What Is a Google Username?
A Google username is a unique identifier that Google uses to save your preferences and owned documents. Unlike real name identifiers used by Google Profiles, usernames are unique and permanent -- not only is your username permanent, but no two people can share the same username. You need a username to access all Google services.
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Google Usernames
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A username is a name you choose that will always be associated with your documents and settings. When paired with a password, it verifies your identity. Google usernames are linked to all Google products and services, including Google Documents and Google+. Google usernames are also used for Gmail, forming the email address -- "username@gmail.com" -- with which other people can contact you.
Alternative Uses for Google Usernames
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Some websites use Google usernames for registration purposes, despite not being a property or official affiliate of Google. These include blogs, forums and other Web properties that require identification. To use it, you choose "Sign in using Google" and then authorize the website to connect to your Google profile. Many different websites, including the Gawker network of Web properties and any blog using the Disqus comment system, support registration using Google accounts.
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Recovering Usernames and Passwords
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If you have lost your Google username, you can find it again by clicking the "Can't access your account?" message in the login box and then clicking "Forgot your username?" Input the recovery email address you used when signing up for a Google account, and your username is emailed to you. You can also recover your password if you have your username.
Usernames and Changing Identities
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Google stores your personal information and links it to your username with the help of Google Profiles. Though you cannot change your username, you can change your identified name by going to your Profile and typing in the name you want to use. You also cannot link two Google accounts together under your Profile, though you can set up email forwarding between two accounts by going into your email settings and adding the second email address as a forwarding address, effectively operating two Gmail accounts with the same username.
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