Google to Delete Inactive Accounts This Week

On Friday, Google will be deleting accounts if they have been inactive for two years or more.

Google will send multiple notices to the email associated with the account at risk of deletion and its recovery address.

Account holders who wish to safeguard their content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and other services should log in to their accounts by the end of the week.

To prevent Google from deleting your account in the future, users should sign in at least once every two years to maintain its active status.

Accounts made for organizations, like schools or companies, will not be affected.

In May, Google decided to update its inactive account policy due to security concerns. The company emphasized that inactive accounts are more susceptible to compromise due to outdated passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, and fewer security checks.

Neglected accounts pose a higher risk of being hijacked for spam, malicious content, and identity theft.

Additionally, the company said that engaging in various activities such as sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search, watching YouTube videos (which is owned by Google), and maintaining existing subscriptions through your Google account, including third-party apps and publications, all contribute to fulfilling account activity requirements.

As for Google Photos, account holders should sign in regularly. If inactive for two years, photos may be deleted, so open the app periodically to avoid losing images.

Exceptions to Google’s account deletion policy include accounts managing active minor accounts, those with a gift card balance, and those used for ongoing purchases of Google products, apps, or subscriptions.

Additionally, accounts with YouTube videos are not being deleted at this time.