Highlights
- Google will delete all Gmail accounts that have been inactive for two years along with their data.
- The new policy will start rolling out from today, and the deletion process will begin on December 1, 2023.
- Users need to sign in to their Google Account at least once every two years to keep it active and prevent deletion.
- Google will send reminder emails to inactive account owners and their recovery emails before taking any action.
- Once a Google Account is deleted, the associated Gmail address cannot be used to create a new account.
- Exceptions to the deletion policy include accounts with YouTube channels, monetary balances on gift cards, or published applications on the Google Play store.
- Google provides tools like Google Takeout and Inactive Account Manager to manage data and account activity.
- Users should ensure their recovery email is up to date to receive important notifications from Google.
In a recent update, Google has announced its new policy regarding inactive accounts, stating that all Gmail accounts inactive for two years will be deleted, along with their data. The change is set to start rolling out today, and the deletion process will begin on December 1, 2023.
The new policy applies to all Google accounts that have not been signed into or used within a two-year period. If an account remains inactive, Google will remove it along with any content associated with it.
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However, users need not worry if they have been active in their Google Account within the past two years or have used it to sign in to any Google service. The changes will not impact such accounts.
Google assures users that they will receive several reminder emails if their accounts are considered inactive. These reminder emails, sent at least 8 months before any action is taken, will notify users about the potential deletion and provide ample time to prevent it by signing in.
To keep an account active, users simply need to sign in to their Google Account at least once every two years. Other activities that can maintain account activity include sending or reading emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, sharing photos, downloading apps, and using Google Search or Sign in with Google for third-party apps or services.
Certain exceptions to the policy apply, such as Google Accounts with YouTube channels, videos, or comments, accounts with gift cards with monetary balances, or accounts hosting applications on the Google Play store.
Google encourages users to keep their recovery email up to date and provides tools like Google Takeout and the Inactive Account Manager to manage and back up data.
Overall, Google’s aim is to make it easy for users to keep their accounts active and ensure they receive sufficient notice before any deletion occurs. The email notifications will serve as a reminder to maintain account activity and prevent unwanted deletion.
