Introduction:
If your google account is inactive, google will going to be deleted your account including account contents such as photos, Gmail messages, Calendar appointments, Drive documents, Contacts records and YouTube Videos. An inactive Google account might include a Gmail address used for subscribing to newsletters, joining online forums, or signing up for shopping sites—either to stay anonymous or prevent spam in the primary account. Google said that, it will begin to delete the account from the Dec 1 which is the earliest days.
Why google is deleting the inactive account?
Google underscores that the likelihood of an account being compromised increases when left inactive for an extended period. This heightened risk is attributed to the reliance on outdated or reused passwords, the lack of two-factor authentication, and a decrease in security checks by users on neglected accounts. In response to this, Google retains the authority to delete an account and its contents if it remains unused or unaccessed for a minimum of two years. If no login activity has occurred since 2021, Google may proceed with the account’s removal. Importantly, for users concerned about potential misuse, Google provides assurance that once an inactive account is deleted, the associated Gmail address is unavailable for creating a new account.
How to keep your Google accounts.
Preserving your older Google accounts is a straightforward process—simply ensure that you log in at least once every two years. If uncertainty arises about meeting this requirement, it is advisable to verify it promptly. Diverse methods exist to keep your account active, including actions such as reading or sending emails, utilizing Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, performing searches on Google, or using Google to sign in to third-party apps or services. Any subscriptions linked to your Google account, such as Google One, a news publication, or an app, are also recognized as contributing to account activity. It’s essential to clarify that the risk of deletion pertains exclusively to personal Google accounts, with business or school accounts exempt from this process.
When will Google start deleting accounts?
Although December 1 is the earliest your account could be at risk of deletion, Google has your back. They’ll send you friendly reminder emails to both your main and recovery email addresses, giving you a heads-up at least eight months before they take any action. So, you’ll have plenty of time to take action and prevent any potential deletion of your account.
What if you forget your Google account username or password?
If you’re aware of having an old Google account but can’t recall the specifics, there’s still hope for recovery. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can use Google’s password recovery tool. This involves answering a set of questions to confirm ownership of the account. Alternatively, if you’ve forgotten your email address, the Google account recovery tool can assist. You’ll need either a phone number or the recovery email address linked to the account. If you encounter any challenges, Google offers guidance on how to navigate the recovery process.
