With over 1.8 billion users worldwide, Gmail has become an integral part of our digital lives, serving as a platform for personal communication, professional correspondence, and storing important files and memories. So, when news broke that Google was deleting Gmail accounts under its new inactive account policy, it caused quite a stir. However, this policy doesn’t affect every user, only those with inactive Gmail accounts. If you want to avoid losing your Gmail, Google Photos, and Docs content, you can take a few simple steps to ensure your account stays safe.
Why Is Google Deleting Gmail Accounts?
Starting in December 2023, Google implemented an inactive Gmail accounts policy, which states that any unused Google account could be permanently deleted for more than 24 months. This includes not just Gmail but also Google Photos, Google Drive, and other services associated with the account.
The news about Google deleting Gmail accounts may have shocked many, but this decision was made to enhance security and optimise the company’s data storage. According to Ruth Kricheli, Google’s Vice President of Product Management, inactive accounts are significantly more prone to hacking. “Accounts that haven’t been used for extended periods are more likely to be compromised, especially if they lack security features like two-factor authentication,” she explained.
Google’s internal research shows that inactive Gmail accounts are ten times less likely to have 2-step verification enabled, making them easier targets for cybercriminals. This makes sense when considering that older accounts often have weaker passwords, many of which are shared across different platforms.
Beyond security, Google deleting Gmail accounts also helps reduce the company’s data storage burden. Google’s data centers store vast amounts of user data, and inactive accounts contribute significantly to this load. By clearing out dormant accounts, Google can reduce storage costs while making space for new users and more actively used accounts.
What Accounts Are Affected?
The good news is that not all accounts are at risk. Only accounts that have been inactive for more than two years will be deleted under the new policy. If you regularly use Gmail or other Google services, your account is safe. However, if you have inactive Gmail accounts, especially older ones you may have forgotten about, it’s important to take action before they are flagged for deletion.
Google defines an inactive account as one where the user has not signed in or performed any activity across Google services for 24 months. This includes using Gmail, uploading or viewing photos in Google Photos, or accessing files in Google Drive.
There are exceptions to this policy. Accounts linked to business or educational institutions, accounts that have made purchases or are tied to ongoing subscriptions, and those that manage minor accounts through Family Link are all protected. Additionally, Google will notify users before deleting any account, giving ample time to take the necessary steps to prevent loss of data.
Three Steps to Keep Your Gmail Safe
If you’re concerned about the Google deleting Gmail accounts policy, there are three simple steps you can take to ensure your account remains active and safe from deletion:
- Log in to Your Google Account: Simply logging into your Gmail or any other Google service counts as activity. This is the easiest way to keep your account safe. Google only considers accounts inactive if they haven’t been accessed for two years, so logging in periodically is all you need to do.
- Use Any Google Service: Activity is not limited to Gmail—using Google Photos, Google Drive, or even watching a YouTube video while signed into your account also counts as activity. If you rarely send emails but frequently use Google for other services, your account will remain active and protected from deletion.
- Complete a Google Account Security Check-Up: Google provides a helpful tool called the Google Account Security Check-Up, which allows you to review your account’s security settings, change your password, and enable two-factor authentication. Taking the time to run a security check-up ensures your account is secure and up-to-date, which also helps prevent it from being flagged as inactive.
What If You Forget Your Password?
One concern users have expressed about Google deleting Gmail accounts is what happens if they’ve forgotten the password to an older, inactive account. Fortunately, Google has a robust account recovery system. If you can’t remember your login credentials, you can start by entering the recovery email or phone number associated with the account. Google will send a verification code to help you reset your password and regain access.
It’s important to set up these recovery options when creating a new account. By doing so, you ensure you can recover your account even if it hasn’t been used for an extended period.
Security Implications of Deleting Inactive Gmail Accounts
The Google deleting Gmail accounts news has stirred debate, particularly regarding the security implications of leaving inactive accounts unattended. Inactive accounts with outdated security settings, weak passwords, or no two-factor authentication are more likely to be hacked. Cybercriminals target these dormant accounts to access sensitive information, launch phishing campaigns, or commit identity theft.
In 2022, it was estimated that there were over 5.5 million phishing attacks globally, many of which targeted older or forgotten email accounts. Google’s decision to delete inactive Gmail accounts is a proactive step to prevent these attacks from happening. By removing unused accounts, the company reduces the risk of these accounts being compromised, ultimately making Gmail a more secure platform for all users.
Managing Multiple Gmail Accounts
Keeping track of activity is challenging for users who manage multiple Gmail accounts, particularly those used for backups or file storage. Fortunately, Google allows you to manage several accounts on one device. Simply add your secondary accounts to your main Gmail app, and switch between them easily. By doing so, all your accounts remain active, ensuring they aren’t subject to the deletion policy for inactive Gmail accounts.
Here’s how you can do it:
– Click on your avatar in the top-right corner of any Google service.
– Select “Add Account” and follow the prompts to log in to your additional Gmail accounts.
– Once added, you can switch between accounts by clicking on your avatar and selecting the account you wish to use.
This feature makes it easier to keep track of multiple accounts and ensures none are flagged as inactive.
Conclusion
The news of Google deleting Gmail accounts has caused concern, but for the majority of users, the risk is minimal. The policy is primarily aimed at inactive Gmail accounts and those that pose a security risk due to outdated passwords or lack of activity. By following the simple steps outlined—logging in, using any Google service, and completing a security check-up—you can ensure your account stays active and protected.
