Google is set to implement a new policy starting September 20, 2024, which will result in the deletion of inactive Gmail accounts. The tech giant, which manages one of the world’s largest email platforms with over 1.5 billion active users, introduced this rule to streamline account management and free up space on its servers.
According to the new policy, any personal Google account that has not been used for two consecutive years will be at risk of permanent deletion. This policy, however, does not affect accounts created through organizations, such as those for work or school.
To prevent losing access to their Gmail accounts and associated data, users are urged to take simple steps to keep their accounts active. Here’s how to prevent your Gmail account from being deleted:
- Send or Read an Email: Simply logging into your Gmail account and sending or reading an email will keep the account active.
- Share a Photo via Google Photos: Sharing a photo through Google Photos is another way to show activity and keep your account safe.
- Watch a YouTube Video: Watching a YouTube video while logged into your Gmail account also counts as activity under the new policy.
- Use Google Drive or Perform a Google Search: Logging into Google Drive or conducting a search while signed in will also maintain the account’s active status.
For users with multiple or secondary Gmail accounts, it’s important to log in and perform any of these activities to prevent permanent deletion, which could result in the loss of emails, photos, documents, and other important data.
Google’s new policy highlights the need for users to stay engaged with their Gmail and other associated Google services to avoid losing their accounts under the new rules. A basic login or activity is sufficient to maintain an account’s active status.