Google to delete inactive Gmail accounts starting September 20: Here’s how to protect yours

If you’re someone who has multiple Gmail accounts, or maybe you haven’t checked an old email address in a while, this update from Google is worth paying attention to. Starting from September 20, 2024, Google will begin deleting inactive Gmail accounts. This means if you haven’t logged into your account or used any of Google’s services linked to it in the past two years, your account could be permanently deleted, along with all the emails, photos, and other important files stored there.

Gmail, with over 1.5 billion active users worldwide, is one of the most widely used email services. But as part of Google’s ongoing efforts to better manage its vast user base and free up server space, the company has introduced a new policy that applies to personal accounts. It’s important to note that this change won’t affect accounts created through work, school, or other professional organisations.

So, what qualifies as an inactive account? According to Google, any personal account that hasn’t been used for two years falls under this category. If you haven’t logged into Gmail or used any of the associated Google services, your account could be erased.

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But don’t worry, keeping your account active is pretty simple! There are a few easy ways to ensure that your account stays safe:

• Send or read an email: The quickest and easiest way to keep your account active is to log into your Gmail and send or read an email. It only takes a few seconds and qualifies as an activity.
• Share a photo: Sharing a photo using Google Photos from your account is another way to show you’re still active.
• Watch a YouTube video: Since Google owns YouTube, watching a video while logged into your Gmail account will count as activity, ensuring your account stays safe from deletion.
• Use Google Drive or Google Search: Performing a Google search or accessing Google Drive while signed into your Gmail account also shows engagement, which helps keep your account protected.

For those with multiple Gmail accounts—such as a secondary or backup account—it’s especially important to log in regularly. Failing to do so could lead to the loss of valuable data, like old emails, important documents, or personal photos.

Google’s new inactive account policy is meant to streamline account management, but it’s also a reminder to stay engaged with your Gmail and other Google services. Just a simple login or basic activity can keep your account from being deleted under these new rules. So, if you haven’t used your Gmail in a while, now’s the perfect time to give it some attention and save your account from disappearing forever.

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