Google to Delete Inactive Accounts – Here is How to Save Yours!

Google has recently been announcing a lot of new things, such as Google Passkeys, Nearby Share for PC, and more. Now in its recent announcement, Google has revealed the plan to delete inactive accounts, starting from December 2023. This policy change is mainly going to be implemented for user safety and protection against potential security risks.

With the deletion of the Google account, all the associated services with that account will also be deleted. So if you have connected multiple services with your old or inactive Google account, you must take proper measures to keep your account active. Don’t skip our comprehensive guide on how to save your inactive Google account from deletion if you want to retain access to your Google account.

Why Google is Implementing this Policy?

Google’s decision to delete inactive accounts comes as part of user safety. Inactive accounts are usually exposed to a higher risk of compromising due to several factors like lack of 2FA, outdated passwords, and fewer security measures. After research, Google revealed that inactive accounts are less likely to have two-factor authentication and probably have a weak password. It makes them attractive targets for hackers to perform malicious activities. To avoid such scenarios, Google decided to permanently delete the accounts which are not active for consecutively two years.
Although it is important to note that this policy only applies to free Gmail addresses. However dormant school or workplace Gmail accounts will remain secure.

How to Save Your Inactive Google Account from Deletion?

To prevent your old or inactive Gmail account from being deleted, you must keep it active. Google has outlined its guidelines on how you can maintain the account activity. These guidelines are simple but effective. The most basic thing you can do is to sign in to your account at least once every two years. This simple action can keep your account activated and prevent it from getting deleted by Google.

Other than signing in regularly, it is suggested to follow a few more things that can be helpful to avoid the deletion. These include engaging with the activities within the google workspace. A few examples are:

1. Reading or sending a Gmail

2. Using Google Drive (Downloading or uploading anything)

3. Watching something on YouTube

4. Downloading apps from Google Play Store

5. Searching anything on Google

Ensure the Communication

Google always communicates with users and maintains transparency regarding their policy changes. This time too, they will provide you a sufficient warning before they actually delete your inactive account. Like maybe an email can be sent to your recovery Gmail as a warning before they proceed with the procedure of deletion. So, it is crucial to pay attention to any notifications or communications from Google regarding this matter.

Conclusion

As of December 2023, Google will start deleting inactive free Gmail accounts which are inactive for two years consecutively. This policy change aims to ensure user safety and protection against potential security risks which are associated with inactive accounts. To prevent your inactive account from being deleted, you can do a couple of things like signing in at least once every two years, sending or reading a Gmail, watching a video on YouTube, etc. Moreover, stay vigilant for any communication regarding this policy from Google, maybe a notification or an email. This will ensure that you get enough time to retain access to your Gmail account and the Google services linked to it.