long as you meet certain requirements (e.g., having a verified phone number or recovery email).

However, there are some exceptions and considerations:

  1. Custom domain: If you have a custom domain (e.g., @yourcompany.com), you may need to transfer the domain to your new provider or set up email forwarding to keep your email address.
  2. Email provider-specific features: Some email providers offer features that are tied to their specific services, such as Google's two-factor authentication or Microsoft's Outlook integration. These features might not be available if you switch providers.
  3. Email address availability: If you're switching to a new provider, your old email address might not be available if someone else has already registered it.

To keep your email address when switching providers, follow these steps:

  1. Check your email provider's policies: Review your current provider's terms of service and policies to see if they allow email address portability.
  2. Set up email forwarding: Configure email forwarding from your old account to your new account to ensure you receive emails at your new address.
  3. Verify your account: Make sure your account is verified and active on both your old and new providers.
  4. Update your contacts: Inform your contacts about your email address change to avoid any confusion.

Remember to carefully review your email provider's policies and procedures before making the switch to ensure a smooth transition.