Google recently announced that they will be deleting inactive Gmail accounts that have been dormant for two years or more by the end of 2023. This means that if you have a Gmail email address that is rarely or never used, you risk losing all the data and content associated with that account, including emails, files, calendars, and photos.
Additionally, you will also lose access to other Google services that require login with that account, such as Drive, Calendar, or Play. You will also lose access to subscriptions and content purchased with that account on YouTube or Google Play, such as apps, movies, games, music, and TV shows¹.
Why is Google Deleting Gmail Accounts?
Google states that this policy is aimed at freeing up storage space and improving user experience. By deleting inactive Gmail accounts, Google can optimize the performance and security of their services. Moreover, Google wants to prevent the misuse of accounts by irresponsible individuals, such as hackers or spammers.
How to Prevent Your Gmail Account from Being Deleted?
If you don't want to lose your Gmail email address and all the associated data, there are several steps you can take to prevent your account from being deleted by Google. Here are some ways you can try:
- Regularly log in to your Gmail account.
This is the easiest way to show Google that your account is still active and important to you. You can log in to your Gmail account through a web browser or the Gmail app on your device. Also, ensure that your email address is still valid and can receive emails from Google.
- Download your data and content from your Gmail account.
If you have important data and content in your Gmail account that you don't want to lose, you can download it using the Google Takeout feature. This feature allows you to select which data and content you want to save from various Google services. You can download the data and content in ZIP or TAR format and store it on your computer or other storage media.
- Add a new email address for services connected to your Gmail account.
If you use your Gmail email address for online banking, social media, or other applications, it's advisable to add a new email address for those services. This way, you won't lose access to important information if your Gmail account is deleted by Google.
To add a new email address, you usually need to go to the settings or profile of the respective service and change the primary or alternate email address.
- Update your Gmail account recovery information.
Account recovery information is additional data that can help you regain access to your Gmail account if you forget your password or encounter other issues.
Account recovery information can include a phone number, alternate email address, or security questions. By updating your recovery information, you can improve the chances of recovering your Gmail account if it is deleted by Google.
What to Do If Your Gmail Account Has Been Deleted?
If your Gmail account has already been deleted by Google due to inactivity for two years or more, there is a possibility that you can still recover it. However, this depends on various factors such as the deletion timeframe, previous account activity, and storage availability.
Here's how you can try to recover a deleted Gmail account:
1. Visit the Google account recovery page at https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
2. Enter the Gmail email address you want to recover and click Next.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and request account recovery.
4. If successful, create a new password for your Gmail account and click Change password.
5. If unsuccessful, click Try another way or Contact us for further assistance.
Conclusion
Google will be deleting inactive Gmail accounts that have been dormant for two years or more by the end of 2023. This means that if you have a Gmail email address that is rarely or never used, you risk losing all the data and content in that account, as well as access to other Google services.
To prevent this from happening, there are several steps you can take, such as logging in to your account regularly, downloading important data and content, adding a new email address for connected services, and updating your account recovery information.
If your Gmail account has already been deleted by Google, there is a possibility that you can recover it using the Google account recovery feature.
We hope this article has been helpful to those of you who want to secure your Gmail email address from Google's new policy. By following these steps, you can ensure the safety and continuity of your Gmail account and its associated data.
Remember to stay active and engaged with your Gmail account to avoid any future risks of deletion. Take proactive measures to safeguard your valuable information and enjoy a seamless experience with Google's services.
Please note that this article provides general information and recommendations. It's always a good idea to refer to Google's official documentation and support channels for the most up-to-date and accurate guidance regarding your specific situation.
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