Google to Delete Inactive Gmail Accounts, Starting with Personal Users
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – Google has begun a process of deleting inactive Gmail accounts, a move impacting millions of personal users. The company announced it initiated this “cleaning” in 2023, but previously exempted Google Workspace, school, and accounts linked to paid services. Now, personal accounts that have been unused for an extended period are facing deletion.
This action affects users who haven’t logged into their Gmail accounts or associated Google services for a important time. Google states the policy is designed to enhance user privacy by removing accounts susceptible to hacking due to weak or outdated passwords, and to streamline its systems by eliminating unused profiles often created to circumvent storage limits or access free trials. Accounts won’t be immediately deleted; Google will issue a series of email notifications over eight months before final removal, providing users ample opportunity to reclaim their accounts.
According to Google, the deletion process will not be sudden.Users will receive multiple email warnings over an eight-month period informing them of the impending account closure if no activity is detected. Once deleted, the account and all associated data will be unrecoverable.
To prevent account deletion, users simply need to actively use the account. Any activity – sending or reading an email, utilizing google Drive, sharing a photo, or any other interaction with a Google service – will signal to Google that the account is still active.
