Google Is Deleting Gmail Accounts, Save Yours Before September 20: Here Is How

Google Is Deleting Gmail Accounts, Save Yours Before September 20: Here Is How

Gmail, one of the most widely used email platforms with over 1.5 billion active users globally, is introducing this rule as part of its efforts to manage inactive accounts and free up space on its servers.

Authored by:Moinak Pal

Updated Sep 12, 2024, 09:52 IST

Google is implementing a new policy that will lead to the deletion of inactive Gmail accounts starting September 20, 2024. Gmail, one of the most widely used email platforms with over 1.5 billion active users globally, is introducing this rule as part of its efforts to manage inactive accounts and free up space on its servers.

The inactive account policy applies to any personal Google account that has not been used in two years. According to Google, if a user has not logged into their Gmail account or performed any actions on their associated Google services for this period, the account may be permanently deleted. It is important to note that this policy does not affect accounts created through organizations, such as those for work, school, or other professional institutions.

To avoid losing your account and all associated data, Google has outlined several simple actions users can take to maintain their account’s active status. Here’s how to keep your Gmail account from being deleted:

Send or Read an Email: The easiest way to maintain activity on your Gmail account is by simply logging in and sending or reading an email. This counts as an active engagement with the service.

Share a Photo: Using Google Photos, you can share a photo to activate your account. This interaction is another way to confirm that your account remains active.

Watch a YouTube Video: Google owns YouTube, so watching a video while logged into your Gmail account qualifies as activity. This step ensures your account remains on Google’s radar as being used.

Use Google Drive or Google Search: Accessing Google Drive or performing a search while logged into your account also counts as sufficient engagement to keep your account safe from deletion.

For users who have multiple or secondary Gmail accounts, it's crucial to ensure all accounts are active. The consequences of failing to do so could be the permanent loss of emails, photos, documents, and other important data tied to the account.

While the policy is meant to streamline account management, it serves as a reminder for users to stay engaged with their Gmail and Google services. A simple login or basic activity is enough to keep your account from being deleted under the new rules.